Locked out of my gun cabinet.

Jinglebob · Jan 26, 2014

Since I upgraded to a gun safe the old wood gun cabinet sits empty. Today my wife asked me to put some glass shelves in it so she can use it as a curio cabinet for her nick-nacks.

Long story short, when I went to open it, the end of the skeleton key broke off in the lock. I can’t get the darn thing open. I used a thin needle-nose pliers to try and remove the broken end of the key but that didn’t work. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to go about unlocking the cabinet without destroying it?

Thanks for your help.

moe smith · Jan 26, 2014

How is it hinged?

pineappleshooter · Jan 26, 2014

Tiny spot of super glue and a steady hand to hold the key to the broken piece while it cures?

Jinglebob · Jan 26, 2014

It's hinged from the inside so I can't get to the hinge pins.

Jinglebob · Jan 26, 2014

pineappleshooter said:
Tiny spot of super glue and a steady hand to hold the key to the broken piece while it cures?

I'll give it a try but it may not hold. The cabinet has always had a very tight lock. I think that's why the key broke.

moe smith · Jan 26, 2014

pineappleshooter said:
Tiny spot of super glue and a steady hand to hold the key to the broken piece while it cures?

I doubt super glue will work. The break on the key is probably porous.

rags · Jan 26, 2014

Magnet....

Karnivore · Jan 26, 2014

Can you take the back off of it?

Chipmunk6 · Jan 26, 2014

Could you drill it out
and put another lock in??
Chipmunk6

Rastoff · Jan 26, 2014

Karnivore said:
Can you take the back off of it?

Yes, take the back off. Even if you have to cut it out, it can easily be replaced.

blujax01 · Jan 26, 2014

Karnivore hit on it. Take the back off (screws or nails. Or likely staples if it's off shore made), then replace the lock and hasp.

worm5932 · Jan 26, 2014

moe smith said:
I doubt super glue will work. The break on the key is probably porous.

I wouldn't try to unlock it that way, id try to get the key out so you can get a new one made.

Jinglebob · Jan 26, 2014

-rags- said:
Magnet....

That was a good idea but the key is made from brass.

Philadelphia Patriot · Jan 26, 2014

Did you try saying "open sesame"?

Jinglebob · Jan 26, 2014

Karnivore said:
Can you take the back off of it?

That may be the solution. I looked at the back it's held in place by nails and does not appear to be glued.

Jinglebob · Jan 26, 2014

Philadelphia Patriot said:
Did you try saying "open sesame"?

Didn't try that but I did give it the "Fonzie" slap.

ordy · Jan 26, 2014

call a locksmith and explain the situation. Someone must have seen this before and may have the ability to do it without damaging the cabinet or give you suggestions for a DIY fix.

amazingflapjack · Jan 26, 2014

shop vac with crevice tool attached?

Comrad · Jan 26, 2014

chewing gum on a toothpick

Jinglebob · Jan 26, 2014

amazingflapjack said:
shop vac with crevice tool attached?

The key was turned into the lock when it snapped. Now it's wedged in there and needs to be turned back before it can be extracted.

Locked out of my gun cabinet.

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