file cabinet lock from yale. number 992

[darkknight3109]

My father in law has these really old filing cabinets that we use in our basement to store tools. Unfortunately, someone decided to push the lock in on the one and the key has come up missing. Now it is not hard to go to our local locksmith and have another one made, in fact, he did exactly that for the previous key. However, seeing as I am starting out on hobby lockpicking, I have been trying my hand at getting it open with my lock pick set. The problem being, this lock is probably from the 60's or 70's and is so old that I cannot get the pins to set in place when tension is set. Can anyone offer me any kind of advice or even some specs on the lock? such as, how many pins, if there are any extra security measures in it, etc. the number on the lock is 992. this is the number that the locksmith requested to create the new key. any assistance would be greatly appreciated on this matter. thanks.

[mseifert]

These lock are pretty low security .. Probably 4-5 wafer lock .. usually a pretty easy rake job.. to get a key normally you don't even have to have the locksmith come out .. Just go by the store tell them the number .. They are pretty standard keys...

If you go to the shop .. Talk to the smith .. Show an interest in there job .. let them know you are an aspiring picking hobbyist.. Locksmith are good friend to have in this hobby.. I always stop my local shop and talk .. Ask about used locks .. Maybe buy a new one every once in awhile..

[cledry]

4 pins - 2 4 6 4, they pick fairly easily light tension.

[darkknight3109]

Thanks for the advice. I did try to open it using the rake snake, however, I think that maybe it is so old that the pins are worn and will not lock into place when tension is kept. just no rough edges left after years of use I guess. I will definitely have to give it another shot though. thanks again.

[darkknight3109]

Cledry, could you explain to me what you mean by 2 4 6 4? I am fairly new to this and I am trying to learn as much as possible. thanks.

[mseifert]

The numbers represent the key bidding, notches cut in the key. The higher the number the deeper the notch..

[cledry]

The numbers represent the key bidding, notches cut in the key. The higher the number the deeper the notch..

Correct.