File cabinets are typically used in office settings. They are used for storage of important and/or confidential files and documents. Aside from files and documents, filing cabinets are also generally used to store office supplies such as bond paper, pens, pencils, envelopes, folders, masking tape, staplers, staple wires, fasteners, and bunch of other stuff. As for personal use, filing cabinets usually hold expensive items, treasured collections, items that carry sentimental value, and of course important documents as well.
Filing cabinets usually come kitted out with a lock to prevent unauthorized people from accessing the items stored inside. But if you somehow lost the key to your filing cabinet, chaos can ensue, particularly in an office setting where important documents and supplies are always needed. In such cases, it is important to keep a clear head and be armed with a bit of handy know-how. Learn how to drill out the cabinet’s lock using the right tools. Here’s how to do it:
First gather all your tools. You will need a steel drill bit set, a drill, a bit of machine oil, and a flat-head screw driver. All of these items can be purchased at your local hardware store. You can also order them online via a trusted hardware and construction supply site.
Start by putting in the right sized steel drill bit into the chuck of your electrical drill. Choose a steel drill bit that could enter the longest part of the keyhole to ensure that it will break the lock tumblers apart. Make sure the drill bit is securely attached to the electric drill by using the chuck key to tighten it.
Pour a few drops of machine oil and smear it onto the drill bit to lessen the heat that is caused by the friction created by drilling the metal lock construction.
Start drilling the filing cabinet’s lock at a medium speed. Make sure you a have a firm grip on the electric drill and apply a steady pressure to it. Once you have fully bored into the metal lock construction, set your electric drill to reverse and pull it out carefully from the filing cabinet lock.
Next, get your flat-head screw driver and insert it into the slot of the metal lock construction. Turn the screwdriver clockwise. If you are successful in breaking the file cabinet lock apart, the release lever should trip and give out. If not, repeat the procedure from start to finish, progressing to the next biggest drill bit size if necessary. Once you are able to destroy the cabinet’s lock internally and cause the release lever to yield, you will finally have access to your files and/or office supplies.
All you need to do now is replace the filing cabinet’s lock. Change the lock as soon as possible to protect its contents. Filing cabinet locks are easy enough to find. You can purchase them at most hardware stores. When buying a new lock, bring the old, broken lock so you can compare sizes.
