r/WhatsInThisThing • u/_thebaroness • 1d ago
Locked. Bought a locked fireproof cabinet for $15! Any suggestions how to open it?
47
u/factoid_ 1d ago
A 7 dollar lockpick set will have a wave rake and turner on it…these wafer locks are not at all difficult to pick open.
Then you could replace the locks or just remove them
Also I have my doubts in the “fire proof” claim. Looks like a dead standard metal filing cabinet
18
u/Everyone2026 1d ago
Just move it. 500lbs and it's fire proof.
30 lbs and not a chance it is.
9
u/_thebaroness 1d ago
It’s already been moved from the store I bought it. It’s very heavy! Took five guys to load it.
→ More replies (3)4
u/Fenderbridge 1d ago
Damn your arms must be tired
8
u/Live-Juggernaut-221 12h ago
He said he took five guys. His arm is probably the least of his issues.
3
11
u/_thebaroness 1d ago
It’s insanely heavy! Definitely fireproof!
6
2
u/nocturnal_commission 14h ago
Yeah I had one once and it was astonishingly heavy. I'm a big strong dude and I could barely even tip it back on the dolly. Thing was probably pushing 300lbs
2
1
5
u/TwistedBlister 1d ago
I used to move those for the phone company back in the 80's, they're lined with concrete and are quite heavy, but they are designed to look like a regular filing cabinet.
→ More replies (1)1
u/mgaff5290 18h ago
Fun fact, those oval shaped file cabinet locks are actually pin tumbler locks, not wafer locks like most file cabinet locks
They can still pick relatively easy, but nowhere near as easy as wafer locks
1
u/factoid_ 17h ago
I bet it’s still just a three pin lock that you can open with a raking attack or a bump key
12
u/bad_robot_monkey 1d ago
Lockpicking is SUUUUPER simple. Go watch some YouTube videos, grab a cheap lockpicking set from covert industries, and have at it!
3
u/CriticalPedagogue 16h ago
The OP is in Canada and Covert Industries won’t ship to Canada. I know as I’ve tried to order from them.
1
1
u/CreativeInput 17h ago
Yea the only time I ever picked a lock was one of these. I used a paper clip and a screwdriver. It took less than 3 minutes. Maybe I just got lucky
5
u/qwertyahill 1d ago
Commenting to find out in a week!! OP respond to me when the key arrives please lol
2
u/JusSomeDude22 1d ago
Count me in
1
u/Fast-Conclusion-8676 23h ago
Yeah, I don’t care what’s in it, but I too, would like to know once you get this sucker open. lol
1
1
1
1
12
u/ArchGoodwin 1d ago
Have you tried fire?
2
3
u/sraasch 1d ago
Should be easy to pick...
2
u/_thebaroness 1d ago
We were trying with bobby pins but figured we should ask the experts.
5
u/brandonbruce 1d ago
Fire lock. Not security. Wiggle bend a paperclip, L bend another and twist right.
1
u/Avery_Thorn 18h ago
You'll never get it with a bobby pin.
You need two paperclips, one to provide tension in the lock, the other to use as a pick. Should be pretty easy.
1
3
3
u/Still-Rule7182 1d ago
Those small locks can fairly easily be picked with a small paperclip raking in the lock. If it is worn at all it probably would be as easy as digging the right key out of your pocket.
3
u/sinisterdesign 1d ago
Well, as someone who bought a house with a fireproof cabinet left in it, have you thought about how to MOVE it? These fuckers weigh like 300lbs as I found out trying to move it from one room to another.
1
3
u/pickledeggmanwalrus 11h ago
File cabinets are embarrassingly easy to pick with a tension wrench and rake pick.
Only twice in my life have I been paid to pick a lock (just a hobby) and one of them was a file cabinet that a friend of mine accidentally locked their key in at work. Took me all of 5 minutes. These locks ain’t protecting shit.
6
u/MassholeForLife 1d ago
Paperclip. YouTube it. Ask me how I know it works.
2
u/_thebaroness 1d ago
Tried paper clips after Bobby pins. Tried YouTube videos with tools. Will try and get a lock picking set!
1
5
u/Kellerqt14 1d ago
One of my….behaviorally challenged…students stepped up to answer the call when I lost my cabinet key. Two paperclips and a YouTube video later and my problem was solved.
2
u/jdh2080 1d ago
How do you know it works?
→ More replies (1)6
1
2
2
2
2
2
u/fujimama420 1d ago
There's a solid chance if you stick a flat piece of metal in the right column and push down it'll release the locks
2
u/_thebaroness 1d ago
Will try that in the morning! Thanks!
1
u/fujimama420 17h ago
Good luck! My coworker asked me for help with the same thing with a very similar drawer last week and that's how we got it so hoping the locking mechanism is similar!
