how to get Steelcase Broadsides file cabinet lock working?
curiousi...@hotmail.com
around 1986. have the key for the lock but it doesn't work---any idea
how I can get the lock working?
is this lock something we can knock out at home w/ a screwdriver &
replace?
is there a file cabinet locking bar available for this kind of cabinet
(36" wide, 64 5/8" tall)? looked online & most locking bars look like
they aren't made for this size cabinet
is there a way to temporarily secure the cabinet for a few days?
thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roger Shoaf
<curiousi...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1161481887.6...@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
Don't panic. The file cabinet is probably fine, the lock is probably fine.
Is the cabinet currently locked or open?
--
Roger Shoaf
If you are not part of the solution, you are not dissolved in the solvent.
'Key
there are 5 drawer locking bars on the market.
http://tinyurl.com/yxufa8
or
visit your local locksmith shop.
g'luck
--
"Key"
=====
curiousi...@hotmail.com
m...@notanywhere.net wrote:
> On 21 Oct 2006 18:51:27 -0700, you wrote:
>
> >
> >is there a file cabinet locking bar available for this kind of cabinet
> >(36" wide, 64 5/8" tall)? looked online & most locking bars look like
> >they aren't made for this size cabinet
> >
> >is there a way to temporarily secure the cabinet for a few days?
> >thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> padlock at the top.. assuming it is that tall.. comes in 2, 3 and
> 4 drawer models..
> your key wont TURN? or does nothing as its turned?
> key code is on the lock face usually..
> --Shiva--
curiousi...@hotmail.com
> Shiva & others: I have a key from Steelcase that is the same number as stamped on file cabinet. Key will go into the keyhole but will not turn to lock the cabinet. Is there a way I can get locking mechanism working today on Sunday?
I looked online & at the attached link you provided but none of the
outside file cabinet bars appear to be long enough for my file cabinet
(64 5/8" tall & 36" wide). Does anyone know where I can get a longer
bar to fit my cabinets online or in the Washington DC area?
A Steelcase shop in Baltimore wants $126 plus labor to replace entire
lock mechanism----any idea on how we can fix it?
Any idea how I can temporarily secure the file cabinet for a fewl days
before I can get the lock fixed or locate proper length file cabinet
bar?
Thanks!
>
> On 21 Oct 2006 18:51:27 -0700, you wrote:
> >is there afilecabinetlocking bar available for this kind ofcabinet
> >(36" wide, 64 5/8" tall)? looked online & most locking bars look like
> >they aren't made for this sizecabinet
>
> >is there a way to temporarilysecurethecabinetfor a few days?
curiousi...@hotmail.com
few times. I also pressed in while I tried to turn the key a number of
times w/ no luck. All drawers were firmly closed when I did the above.
The Steelcase cabinet does not lock. This is a cabinet that was given
to me a few years ago so I don't know the last time the lock worked.
The key is stamped with the same number that is on the filecabinet &
the key says it is a Steelcase key. There's no sign of rust on
anything. Cabinet is very clean. The 5 drawer file cabinet is
unlocked but the plug is not sticking out, it is flush with lock base.
I put the bottom 2 drawers back in the cabinet when I got it. Is it
possible that the way I returned the drawers esp. the bottom drawer is
keeping it from locking? Do you have a diagram of how this Steelcase
Broadsides 800 Series 1986 5 drawer file cabinet locking mechanism
works inside & down the sides of the cabinet? Is it possible that this
cabinet has a way to keep it unlocked that could be released on the
inside of the cabinet to enable the locking mechanism to go back to
working?
I will not be able to see a locksmith for several days--any suggestion
how to temporarily secure the cabinet?
thanks!!!!
On Oct 22, 11:04 am, m...@notanywhere.net wrote:
> On 22 Oct 2006 07:50:20 -0700, you wrote:
>
> > Is there a way I can get locking mechanism working today on Sunday? further question..has this cabinet NOT been used in some time?
> IE, stored away and just now got out for use?
