It is easy to get frantic when looking for files located inside a keyless filing cabinet. But, fret not as you can bring out the documents with simple items.
Want to know the easiest method on how to pick a filing cabinet lock? With the file of a nail clipper, you can open a locked filing cabinet without the key. By properly aligning the pins, you can open your file cabinet and take the documents you are looking for.
Table of Contents
- What You Need
- What to Do
- Step 1: Insert the file of the nail clipper on the bottom part of the keyway with the tip facing downward
- Step 2: Adjust the file of the nail clipper in a proper position
- Step 3: Push the lock pins by moving the file of the nail clipper upward and downward
- Step 4: Turn the file of the nail clipper clockwise and remove it from the lock
- How Will I Pick a Filing Cabinet Lock Using a Paper Clip?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What You Need
If you desire to pick a file cabinet lock, you have to gather the necessary item first. You can easily find it in your workplace.
Nail Clipper File or a Paper Clip
A file of the nail clipper has either a curved tip or a flat tip. For this tutorial, you have to prepare a nail clipper file with a curved tip since flat-tipped is not helpful to unlock a file cabinet. Also, ensure that the file of the nail clipper is small enough so that it would fit inside the keyway.
If a nail clipper file is unavailable, you can pick a filing cabinet lock with a paperclip. FCYou also have to make a tension wrench. The paper clips must be large and made of metal. Aside from paper clips, you can also use a sturdy bobby pin as a pick tool.
What to Do
Step 1: Insert the file of the nail clipper on the bottom part of the keyway with the tip facing downward
Once you have found a nail clipper with a file of the nail clipper on it, slide the file of the nail clipper either in a clockwise or counterclockwise position. To have a stable grip, hold where the file and clippers meet. Straighten it before you insert it inside the keyway.
Insert the nail clipper file on the bottom part of the keyway with the tip facing downward. You don’t have to force it since most of the nail clipper files fit into the keyways of cabinet locks.
Step 2: Adjust the file of the nail clipper in a proper position
Before you can proceed with picking file cabinet lock, you have to ensure that the file of the nail clipper won’t catch anything. To do this, adjust the file of the nail clipper in a proper position by turning it left and right. This may take time, however, keep doing this until you feel that the file of the nail clipper turns easily in the left or right direction.
Step 3: Push the lock pins by moving the file of the nail clipper upward and downward
Now that you can move the nail clipper file easily, start pushing the lock pins by moving the file of the nail clipper upward and downward. Typically, regular locks have five pins, but others have more. Keep pushing the pins until they are in the proper alignment. Wait for a clicking sound. This can take you about five minutes.
Step 4: Turn the file of the nail clipper clockwise and remove it from the lock
After you hear the clicking sound, turn the file of the nail clipper clockwise to unlock the file completely. However, some locks require a counterclockwise motion. Once you are done, remove the file of the nail clipper slowly. If you desire to lock the file cabinet, turn it in the opposite direction.
How Will I Pick a Filing Cabinet Lock Using a Paper Clip?
- You have to prepare two paper clips- one as a pick tool and a tension wrench.
- After creating your picking tools, place the tension wrench at the bottom part of the keyway while the pick tool is on the upper part.
- Align the pins using the pick tool and turn the tension wrench like a key once the pins are in the unlock position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from the nail clipper file, what are the other items that I can use to unlock a file cabinet lock?
There are other items that you can use to unlock a cabinet lock. You can also use paper clips, a knife, a screwdriver, and bobby pins to unlock a filing cabinet. However, if you have no time to make your pick tools, you can also purchase a lockpicking set. It includes picking tools for beginners, so it is easier to use.
Is picking using a file of the nail clipper works for all kinds of filing cabinet locks?
No. There are filing cabinet locks that have push-in. These kinds of locks are smaller, so a file of the nail clipper would not fit. It is recommended to use thinner pick tools such as paper clips and bobby pins for these locks. For more complicated cabinet locks, you can use a lockpicking set.
Can I Have a Replacement Key for My File Cabinet Lock?
Yes, you can have a replacement key for your file cabinet. Look for a professional locksmith that could help you out. If your key is broken, just bring it to him to look for the codes. If it is lost, a professional locksmith can still provide you with a replacement key.
Can I pick a magnetic cabinet lock?
Although cabinets that have magnetic locks are easy to use, they have complicated locking mechanisms. Sadly, picking does not usually work for this kind of lock. It is advisable to call for professional help if you need to unlock it without a key. You can also contact the manufacturer so that they can provide you with a new key.
Will picking my cabinet lock damage it?
Unfortunately, yes. Picking your cabinet lock may cause scratches. Aside from that, it could be damaged if you forcefully and carelessly align the pins. If you damage your cabinet lock, you must purchase a new one to keep your important documents secure.
Conclusion
Did you find our tutorial on how to pick a filing cabinet lock useful? You don’t have to spend your money to call for professional help or to explain to your boss how you lost the key to the file cabinet. By following the instructions above, you can open locked filing cabinet. If you understood the guides above well, you can learn more tips to open and remove them, such as how to remove a file cabinet lock without a key, open a file cabinet and how to lock a file cabinet with no lock.
If you know some friends facing the same problem, why don’t you share this post with them? Surely, this would help them a lot! We would also love to hear your story on how you successfully opened your filing cabinet lock. Just leave a comment below.
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