Easiest Way To Break Into A Filing Cabinet

You ll feel the filing tool slide into place.

Easiest way to break into a filing cabinet.

Many filing cabinets use simple wafer locks though which can often be picked by using a paperclip or even rocking a different key up and down while attempting to turn it. As far as security goes the file cabinet locks that most manufacturers place on their cabinets are hardware props and nothing more. Fortunately filing cabinet locks are typically low quality and can be bypassed with some simple tools and a finesse. You may be able to talk the equipment dealer into selling you a single key or letting you borrow his to open your cabinet or take to a locksmith to get a new key made.

Move the file clockwise and then counter clockwise so you can find the correct way to unlock the cabinet. Turn the file back and forth to determine which way to unlock it. When you find the correct position the nail file easily slides that way. To do this call a friend and tilt the front of the cabinet upward while you probe with your hand at the bottom of the filing cabinet you re looking for a hole it s usually on the right.

The different methods of gaining access to a locked file cabinet each present benefits in certain situations. Look for a filing cabinet with the same number on the lock cylinder. I was able to order keys from the internet using the manufacturer and the code on the face of the lock and had them in a few days for less than 10. Depending on your filing cabinet you may be able to tilt it up and manually push up the rod that controls the cabinet s locking mechanism.

Paperclips may be used to open a locked file cabinet. This may take a bit of experimentation. Another option is to pick the lock using a pair of paper clips. The key for that cabinet will open yours.