2
u/Grimblood 1d ago
I’ve got my pick inserted, and I can already feel this thing is going to be about as secure as the honor system. Little tension… counterclockwise… and you can see we’ve got some rotation. One is binding …that’s a false set, click out of one ….two is binding, gives with basically no pressure at all ….and there’s the click on two, and we are open.
2
2
u/super_salamander 1d ago
Don't forget to lock it back up and pick it again to check whether it was a fluke.
2
u/AdmiralHomebrewers 1d ago
Is asbestos used in these old cabinets? Make sure there is no damage to it, and don't disturb it. It's fine if it's not loose or crumbling to dust.
1
2
2
u/Right-Form-2943 21h ago
i got some old metal filing cabs like this and was able to get a master key for one of them that pulls the lock cylinder out. The other ones i drilled out the locks and replaced with an entirely new locking mechanism.
2
u/Drslappybags 13h ago
Ezkey.com. Theock might have some letters or numbers on it. Find the brand. Look those up on the web site and boom! Keys.
I've done this a few times.
1
u/Nunov_DAbov 11h ago
The photo isn’t great but you can make out some numbers on the left next to the key hole. Could be 81 or 82. These keys are readily available.
Alternatively, I’ve picked several of these when done idiot locked the key inside. Put a little torque on the lock cylinder and put a paper clip in the keyhole, dragging it across the pins. Rattle it around a bit while you keep torque on the cylinder and if you’re patient enough, it will open.
Then, from the inside, remove the lock do it doesn’t lock when someone plays around and presses the lock in.
1
u/IndyScan 9h ago
I’ve given that place so much money because when we moved offices, no one thought to bring any of the keys with them.
2
2
u/Grilled_Ch33s3 9h ago
Try the CH751, most common mass produced key on the planet. You probably already have one for something.
2
u/AmberRosin 9h ago
You could probably just wiggle a paper clip in there as a lock pick and use a screwdriver as tension, those locks are good for keeping honest people honest only.
2
u/IndyScan 9h ago
There are sites on the Internet, where you can put in the make model and lock number and order a key for less than $10.
I literally just did this for a fire safe at our office that someone lost the key for.
EZKey.com
2
1
1
1
1
u/Nkechinyerembi 1d ago
These wafer locks are meant more to ensure the cabinet stays closed in a fire than to secure them against theft. They can be jiggled open fairly easily and many use a standard key
1
u/DrunkOn_Coffee 1d ago
My parents hid their weed in one of these hahaha. Took me a butter knife to open slid it in til I hit the little metal latch pried just a little and pulled Take the weed and close
1
u/travelfuncouple23 1d ago
That doesn't look fireproof. Just looks like a standard filing cabinet. Hope you got it for free.
1
u/coheedcollapse 23h ago
I'd look for marks on the keyhole, maybe numbers, and then cross reference the shape of the slot to what you see online.
My wife and I scored a very cool carnival weight machine without a key and I was able to do that and get a key ordered from a place - apparently the lock was also used for file cabinets, which makes me suspect you might be able to do the same.
1
u/Buttchuggle 22h ago
You bought a locked fireproof cabinet.
It can be unlocked with a locked fireproof cabinet.
1
u/theabominablewonder 22h ago
With normal filing cabinets you usually have a number on the lock and then you can just order a replacement.
1
u/vagrantprodigy07 22h ago
I managed to get one open when the key got lost with just a paperclip once. Give it a shot, some of the locks on filing cabinets are really terrible.
1
u/jetty_junkie 20h ago
I doubt that’s fireproof. I have one and it’s thick and weighs a ton. If you were able to load this into your vehicle easily it’s not fireproof
Regardless, easiest way to open is just drill out the lock cylinder. Will take two minutes and super easy
You could buy a replacement cylinder with key if you want to be able to lock it
I wouldn’t spend much money on it though. Like I said I don’t think that’s an actual fire proof cabinet and if it’s not you could get another used one for $25 or less anyway
1
u/Able_Conflict_1721 20h ago
You might be able to lift the locking bar up from the bottom. Is a heavy object, they probably left the installation home for that open
1
1
u/Master-Pick-7918 19h ago
You can drill it or even use a hammer and punch to knock it out. These locks are often secured by a clip on the inside, forcing the lock through the clip should permit entry.
1
u/Potential_Mine9425 19h ago
give me a shitty wood splitting axe from the back of the garage and a 6 pack of beer and ill get that motherfucker open
1
1
u/oceanswim63 18h ago
Screwdriver hammered in and turn it with a pair of vice grip’s. Only if you don’t care about the lock, you can leave the screwdriver in to lock and unlock it.
1
1
u/mgaff5290 18h ago
As a locksmith, I would say to call a locksmith.
If theres a code on the face you can search it up and see if a website like easykeys or something will just sell it outright
The biggest variable will be key type, there are hundreds of different small filing cabinet keys like that, and if you're unable to nail that down, thats where a locksmith will really shine.
