Please help me get into my filing cabinet

[La La]

Hi, I'm new and have a problem.

I have a very old filing cabinet that I bought today from a shop that is closing down. It is locked and has no key. It is a full size, tall cabinet by Milners Safe Company LTD.

I'm not sure if it even has a lock, as the hole in the front of it seems a bit big for a key. But still, the drawers won't open.

Underneath, there is a bar coming out of the bottom at the back, which I think may be the locking mechanism, but I am really only guessing, as I have no idea.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Many thanks in advance.

Sarah

[mbell]

I'm not sure if it even has a lock, as the hole in the front of it seems a bit big for a key.

If this is what I'm thinking it'll be a lever lock. I didn't know Milners even made filing cabinets (Milners have made normal & fireproof safes for a lot of years) but I imagine the lock will be quite secure - not your average every day filing cabinet lock.

Any chance of a photo?

[toomush2drink]

Yes photos would be good, check out the FAQ section on how to post photos

[La La]

My digital camera has run out of battery, so I can't take photos at the moment. As soon as I have batteries, I will get one.

I have temporarily managed to get into a couple of the drawers with the aid of some brute force and a hammer wedged underneath it, pushing the metal bar upwards, but everytime I take the hammer out, it springs back down again and locks.

It's very frustrating!

Sarah

[toomush2drink]

Heh sarah just checked your profile, your not kims mate are you ? If you are i know you and will be happy to help pm me

[La La]

Sorry, no, I don't know anyone called Kim.

Looks like the problem is sorted - I have wedged a piece of wood underneath and it seems to have worked. Only problem now is the drawers won't stay shut! Oh well, can't have evreything I suppose!

Thanks for all your help.

Sarah

[La La]

Hang on, I've just noticed you do martial arts - My husband's does karate with someone called Kim, is that who you mean?

[Chucklz]

Umm, could you possibly show us a picture of your box's hole? If its roughly 0 shaped, your cabinet may have had its pin tumbler lock removed, which would be an easy and cheap repair.

[toomush2drink]

Dont worry la la thought maybe you knew kim who i used to work with. glad you got it sorted.

[Ice]

Would brute force ruin the lock? I'm thinking it might now jam/bend the lock mechanism?

[Aidyn2332]

since you dont seem interested in lockpicking i would suggest using a hammer or a drill to open it. Is there a number by the hole where you believe a key could be inserted?

[Eyes_Only]

I think any kind of brute force will ruin a lock, or ruin the tool if you're not using the right one for the job.[/i]