Cabinet Locks, Mailbox Locks, IC Core Locks and Other

Cabinet Locks, Mailbox Locks, and IC Core Locks

1. Cabinet Locks

What are Cabinet Locks?

• Cabinet locks are small locks used to protect cabinets, drawers, and storage spaces.

• They keep important items like files, money, or tools safe.

Types of Cabinet Locks

A. Cam Locks

• How It Works: The back of the lock has a metal plate (called a cam) that turns to lock the cabinet.

• Where It's Used: Filing cabinets, storage drawers, desks.

• How Locksmiths Open It:

  1. Use a tension wrench to press lightly on the lock.

  2. Use a pick tool to lift the lock pins one by one.

  3. If it doesn't work, locksmiths may drill to open it.

B. Drawer Locks

• How It Works: Metal bolts slide to lock the drawer.

• Where It's Used: Office desks, filing cabinets.

• How Locksmiths Open It:

  1. Use a pick tool to lift the pins.

  2. Use light pressure to turn the lock with a tension wrench.

C. Slide Locks

• How It Works: A sliding bolt locks the door or drawer in place.

• Where It's Used: Glass display units and home cabinets.

• How Locksmiths Open It: Use a bypass tool to slide the bolt open.

D. Cut Cupboard Locks

• How It Works: A lock specifically designed for cupboard doors.

• Where It's Used: Kitchen cupboards, wardrobes.

• How Locksmiths Open It:

  1. Use a pick tool to lift the internal mechanism.

  2. Drill as a last option if picking doesn’t work.

E. Furniture Locks

• How It Works: These locks are designed for desks, cabinets, and cupboards.

• Where It's Used: Home and office furniture.

• How Locksmiths Open It: Use standard picking tools to manipulate the locking pins.usually needs Hook pick and tension wrench (longer than usual)

F. Pedestal Locks

• How It Works: Special locks for pedestal drawers or cabinets.

• Where It's Used: Under-desk cabinets in offices.

• How Locksmiths Open It:

  1. Use a hook pick and light tension.

  2. Turn carefully to unlock.

2. Mailbox Locks

What are Mailbox Locks?

• Mailbox locks are small locks used to protect mail from theft.

• They are used in apartment buildings, office mailboxes, and residential mailboxes.

Types of Mailbox Locks

A. Cam Lock Mailbox

• How It Works: Same system as a cabinet cam lock. A plate (cam) turns to lock or unlock the mailbox.

• Where It's Used: Apartment buildings, commercial mailboxes.

• How Locksmiths Open It:

  1. Use a hook pick to lift the pins.

  2. Turn the cam with a tension wrench to unlock it.

  3. If it doesn’t work, the locksmith needs to drill the lock and install the same one after drilling.

B. Push-to-Lock Mailbox

• How It Works: The lock locks itself when you close the mailbox.

• Where It's Used: Older residential mailboxes, wall-mounted mailboxes.

• How Locksmiths Open It:

  1. Use a pick tool to lift the pins inside.

  2. Use a bypass tool to push the locking mechanism open.

C. Cylinder Mailbox Lock (Post Office Standard Lock)

• How It Works: A special USPS lock used for public mailboxes.

• Where It's Used: U.S. Postal Service mailboxes.

• How Locksmiths Open It:

  • Locksmiths are NOT ALLOWED to open these without permission.

  • USPS has a special key to open these mailboxes.

3. IC Core Locks

What are IC Core Locks?

• IC Core locks are special locks that can be easily "rekeyed" by changing the "core" (the center part of the lock).

• They are often used in large offices, schools, and hospitals.

Types of IC Core Locks

A. Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC)

• How It Works: The core of the lock can be removed and replaced with another one using a special "control key."

• Where It's Used: Schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings.

• How Locksmiths Open It:

  1. If the control key is available, use it to remove the core.

  2. If there’s no control key,  locksmiths need to drill the lock.

B. Large Format Interchangeable Core (LFIC)

• How It Works: Similar to SFIC, but larger and more secure.

• Where It's Used: Large commercial properties and high-security areas.

• How Locksmiths Open It:

  1. Use a control key if available.

  2. If control key is not available, locksmith needs to drill the lock.

How Do Locksmiths Open These Locks?

1. Picking the Lock

• Tools Used: Tension wrench, hook pick, bypass tool.

• How It Works:

  1. Use a tension wrench to turn the lock slightly.

  2. Insert a pick to lift the pins one by one.

  3. Once all pins are lifted, the lock will turn and open.

2. Using a Bypass Tool

• Tools Used: Bypass tool or shim.

• How It Works:

  1. The bypass tool slides between the lock and the lock body.

  2. It "tricks" the lock into thinking the key is in place.

  3. The lock opens without lifting the pins.

3. Drilling the Lock

• Tools Used: Drill, carbide drill bits.

• How It Works:

  1. The locksmith drills directly at the shear line (where the pins meet).

  2. Once the pins are destroyed, the lock can be opened with a screwdriver.

4. Additional Lock Types

A. Deadbolt Locks

• How It Works: A strong metal bolt locks the door securely.

• Where It’s Used: Front doors in homes and apartments.

B. Magnetic Locks

• How It Works: Use magnets to lock doors without keys.

• Where It’s Used: Modern buildings, offices.

C. Brass Locks

• How It Works: Made from brass for strength and durability.

• Where It’s Used: Homes, padlocks, and cabinets.

D. Motor Locks

• How It Works: Use electric motors to lock and unlock.

• Where It’s Used: High-tech buildings and smart homes.

E. Striking Plates

• What It Is: Metal plates attached to the doorframe for added security.

• Where It’s Used: Residential and commercial doors.

F. Rim Locks

• How It Works: Locks mounted on the surface of doors.

• Where It’s Used: Older houses or gates.

Most Common Locks

• Deadbolt Locks: Used in most homes for strong security.

• Cam Locks: Common for cabinets, drawers, and mailboxes.

• IC Core Locks: Popular in large commercial buildings for quick rekeying.

Least Common Locks

• Motor Locks: Seen only in high-tech buildings and smart homes.

• Magnetic Locks: Not common in homes, mainly for modern offices.

• Rim Locks: Used mostly in old-style doors or gates.