> has this key EVER worked? or is this key one you got for
> 'replacement'?
>
> IF, it has been stored away, I would suggest a 'LITTLE' amount
> of WD40 to be sprayed into the key hole.. LITTLE AMOUNT, then run
> the key in and out a few times....see if that frees up any sticky
> pin/s it has
>
> ALSO, on the lock itself, with key inserted try pushing in on
> the lock itself as you attempt to turn the key.
>
> are the drawers OPEN? sometimes I have seen a 'not able to lock'
> unless the drawers are close situation..but, this is assuming
> that the lock is in its open position. this has nothing to do
> with the key not turning
>
> if the drawers are closed, AND the lock IS locked, then the worry
> about someone getting in unknown is somewhat moot for the
> weekend, and you can call for help tomorrow..
>
> this lock 'should be' available from a bigger lock shop and
> unless its something really strange, for FAR LESS than the $126
> you were quoted..
>
> IF tho, the lock IS unlocked-the plug sticking out- and the key
> does not turn, then something is wrong with the key if new, or
> the lock itself is broken internally and needs replacing.
> it should not be that hard to unhook and remove same..
>
> --Shiva--
curiousi...@hotmail.com
Shiva, the vertical bar on inside right & left side move up & down w/
no trouble about a 1/4 inch---if that appears to be working does that
mean it is the lock itself?
If I pulled out the lock, would a local locksmith in DC area be able to
match it with something similar to the Steelcase lock in it now?
I wonder if Steelcase puts an antitilt feature in these cabinets so
they don't lock if tipped & moved around?
Steelcase did tell me over the phone that you need a $20 special
installation tool called a removal tool key to get lock out & the
replacement lock would run $28---does this removal tool key sound
right? Thanks!
On Oct 22, 2:53 pm, m...@notanywhere.net wrote:
> On 22 Oct 2006 11:17:05 -0700, you wrote:
>
> >The 5 drawer file cabinet is
> >unlocked but the plug is not sticking out, it is flush with lock base.ok, then its locked..
>
> >I put the bottom 2 drawers back in the cabinet when I got it. Is it
> >possible that the way I returned the drawers esp. the bottom drawer is
> >keeping it from locking? Do you have a diagram of how this Steelcase
> >Broadsides 800 Series 1986 5 drawer file cabinet locking mechanism
> >works inside & down the sides of the cabinet?no, dont, sorry..
>
> Is it possible that this>cabinet has a way to keep it unlocked that could be released on the
> >inside of the cabinet to enable the locking mechanism to go back to
> >working?not that I know of off hand..
>
>
>
> >I will not be able to see a locksmith for several days--any suggestion
> >how to temporarily secure the cabinet?not without a LOT of cosmetic damage that cannot be reversed..
>
> feel on the inside,top drawer, see if there is a big long bar
> verticle, make certain that bar is free..this is located to the
> back of the lock, on the right side, between the drawer and
> outside wall.. this bar SHOULD be able to be wiggled a bit up and
> down..this is the lock for all the drawers..the lock itself just
> keeps the bar from moving..
> its possible that something is jammed up in this mechanism, but
> that still does not explain the key itself not turning..
> so, IMO, you may have 2 separate problems going on..
>
> you should be able to see how the lock comes out, as well..might
> need a small mirror to see the holder, but its there.
>
> --Shiva--
Roger Shoaf
<curiousi...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1161551257....@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Shiva, the vertical bar on inside right & left side move up & down w/
> no trouble about a 1/4 inch---if that appears to be working does that
> mean it is the lock itself?
>
> If I pulled out the lock, would a local locksmith in DC area be able to
> match it with something similar to the Steelcase lock in it now?
>
> I wonder if Steelcase puts an antitilt feature in these cabinets so
> they don't lock if tipped & moved around?
>
> Steelcase did tell me over the phone that you need a $20 special
> installation tool called a removal tool key to get lock out & the
> replacement lock would run $28---does this removal tool key sound
> right? Thanks!
