Locksmithing/file cabinet

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Expert: Terry V. Andreasen (Andy) - 2/22/2009


Question
i  have a remington rand 4 drawer fire proof file cabinet with a combination lock on second drawer that i had a new combo made because i didnt have the orginal, but i cant get the other three drawers open,what can i do ? thanks alot. jim

Answer
Jim,

Can you get the drawer (#2) with the combination lock open?

Normally this drawer must be slightly open or unlocked in order for the other drawers to open.

If this drawer does open but the others still will not open, remove this drawer completly.  There should be a locking bar that runs up and down one side of the container.  If this locking bar is jammed it will keep the other three drawers locked.  With the second drawer removed, you should be able to move this bar up and down.  If rust has gotten inbedded along the bar it can also jam it.
Note:  Rust is a major cause of problems in these older containers.  It may not be a locking bar problem, the drawers may simply be rusted shut, or the casing may be swollen by the rust, jamming the locking bar or the drawers.

Once you have gotten the locking bar free and are able to open all of the drawers, remove the drawers and clean or service the locking bar.  It needs to move freely.

If you are not able to perform the above tasks, you may need to have a locksmith come out and look at the unit.

A second item to consider is the age of the container.  It is probably close to 50 years old.  It may be time to replace the file cabinet depending on what the problem actually is.

Good luck,

Andy

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Terry V. Andreasen (Andy)

Expertise

Safe and Vault related Questions; Antique Safe Repair and Restoration; With over 38 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

38 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 ClearStar

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 - Listed in AllExperts Top 50 Experts. All Expert 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 and Western Nevada)

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