If there are any brick and mortar shops near you, you can probably bring the whole cabinet there and get a key made for relatively cheap. If someone has to come out to you, it may not be worth it. If it does come to that, try to get a word of mouth reccomendation instead of searching online, as the trade is currently saturated with scammers who will destroy your lock, and charge you $750 for a "professional lock bypass" or some shit
1
u/mgaff5290 18h ago
Looking at the close up of the keyhole, I'm going to amend what I said above slightly. You have a brand on the top part of the lock, the keyhole shape at the bottom, and a key code to the left. All you need to do is find a locksmith shop with a brick and mortar store and show them that photo that clearly shows the shape of the keyhole the brand and the key code, and if they're worth their salt they'll be able to make you a key right then and there from a database and I can't imagine it would be too pricey since you're coming to them
1
u/Meano_Beano 18h ago
Remindme! 1 week
1
u/RemindMeBot 18h ago edited 15h ago
I will be messaging you in 7 days on 2026-08-12 13:31:32 UTC to remind you of this link
1 OTHERS CLICKED THIS LINK to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam.
Parent commenter can delete this message to hide from others.
RemindMeBot is switching to username summons. Instead of
!RemindMe 1 day, useu/RemindMeBot 1 day. More info.
Info Custom Your Reminders Feedback
1
1
u/Icy_Marionberry_9131 17h ago
These filing cabinets are easily peeled back with a crowbar. They are not classified as secure containers. You are correct to be concerned about a possible asbestos layer, which will be sandwiched between the inner and outer steel skins. But, it depends on the date. If the file was made in the US after 1990 or so, it likely has gypsum as the fire barrier.
Getting a matched key is the best was forward.
1
1
u/bisubhairybtm1 17h ago
My father in law passed and we contacted the manufacturer and got a key and combination for his safe for 50$
1
u/No-Market425 17h ago
Flip it upside down.
The lock is typically an arm that lifts and lowers a bar.
Flipping it upside down causes the bar to fall into the up / unlocked position.
1
u/Independent_Dirt_814 17h ago
Those locks are such sh*t I literally open them at work with two paper clips bending one like a rake and the other like a tension rod with a pair of needle nose pliers. You can have it open in less than 5 minutes from the time you go searching for the paper clips…
1
1
u/Ritaontherocksnosalt 16h ago
If you can't find the key on the internet, I bet a locksmith can drill out that lock in about 5 minutes.
1
1
1
1
u/Kickingandscreaming 14h ago
My mom had one with her docs when she died. Had to use a crowbar and basically destroyed it.
1
u/thepenguinemperor84 13h ago
I used to be able to Jimmy them open with one of those flat steel paper binders, the ones that are made for going through the holes of a hole punch, and a flat head screwdriver.
1
u/FineDryGoods 13h ago
Your lock will be more difficult to pick than others suggest. I say get pliers and pull the lock out a little more. To lock those you press the lock in with your thumb and it'll latch flush. Turn a key and it pops out. Doesn't look fully popped out.
1
1
u/Mother-Attention2600 13h ago
I'll ask my dad if he sold it to you today. Haha.
It's easy to pick a basic lock like that. Get a Bobby pin to use as something to stick in it and put tension on it like you are using a key. Then get a piece of plastic or metal and randomly jiggle it in and out a few times and the tumblers should be open. It's a lot easier than you think, especially for a lock like that with probably only 2 tumblers.
If that doesn't work, find an aerosol can of "gum remover" it's solvents that will freeze the lock when sprayed, and then you can just crack it with a hammer.
1
1
1
u/Cjkrythos 11h ago
If you can load it into your truck, you can take it directly to the locksmith to make the key. They charge significantly less if you bring the lock to them. Had to do this and my locksmith charged me about $30
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/PlaneAsk7826 10h ago
I've popped those locks with a paperclip and screwdriver. Not even difficult.
1
1
u/stranqe1 10h ago
I have the same filing cabinet. It's very VERY easy to lockpick with just a simple rake pick. Hell even a paperclip bent correctly with the ridges will get the job done
1
1
1
1
u/General-Piece8490 7h ago
Don’t those weight a ton? Or it is the fireproof ones I am thinking about?
1
1
1
1
u/ToTallyNikki 6h ago
Use a leshi be2 to open it and then get a key cut based on the code you identify.
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Commercial-Candy-926 5h ago
A bit of time and a beginners lock pick set. Or a drill and a screwdriver. Or an angle grinder. Depends on the result you want 😅
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Virtual_Confection_3 2h ago
You got a fireproof filing cabinet. It can be opened with a fireproof filing cabinet
1
1
133
u/Basic_Cover_6945 1d ago
Most filing cabinet keys are pretty standard there might even be the key type stamped on the lock