Whether you like to keep important documents stored a certain way at home or work in an office, you’ve probably encountered a file cabinet at some point in your life. If you are someone who uses a file cabinet, you know how important it is to keep track of the key so you can lock and unlock it as needed. However, there might be situations where you’ll wish you knew how to pick a file cabinet lock. This could be due to losing or breaking the key to the file cabinet. If you’re dealing with this specific situation or are concerned about it happening in the future, keep reading to learn how to pick a file cabinet lock.
How To Pick A File Cabinet Lock: 4 Methods
Aside from the general ability to access items in your file cabinet, it’s also good to know how to pick a file cabinet lock to ensure that any important documents are still safe and secure. It’s also a good idea to keep those documents safe while you wait to receive a replacement key for your file cabinet. As for how to pick a file cabinet lock without a key, explore the following four methods.
1. Paperclip
One of the most popular methods for how to pick a file cabinet lock (or any lock for that matter) without a key is to use a paperclip. You’ll need to unfold one end of the paper clip so it’s bent at a 180-degree angle. Then you’ll insert that end of the paperclip into the keyhole of the file cabinet and start twisting it until the cabinet begins to budge open. If this method doesn’t work for you, try the next one.
2. Knife
If you plan to use a knife to pick a file cabinet lock, ensure it can fit into the lock and easily slide into it. If you have a knife like this, you’ll insert it directly into the keyhole and turn it left and right while slowly and constantly moving it to see if it opens. If you are unable to find a knife suited for this task or are concerned about accidentally damaging your file cabinet, try either of the next two methods.
3. Credit Card
While this method is typically used for picking open residential or car doors, the credit card method is also worth testing out on a file cabinet. All you need to do is slide the card so that it’s positioned by the lock. At this point, start wiggling the card to see if it helps pry open the file cabinet.
4. Lock Pick Set
Finally, if you have access to one, take advantage of the tools in your lockpick set. There should be a pick to help you open the file cabinet easily. You can learn how to use this device properly, or maybe you have lockpicking experience and already know what to do. If you don’t already have access to a lock pick set and have already tried the above methods of how to pick a file cabinet lock, it might be time to call a locksmith.
Our Locksmiths Know How To Pick A File Cabinet Lock (And Many Other Locks Too)!
Hopefully, you feel more comfortable knowing these four methods of how to pick a file cabinet lock. Of course, you might feel more at ease letting a professional take care of this problem. With the help of a locksmith, you can get your file cabinet open and obtain a new copy of the key. If you live in Houston, you just need to contact us at ASAP Locksmith to securely keep your valuables in a file cabinet or a safe.