First off there is probably nothing wrong with your lock. The usual problem
is that the mechanism is out of time.
There are 2 locking mechanisms on lateral files, one is the key lock, and
the other is a safety mechanism that locks the rest of the drawers when one
of them is open so you don't open two at the same time and have the cabinet
tip over.
Start by removing all of the drawers. look inside for the mechanism that is
the safety interlock and see why and how it is supposed to work. manipulate
this mechanism so it thinks all of the drawers are closed and the key will
probably now turn.
If it does not look for causes. Common problems are loose papers that get
jammed in the works or loose fasteners that need to be replaced.
Most of the time these can be returned to service without the need for any
parts.
--
Roger Shoaf
About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube, then
they come up with this striped stuff.
curiousi...@hotmail.com
when the lock was removed there appears to be nothing wrong with the
mechanism along both sides of the file cabinet. When the bar is raised,
there is a click and all the drawers lock. When the bar is dropped, the
drawers open. Looks like the 2 vertical bars work fine as well as the
horizontal bar running along the top near the lock.
The problem appears to be the lock. When I put the key into the
cylinder all the pins go in & the cylinder can be pulled out from the
housing after releasing a thin flat metal piece that is spring loaded
that holds the cylinder in the housing. But I don't understand why the
lock doesn;'t work cause the pins all come out when I remove the key &
the pins all go in when I insert the key---doesn't this mean that the
key fits? A small brass pin fell out when I removed the cylinder from
the housing & it appears to belong in a hole along the side of the
cylinder. I inserted the pin & reinserted the lock cylinder in the
housing but the lock does NOT lock unlock. what am i doing wrong?
what can I do next before going to a locksmith? thanks
curiousi...@hotmail.com
drawer file cabine type of lock should work? i've figured out the
mechanism inside the cabinet for locking/unlocking drawers but don't
know how this lock cylinder should look if it's working properly.
went to 2 hardware stores to see if they had replacement lock but
nothing was a match. the locksmiths in this area are open like at 10 &
close at 5 monday thru friday which is impossible to get to when you
work.
curiousi...@hotmail.com
drawer file cabine type of lock should work? i've figured out the
mechanism inside the cabinet for locking/unlocking drawers but don't
know how this lock cylinder should look if it's working properly.
went to 2 hardware stores to see if they had replacement lock but
nothing was a match. the locksmiths in this area are open like at 10 &
close at 5 monday thru friday which is impossible to get to when you
work.
Roger Shoaf
<curiousi...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1161657356....@f16g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> The problem appears to be the lock. When I put the key into the
> cylinder all the pins go in & the cylinder can be pulled out from the
> housing after releasing a thin flat metal piece that is spring loaded
> that holds the cylinder in the housing. But I don't understand why the
> lock doesn;'t work cause the pins all come out when I remove the key &
> the pins all go in when I insert the key---doesn't this mean that the
> key fits? A small brass pin fell out when I removed the cylinder from
> the housing & it appears to belong in a hole along the side of the
> cylinder. I inserted the pin & reinserted the lock cylinder in the
> housing but the lock does NOT lock unlock. what am i doing wrong?
> what can I do next before going to a locksmith? thanks
It is kind of hard to say for certain, but my guess is that the plug may be
in the cylinder 90 or 180 degrees from where it should be. Other things
might be wrong but if the mechanism checks out ok and only the plug will not
turn in the cylinder and the key matches the tumblers in the lock that is my
best guess.
With the plug out of the cylinder, and the cylinder in the cabinet, and the
top drawer removed, look into the hole where the plug goes and observe the
action when you actuate the mechanism by hand.
What you should see is the cam in the back rotating 90 or 180 degrees. The
plug will go into the cylinder either at 12, 3 6 or 9 O'clock but internal
bosses may only allow a rotation of 90 or 180 degrees. If the plug is out
of time with the mechanism it will not turn one way because the boss is
preventing it from going that way, and it will not turn the other way as the
mechanism is preventing it from going the other way.