question about old gun cabinet and key?

Jim Thompson

Live From The Tree
I received this to the forum support email today and have no idea how to help.

any ideas?

HI: I have a gun cabinet (it is full and too heavy to move). No name on it but uses a round (circular) type key to get into it. My husband died two years ago and I still cannot find a key to it. Any suggestions other than a crowbar as I would like to not tear it up so my oldest can use it at his home. Thank you, Pat
 

dawg2

AWOL ADMINISTRATOR
I received this to the forum support email today and have no idea how to help.

any ideas?

Many of the old round keys were generic and fit in multiple locks. They should go to a locksmith and you can get a generic blank that may work. I had a bookcase and lost they key moving key and that is what I did and I still use it. But it will need to be a locksmith not wally world.

If that doesn't work, a locksmith can come out to the house and look at it.
 

Handgunner

Senior Member
Many of the old round keys were generic and fit in multiple locks. They should go to a locksmith and you can get a generic blank that may work. I had a bookcase and lost they key moving key and that is what I did and I still use it. But it will need to be a locksmith not wally world.

If that doesn't work, a locksmith can come out to the house and look at it.
That's what I was thinking.. A locksmith is the first person I'd call.
 

Doyle

Senior Member
If it is a standard wooden cabinet, the back will be only a thin sheet of plywood or masonite type material held on just by brads or staples. All you have to do is gently pry it off and get to the lock from the inside.

Replacement locks can be purchased at any good hardware store.
 

RogerB

Gone but not Forgotten
1) Locksmith, Or;
2) Find A Person That Services Coke Machines, Most Used The Round Keys And They Will Have One Of Almost Every Combination, I Used To.
 

Jim Baker

Moderator
Staff member
Not seeing the lock and assuming it is just a simple cabinet cylinder lock. Mask the area behind the lock with tape to keep from damaging.

Lock on to the ring around the cylinder where the key is inserted with a pair of vise grips. Put a flat blade screwdriver as far into the keyhole as possible. Hold the screwdriver while turning the visegrips. This should break the locking ring on the cylinder and push the cylinder into the cabinet. If that does not break the ring loose, you can cut the ring off with a sharp chisel and hammer.

You can buy a replacement lock at lowes, home depot for 5 or 6 bucks.
 

dawg2

AWOL ADMINISTRATOR
Let me ask another question: Is this an "antique" style lock or a barrel lock like a soda machine???
 

Gaswamp

Senior Member
I have never seen a circle key lock on wooden gun cabinet only the metal safe types.
 

Pop

Senior Member
Where is the gun cabinet located. I do some lock work and have a set of picks and quite a few master keys. I would be willing to help, at no charge to a woodite, if not to far away.

I have to pick quite a few cabinet locks at work on a fairly regular basis.

PM me if you have any questions.
 

boneboy96

Senior Member
I'd be more then happy to go and open it up for her...:cool:
 

JW2

Senior Member
I have a "Stack On" case that uses a round key!
 
Top