Any ideas on how to unlock this cupboard?

marge_simpson

We have a traditional oak sideboard which has three cupboards, they open and close via old-fashioned style keys - except one of the keys is lost and the cupboard is locked!
Its a nice looking piece of furniture so I don't want to damage it in any way. It wouldn't be possible to take it anywhere for help as it weighs an absolute ton!
I have tried loads and loads of keys on the offchance (don't know why, but my mother had loads of keys of the right type) but without success. There is no point in asking the vendor - it was bought years ago in a sale room.

The cupboard is empty, but it would be great to have it as useable storage space!
Any suggestions on how to get into it would be most welcome.

scbk

Well you could get a locksmith, wouldn't be chepa though!

I'd personally just get a hacksaw blade, slip it in the gap and cut the bolt

Avoriaz

Have you tried a key from one of the other 2 cupboards?

They are frequently the same.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

if all else fails, you could maybe take the back off, if it's not going to cause too much damage, and remove the lock, and replace, or leave in unlocked position.

MiT_3

Hi, i'm new here so just trying to help, sorry if I'm doing it wrong!

Can you post a picture of the key? If its the type of lock I'm thinking of you shoud be able to bend a piece of wire (like a coat hanger) to the same sort of shape as the key, like an L shape and use it to turn the lock.

Hope this helps!

~ MiT ~

Jem8472

yes if the key is an old type and just a block (no cutouts) then a bit of metal should be able to do it.

scheming_gypsy

MiT wrote: »

Can you post a picture of the key?

if they could they'd probably be able to get a copy of it cut

ormus

cupboard locks are usually very simple indeed.
a basic skeleton key will open it. make one from an old wire coathanger. bent to shape and hammered flat at the end. make a decent handle from the other end, so you can turn the wire.

similar to this shape will do it.

rizla01

If all else fails then a hacksaw blade between the door and closer will not be too difficult at the bolt that you need to saw through is invariably soft brass.

When opened you should be able to replace it quite easily and put a little stain on any marks that you may cause.

MiT_3

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

if they could they'd probably be able to get a copy of it cut

I meant the keys they had...

benood

I had this problem - buy a blank key about the right size then light a match under the key to get a load of carbon deposited on the business end - put it in the lock and try to turn it - when you pull it out you will see that the levers in the lock are marked on it having removed the carbon in the requisite places - cut/file the pattern out and hey presto your key will work.