When you need to lock a filing cabinet, you may only need a filing cabinet key, you may want to add a lock, or you may need to replace a missing lock. Depending on how it will be used, a filing cabinet can be locked with a hasp, a plunger lock, a cam lock, a filing cabinet locking bar, or a dead latch lock.
It’s hard to find office furniture that looks good and works well, but this set has both. With these free and easy DIY furniture plans, you can make a Hendrix Lateral File Cabinet like the one at Potterybarn.
To attach the filing cabinet lock, put the lock cylinder into the knockout hole. Make sure the bolt is facing up before you put the lock cylinder into the hole. Once the lock cylinder is in place, move the retaining clip to the edge of the cylinder that is flush with the door, put the key in the lock, and turn the key clockwise. Put the linkage piece into the hole of the bolt to keep it in place.
You can keep insurance policies, birth certificates, copies of your will, and other important papers in a metal filing cabinet, but they won’t be safe if the cabinet doesn’t have a lock. Instead of buying a new file cabinet, just cut a hole in the metal cover, lock the cabinet, and no one will be able to get to your files.
Attachable locking bars can be used to keep important and sensitive files safe. These security upgrades are made of strong steel and are meant to be attached to the side of the cabinet. When the bar is closed, it can be locked with a padlock.
Yes, you can buy new locks for file cabinets. But you must have the right replacement parts on hand, be able to get to the cabinet, and know how to replace the parts. If you don’t feel comfortable doing these things on your own, you can call a locksmith for help.
It would be very helpful if your filing cabinet had a corporate lock. But if you lose the key to the cabinet and can’t lock the drawer where your treasures are, you may feel a lot of stress.
A file cabinet is a storage unit that is needed both at home and at the office. You must have kept important things in a cabinet, like work documents, office files, and daily necessities. But how can this information be kept safe if the file cabinet doesn’t have a lock?
Can you lock a metal filing cabinet?
You can put a lock on your filing cabinet if you want to. It’s easy to put a lock on a filing cabinet, whether it’s for a small business that wants to protect its documents or a homeowner who wants to keep their privacy at home. You’ll be done in less than ten minutes.
How can you lock a drawer?
If you want to put personal items, bank records, or other kinds of private information in the desk drawer, a lock is a good idea. Be careful about what you put in a desk drawer that can be locked. A surface lock is the easiest to buy and put in place.
Are file cabinet locks universal?
When opened and closed with a padlock, it can be used as a universal lock for all drawers or to replace the locks on certain drawers. One or more drawers can also be locked or unlocked with other filing cabinet locks.
How do you drill into a metal filing cabinet?
An electric hand drill should come with a 1/8-inch metal drill bit. Drill a small hole in the middle of where the lock will open. Instead of the 1/8-inch bit, you should use a 3/4-inch metal drill bit.
I don’t have a drill. How can I lock my cabinets?
Wrapping a rubber band around the cabinet knobs or using special cord locks for kitchen cabinets is the best way to baby-proof your cabinets without drilling. They are easy to use, can be used in many ways, and won’t damage your cabinets.
Do magnetic drawer locks work?
Drawers and cabinet doors can be locked with a magnetic key (two are included). The magnetic key can cut through things that are up to two inches thick. But keep an eye on your child and don’t let him or her touch the keys. I put these on every cabinet and drawer in my kitchen.
What is a plunger lock, anyway?
Plunger locks can be locked without a key. To open, just push in on the cylinder. Patented key programs protect the system’s integrity by making it illegal for unauthorized people to make copies of keys. The Medeco® Plunger Lock is a great choice for security, whether you need locks with the same key, locks with different keys, or a master key.
What kind of lock does a file cabinet have?
Locks for file cabinets can be pad locks, cylinder locks, or locks with a cam. They can be made of electrical or mechanical parts. Depending on the file cabinet, you can use lock bars, sliding teeth, or a keypad lock.
Are file cabinets that are locked safe?
Unlike door locks, desk and file cabinet locks are usually easy for anyone to open. Most of the time, you need some skill to “pick” a door lock. In the end, standard locks on desks and file cabinets don’t offer much security. You shouldn’t put sensitive information or valuable things in them.
How do you get into a file cabinet if you don’t have the key?
Start by straightening a paperclip but leaving one end bent. This will help you pick the lock on your filing cabinet. Then, slide the curved end of the paperclip into the keyhole while holding it vertically and pressing down on the inner pins.
Can you drill a lock open?
In theory, you could use a drill bit that is harder than the material to drill through any non-metal lock cylinder.
Why should file cabinets be locked when they are not being used?
Lockable filing cabinets keep competitors from getting information about customers, business operations and procedures, and product ideas and designs. You can keep information out of the hands of people who don’t have access to the storage facility by using filing cabinets with locks.
Can the key to a filing cabinet be copied?
Most locks have a code on the front of the cylinder that can be used to make a key that will open the lock at a factory. It’s easy, doesn’t cost much, and gives you control over your secure spaces. Send us the codes via email, and we’ll send you the keys in the mail.