Steve AKA vitessesteve Posted March 10, 2023 Share Posted March 10, 2023 I have had a stack of Clarkes tool storage cabinets for many years. Unfortunately during a move into my workshop the base unit fell over. I now can not open the drawers which had been locked shut to keep them safely closed whilst I moved the unit. I guess something must have moved into the way of the lock mechanism. The cabinet is double skinned and I can not see any way into the lock mechanism. Other than taking an angle grinder to the back how can I get the thing open and get at my tools again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Posted March 10, 2023 Share Posted March 10, 2023 Have you tried turning it over the opposite way to how it fell and giving it a good bang to see if you can shake it free? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD Posted March 10, 2023 Share Posted March 10, 2023 Is it the lock? Can you turn the tumbler to the unlock position? If so, drill it out - you can probably buy buy a new one to fit, or else drill the front and lid for a padlock. If it is the draw locking mechanism, then Howard may have the best idea! John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve AKA vitessesteve Posted March 10, 2023 Author Share Posted March 10, 2023 8 minutes ago, JohnD said: Is it the lock? Can you turn the tumbler to the unlock position? If so, drill it out - you can probably buy buy a new one to fit, or else drill the front and lid for a padlock. If it is the draw locking mechanism, then Howard may have the best idea! John John No lid just drawers. Howard it's got a lot of heavy tools in it. Had to use engine crane to right it. Wil have another go at trying to rock it about to shake the contents back into the draws and away from the locking mechanism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin R Posted March 10, 2023 Share Posted March 10, 2023 Often had this problem with the (overloaded) filing cabinets at work. The mechanism is a system of levers running from the lock on the upper draw and tend to jam. Sometimes the levers run inside the pillars on the front of the cabinet to engage the lower draws. Removing the lock may not free the lower draws. If you can get a look at an open cabinet to see what the mech looks like Try to infuse some WD40 onto the levers - drilling some small holes may help and try to dislodge them with a rubber mallet. If the levers are damaged they are hard to fix as the cabinet is assembled around them but you may be lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrianb Posted March 10, 2023 Share Posted March 10, 2023 I have some ipc slow burn fuse and a lighter plus some stuff! We could Blow the ruddy doors Off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Dawes Posted March 10, 2023 Share Posted March 10, 2023 It’s not the Italian job lol 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velocita Rosso Posted March 12, 2023 Share Posted March 12, 2023 Some cabinets are accessible from underneath On some there is a long lever/bar that runs along the back inside face but the lever mechanism can be at the bottom. Not saying that is the case with yours.....but if its heavy try leaning it backwards and see if you can see the lever lock Like all steel office filing cabinets.....they work on the same principle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxofbits Posted March 12, 2023 Share Posted March 12, 2023 This video may provide an answer. Different brand name but locking mechanism may be the same. It’s possible when it fell over the rod that turns the cam might’ve come off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velocita Rosso Posted March 12, 2023 Share Posted March 12, 2023 This video wants nominating for tonights Oscars, as Mr Magoo here is absolutley hilarious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve AKA vitessesteve Posted March 13, 2023 Author Share Posted March 13, 2023 I am in. This morning I tipped the unit towards me and slapped it's back. First time still not able to open up. But second time after a bigger tip and vicorus shake I was able to open up. Now for a celebration tunnock biscuit and cuppa. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gt6s Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 (edited) On 13/03/2023 at 10:32, Steve AKA vitessesteve said: I am in. This morning I tipped the unit towards me and slapped it's back. First time still not able to open up. But second time after a bigger tip and vicorus shake I was able to open up. Now for a celebration tunnock biscuit and cuppa. Good job. My laptop buggered up BLUE SCREEN While trying and failing to fix it, it fell on the floor and instantly worked again. Happened a few times after. Drop on floor again allways sorted it. #The blue screen thing eventually went away STILL USING IT. Edited March 16, 2023 by Gt6s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosbif Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 1 hour ago, Gt6s said: Good job. My laptop buggered up BLUE SCREEN While trying and failing to fix it, it fell on the floor and instantly worked again. Happened a few times after. Drop on floor again allways sorted it. So now we have 2 methods of dealing with computers that play up, the good old 'switch it off then on again' and now the upgrade alternative 'drop it on the floor' It's getting a bit complicated for me all this computer maintenance stuff 🙄 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrianb Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 I’m 63 so so it’s all beyon me so I get my 2 year old grand son to fix it same principle “ Chuck it on Floor” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standardthread Posted March 16, 2023 Share Posted March 16, 2023 (edited) 5 hours ago, Rosbif said: So now we have 2 methods of dealing with computers that play up, the good old 'switch it off then on again' and now the upgrade alternative 'drop it on the floor' It's getting a bit complicated for me all this computer maintenance stuff 🙄 1 hour ago, Adrianb said: I’m 63 so so it’s all beyon me so I get my 2 year old grand son to fix it same principle “ Chuck it on Floor” It's called a Glaswegian screwdriver, big hammer for both. No offence intended to any Scot, my best mate and best man was one, from Glasgow. Expletives help! Edited March 16, 2023 by standardthread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gt6s Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 (edited) On 16/03/2023 at 16:43, Adrianb said: I’m 63 so so it’s all beyon me so I get my 2 year old grand son to fix it same principle “ Chuck it on Floor” I am 63 as well. Drop on floor hit with BFH Big----ing Hammer. WELL KNOWN EFFECTIVE PRESISION ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES. ! Edited March 19, 2023 by Gt6s 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gt6s Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 (edited) On 16/03/2023 at 17:46, standardthread said: It's called a Glaswegian screwdriver, You forgot the Glasgow kiss and the Glasgow smile. Us Bog Trotters have our own versions of the same Ballymena screwdrivers or knocking out of gear going down big hills Ballymena overdrive. The Sandy row special. A Monk by the neck. (Monk Export ale). Edited March 19, 2023 by Gt6s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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