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Antique Safes/fireproof file cabinet

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Expert: - 12/16/2009


Question
Thanks for the response to a question I asked a couple of weeks ago. Got another one for you.
I bought a 3 drawer legal size fire proof Shaw Walker file cabinet 30 years ago. It was probably 30 years old when I bought it. It has been in my parent's house in an out building ever since. It is lockable with a key slot in a approx 1" x 3/8" rectangular locking mechanism. The corners of the rectangle are rounded. When you insert the key and turn it, the locking mechanism "pops out" about 3/4" and you can then open the drawers.
My problem is that thieves got to the cabinet and have really messed up the key slot trying to get in. Sad, because I think the cabinet is empty, but I can't get in now.
Is it possible to drill out the locking mechanism so I can take the drawer to a locksmith to install a new one OR
should I just pay to have a locksmith come out and attempt to fix it?
I would like to save the cabinet for future use. What would you recommend?

thanks

Answer
Tom,

Yes the lock can be drilled out to open the container, however if you don't drill it correctly you may just make the problem worse, or you may damage the locking mechanism behind the lock.

I would recommend having the locksmith do the work, just make sure you explain that you don't want the container damaged.  If the locksmith can't open it without damaging the container, you've got the wrong guy.

There should be replacement style locks available.  I believe that Shaw Walker used yale locks, but Chicago lock makes a replacement.  you may be able to keep it functional.

With that being said, containers over 50 years old do not meet current standards for fire or burglary protection and should not be used for overnight storage of cash, jewelry or valuable documents.  If you plan on using it for these purposes - GET A NEW SAFE!!!!!

Andy

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Terry V Andreasen (Andy)

Expertise

Safe and Vault related Questions; Antique Safe Repair and Restoration; With over 40 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer. Current Project: Restoration of two Tilton & McFarland Safes from the 1860's. Will answer Safe & Vault related questions concerning age, value, restoration, moving, opening & repairing, parts, operation and history. Note: It is not my intention to teach you to open safes or to provide information which may aid in the unlawful opening of a safe. I will not give out drill points or information which I deem inappropriate.

Experience

40 years in the Safe & Vault Industry. Service Manager for one of the largest Safe & Vault companies on the West Coast. Graduate of Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing, Safe lock Manipulation and Safe Deposit Lock Courses. Graduate of Locksmith Institute. Certified Instructor for the California Locksmith Association teaching Basic and Advanced Lock Servicing, Basic Safe opening and Repairing. Factory Trained by AMSEC, LORD Safes, LeFebure, Mosler, KabaMas, LaGard and Sargent & Greenleaf

Organizations
Safecrackers International and the National Antique Safe Association

Education/Credentials
Graduate of Locksmith Institute 1972 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing 1974 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Manipulation 1975 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Deposit Lock Servicing 1985 Instructor Certified - California Locksmith Association - 1985 Factory trained by AMSEC, MAJOR, STAR, Johnson-Pacific, Kaba-MAS, Allied-Gary, ISM, Lord, Brown Safe, EXL, Mosler, Diebold.

Awards and Honors
2009, 2010 & 2011 Listed in AllExperts top 50 Experts. All Experts Categories - Safes & Security Containers, Locksmithing, Antique Safes. Retired US Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), with 32 years of total service. With numerous awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Navy - 1971-1981 US Army Reserve 1984-2006 US Army Retired Reserve 2006-present

Past/Present Clients
US Secret Service, FBI, BATF, Local Law enforcment agencies, Diebold, Hamilton Pacific, Red Hawk Int., Chubb International, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Mechanics Bank, El Dorado Savings Bank, many Credit unions and smaller banks. McDonalds, Togos, BurgerKing, TacoBell, Carls Jr. FoodMaxx, SaveMart, Lucky's, Albertson's, Raley's, Safeway, NobHill, Bell Markets, PW Markets. Great America, Century Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, UA Cinemas, and many homeowners and small businesses. Provide warranty service for lock and safe manufactures. Service area is Northern California - Fresno to Oregon, including western Nevada

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