Locks for filing cabinets

[globallockytoo]

I recently surveyed a job where the client wishes to make some 2 drawer filing cabinets lockable. Problem is, They are not the usual type of cabinets.
Standard cabinets usually have the drawers that slide into the frame of the cabinet as shown in the first pic (further down).



If it were this type, I could put the bar on as shown....no problem (pic taken from Major Manufacturing website)

This shows the front of the cabinet.


This shows an angled view....where you can get an idea of my predicament...


View with top drawer open, showing sliders on drawers...


View looking at top drawer fitting into frame....not possible to secure both drawers simultaneously here...


View between bottom drawer and top drawer, showing cavity between cabinet frame and where the edge of the drawer is.


The client wants to lock both drawers simultaneously if possible. I originally thought of using PPL's (Push Pin Locks) with an extension pin, rivetted to inside wall of frame and extension pin slotting into drawer wall. 2 locks on each cabinet. Lock Focus in Australia make some master keyed versions that would be suitable.

The client is an international air freight company, so shipping them from any international location will be done at their cost (yipee) if necessary.

Because of the quantity of eyes in this forum, someone might be able to determine a possible solution that I cant see.

Thanks.

[globallockytoo]

A company in Australia makes a lock called a Crocodile lock....that could be close to something to use...



might have to make the fold of the hasp 0.5" further out to go around front of drawers. any ideas?

[Squelchtone]

Would it not be faster to sell them a proper 2 drawer cabinet which already has the cam lock on the top right and a bar that pulls up and locks both drawers when you turn the key to the left? you could also put in a replacement medeco cam lock if they are looking to slow down picking attemps since normal wafer locks are such rubbish.

As for locking both at the same time, can you position that crocodile lock in the middle of the cabinet so if you lock 1 cabinet, the metal of the lock plate covers both drawers?

good luck!

Squelchtone

[globallockytoo]

Yeah that would be a good scenario Squelchy....'cept that there are 10 cabinets and they are all fitted to the desks.

that's the intention of the croc lock....for sure.....just that 'cos the drawer face is about a half inch from the frame wall edge.....the bend in the crocodile lock is in the wrong place.

looks like i'm gonna have to invent something here.

[padlocks]

Try the following link www.lockandsupply.com/file_cabinet_multi.htm - the Ministry of Defence in the UK use something like the bottom one with a vertical bar with a combination lock, but I can't track down a link to it at present

[globallockytoo]

Try the following link http://www.lockandsupply.com/file_cabinet_multi.htm - the Ministry of Defence in the UK use something like the bottom one with a vertical bar with a combination lock, but I can't track down a link to it at present

That's a great idea ...if there were a "D" handle to fit the bar through...but as you can see...there's not.

[lunchb0x]

what about a push lock on the side?

[lunchb0x]

ignore that, i should of read it all properly.

maybe the croc lock like you said, you can get them made larger so it can lock both draws

[globallockytoo]

ignore that, i should of read it all properly.

maybe the croc lock like you said, you can get them made larger so it can lock both draws

larger is good....but as it shows in the pics....the hasp need to be a half inch longer before the bend....do you know if they come like that?

[lunchb0x]

I remember a while ago Tim telling me that the guy that makes them can make it how ever you want, it they were made with the screw holes close to the hinge it should be out of the way of the draw, surely there is someone in the states who can custom make these?.

I think it might be Lock and Key that sells them but the didn't have them in their catalog last I checked (over 6 months)

[mhole]

Looking at your last pic, it seems there may already be a bar to lock the drawers in place fitted into the vertical member. It may be that there are locking and non-locking versions of this cabinet, and all you need to do it find a way to fit a cam lock which will operate the bar already present but not connected to anything.

[Raymond]

You can purchase "gang" type locks for exactly this purpose. They consist of a low security wafer type lock in its case that moves a vertical locking bar. The bar sticks out of the lock case both top and bottom. It has a bend on both ends. The bend blocks a detent attached to each drawer at the appropriate place. The lock case is installed from the inside of one of the drawer case walls. The key is inserted from inside the knee space.

These are not considered even "good" security as a sloppy or worn out drawer and slide can be forced over the detent. They are only intended to keep nosy people out.

[globallockytoo]

You can purchase "gang" type locks for exactly this purpose. They consist of a low security wafer type lock in its case that moves a vertical locking bar. The bar sticks out of the lock case both top and bottom. It has a bend on both ends. The bend blocks a detent attached to each drawer at the appropriate place. The lock case is installed from the inside of one of the drawer case walls. The key is inserted from inside the knee space.

These are not considered even "good" security as a sloppy or worn out drawer and slide can be forced over the detent. They are only intended to keep nosy people out.

I understand......got a pic or link?

Wouldnt the cabinet require dismantling to fit?

I could pull the drawers, then drill a hole in the wall for the cylinder and rivet it on....but keeping the inside bar from moving around will require additional guides.

could be expensive.

I already told them the cost of the 2 drawer bar type locks....around $60 each plus installation. They balked at that, when you consider 10 cabinets.....they probably only bought them extremely cheap.....so i wouldnt expect them wanting to spend mega$$$ on elcheapo cabinets.

Great thinking raimundo....thanks a lot.

@mhole....the channel inside is empty.....nice thought but....(it was the first think I looked at).

@lunchbox....I think it's Eric Higgs in Qld that makes them....ole time locky...known him many years....he runs that locksmith trader site....Australian locky's best local site/forum - for locky's only.....will have to find out if he can make some to my specs.

Cant find anything else suitable - yet!

[Raymond]

I do not have a picture of one as we used all of them in a job last week. However, if you have access to most US lock supply companies check out a CompX - National, Part No. D8090.

Good luck.

Raymond