Lost cab keys

[badders]

Has anybody got any tips on how to access a locked cab when the key has been lost? I've tried all the other cab keys and a screwdriver and I still can't get in. I even have a spare lock with a key to swap it with if I can open the door.

[tech_guy]

Does your caretaker have a magic key? The sort that usually opens most filing cabinets? They sometimes fit.

 

Do any on the panels unscrew? If not, use a large flat bladed screwdriver - push it in the slot and twist hard/sharply - it'll break the lock but they are cheap to replace.

[badders]

No magic keys, but I'll give the screwdriver another go.

[elsiegee40]

My only other suggestion is looking for a manufacturer sticker on it - or posting a few photos of it on here - it is possible that one of us has a spare you could try.

[john]

Large Drill bit into the lock thats the size of the hole for the key is the solution I used when needed it works every time

[glennda]

Crowbar is also quite good!

[elsiegee40]

Crowbar is also quite good!

Don't know about your cabs, but mine have glass doors - I'd be careful with this one!

[joe90bass]

I've normally managed to get in using a screwdriver or similar key before now. I've usually managed to turn the whole lock rather than actually unlock it - Does that make sense!? unfortunately it doesn't work on our Video conference equipment which has a D-Lock, as instructed I left all keys behind when we left our our old building, not thinking about this equipment as we never use it, and now the keys have gone.........

[p858snake]

Let some of the "well known" students know that it can't be opened >.> it would be like a prize for them <.<

 

Also a drill bit the same size as a lock barrel does work.

[glennda]

Don't know about your cabs, but mine have glass doors - I'd be careful with this one!

 

Yeah but if you do it right they just pop off. Laptop trolleys are alot harder to get into with a crowbar!

[marco84]

I've managed to break into cab's in the past by using a long, flat screwdriver under the doors hinges and just lifted the door straight off its hinges.

[mjs_mjs]

there is sometimes the possibility of taking the sides off too - which then allows you access to the inside of the lock - you can then unlock it or remove the lock without any damage to cab (other than it now needing a new lock)

[Edu-IT]

http://www.keysplease.co.uk are usually pretty good at supplying replacement keys, if it's not too late. You just need to know the key shape (if you have a similar key) and the number from the lock.

[pete]

If the screwdriver doesn't work, screwdriver + mole grips on shaft of screwdriver will normally forcibly unscrew the retaining nut.

[timbo343]

@badders.

 

Where did you get your cab from?

 

Tim

[MatthewL]

I have a bunch of around 20 cabinet keys for most of the different ones we have although most of the newer ones are one of two keys. The screwdriver in the lock tends to work and you can usually turn the full lock then unscrew it and replace it.

 

If you can get the cabinet details I will see what I can do with my pile of spares!!

[tom_newton]

Locks are often standard makes - Lowe and Fletcher common enough. It's usually trivial to obtain spare keys based on the manufacturer and barrel number - I certainly "know a man who can".

[p858snake]

Science department has any liquard nitrogren?

[frosty]

I find a 92MST (92 Master) works! It is the master key for most filling cabinets\cupboards and seems to fit a multitude of cabs too. I also have another key that seems to get into other cabs...its number is 92250. (I am not a key geek btw)

[dirtydog]

I find a 92MST (92 Master) works! It is the master key for most filling cabinets\cupboards and seems to fit a multitude of cabs too. I also have another key that seems to get into other cabs...its number is 92250. (I am not a key geek btw)

 

yep the old 92250 key works in a lot of cabs (most of the cabs from MILLS I think use these).

[truslack]

One of these:

 

http://www.multipick-service.com/htdocs/de/werkzeug/picksets/pick99/images/mpxs14_zoom.jpg

 

And about 10 seconds of your time, will open most cabs in a non-damaging manner.

[badders]

I've forced the lock with a screwdriver, and taken out the pins. It now uses the universal "screwdriver" key. I've got lots of 92250 keys which do work with every other cab in school, however the one cab that has a non-standard lock of a completely different size was the one I needed access to. Thanks to everybody for their useful ideas.

[jimmy_2k]

hehe 92250 keys are very usefull and i've got one of those 92MSTs too! In the old days if you wanted a key to a classroom you'd borrow someone elses, take it down the heelbar and claim it back on expenses. Now its all patented keys and swipe cards! I think some cabs are moving away from the RONIS keys (same as 250s). I keep a pot of misc keys that I don't know what they fit, never chuck em because you will find where they fit someday!

[chazzy2501]

You can order new keys from the manufacturer, I find alot of my cab keys will fit other cabs that are similar anyhow. I have 3 cabinets from the same mani and their keys all work with each other.

 

Otherwise fold over a paper clip!

[plexer]

Ahh the good ole 250 keys

 

Ben