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How to open a file cabinet with no key?

We locked a file cabinet at work by mistake and don't have a key for it. Aside from calling a locksmith, any ideas of how to open it? Jiggling a paper clip in it doesn't work. Thanks!

9 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    If there is no key at all for it, you'll have to drill it out. Drill the center all the way to the back of the lock. You might still have to "strong hand" the lock a little to open it but you will then be able to use a screwdriver to unlock it. You'll be able to buy a new lock if you wish from a locksmith.

  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    You can download a free version of winrar here: http://bit.ly/1sMdIqr

    Winrar is a very good program to unzip files and to decompress a bunch of other formats. You can use also 7zip or winzip for the same purpose but I believe that winrar is the best option. All these programs are very similar (you can compress/decompress files with a simple right click).

    The great things is that winrar is free (you can download the trial version that never expires) and it can open all compressed formats: .zip, .rar, .7z / 7zip, .iso, .tar, .jar etc. (much more than the other programs).

    That's why I strongly recommend Winrar

  • wizjp
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Without breaking the lock? Try turning the cabinet upside down and see if the locking arm falls out of position; had it work on a cheap lock.

  • 5 years ago

    The two previous posters hit it right on. I have drilled out more than one locked cabinet. It will get it open, but the lock will be forever useless.

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  • 1 decade ago

    A crowbar and a sledge hammer should do the trick.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Try a wire coat hanger or anything that is sharp/pointy

  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    The best program to decompress files is Winrar, you can unzip all kind of files!(.zip, .rar, .7z, .iso, .tar, .jar, .cab, .gz, .ace, .uue, .bz2, etc...)

    I use Winrar. Got it here: http://j.mp/1p3PBg3

    Bye Bye

  • 1 decade ago

    just take the lock out... use a hammer and screw driver

  • 1 decade ago

    I have a set of picks that I'm pretty good with.

    I'll do it for you.

    Source(s): A skill no-one should be without!
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