Drilling Out A Lock On A File Cabinet

Take a drill make sure to use a drill bit that can drill through metal and align the drill in a straight line with the lock.

Drilling out a lock on a file cabinet.

As such if you are going to attempt drilling one you need a much smaller bit. You should typically begin the procedure with a drill bit that is slightly wider than the keyhole and attempt to drill through the pins. Most of these locks are gravity based so sometimes turning the cabinet upside down will allow you to open the drawer. If not you can drive a regular drill bit straight through the cylinder of the lock the part where the key goes.

The lock cylinder will need to be replaced afterwards but you will typically avoid damaging the cabinet itself. If the drill bit starts to smoke spray it with a little water from a water. Drilling the lock. Another method of gaining access to a locked file cabinet is drilling out the lock.

File cabinets generally have two types of locks pin tumber and waffer. This step must only be. How to drill out a file cabinet lock step 1. Apply a small amount of machine oil to the drill bit to reduce heat caused by friction generated by drilling the.

The keyways on file cabinet pin tumbler locks are very small. Start in the middle of the keyhole and drill until you hit the back of the lock. Start drilling and continue to drill until you re all the way through. I needed three to get this one open.

Insert an appropriately sized steel drill bit into the chuck of an electric drill and tighten securely with a. It is not possible to drill a waffer lock as they have no shear line. Drill a hole straight through the lock. Place a 1 8 inch drill bit into your hand drill and place the tip of the drill bit on the center of the keyhole on the lock.

How to unlock a broken file cabinet lock. Fireking vertical file cabinets. How to drill a cylinder lock yale. Using an impact screwdriver.

If you don t have the key and the cabinet is locked you have several options. This step involves the risk of doing permanent damage to your filing cabinet. Once you re in press the trigger to activate the drill a bit and pull it slowly so you won t damage the drill. Using a kitchen knife.