How to pick a skeleton key lock on a cabinet

When a skeleton key goes missing, hopefully, it isn’t when there is a door that needs to be unlocked right now. But what can go wrong, will go wrong, it’s a genuine possibility, especially since the skeleton key is likely to go missing long before it’s wanted, and when it’s needed it won’t be anywhere around.

Table of Contents Show

What’s a Skeleton Key?
What to do if the Skeleton key is missing
Antique Styled Skeleton key workarounds and replacements
“Modern Styled” skeleton key workarounds and replacements
What Is A Skeleton Key Lock?
1. Using A Paper Clip/Bobby Pin
2. Using Allen Wrench
3. Using A Flat-Head Screw
Reader Interactions
How do you open a skeleton key lock without the key?
Can skeleton key locks be picked?
How do you open a skeleton key cabinet?

What’s a Skeleton Key?

Skeleton keys are different than most keys in one way: the interior bit on them is hollowed. It gives the key the power to open just about any lock in the home, except for keys that weren’t built in the house. They’re often employed in antique pieces of furniture, like china hutches, jewelry boxes, and trunks.

Note: there are more modern versions, which are little more than a straight pin that can release the hatch on a one-way locked door. These are privacy locks. A doorknob with a button lock on one side and a small hole in the center on the other is an example, and those are unlockable from the outside.

What to do if the Skeleton key is missing

If the skeleton key is missing: don’t panic. Both kinds of locks are surprisingly easy to pick, which is why they’re not used more extensively for security purposes.

Antique Styled Skeleton key workarounds and replacements

The antique styled ones require a bit of patience and effort, but between safety pins, paperclips, (or heaven forbid an actual lock pick set) it will eventually pop loose, which is a good temporary solution to the immediate problem. But for a more long-term solution, call a Phoenix-area locksmith, and they’ll help through the steps of replacing the key or the lock or both.

If picking the lock proves to be too much of a challenge, or the piece of furniture is too precious to risk damaging by picking the lock, be sure to call the locksmith first before trying to mess with it too much and risk ruining it.

If it’s a genuine emergency, like someone’s life is in danger, call 911 right away and try not to panic and escalate the situation.

“Modern Styled” skeleton key workarounds and replacements

This kind of key very rarely requires the intervention of a locksmith. Replacing one of these is easy with a strong paperclip as it is with a “proper replacement.”

If a door with this kind is locked, and there is an urgent need to get on the other side, straighten out a paperclip and use it to catch the latch on the inside. If that fails to work these doors, usually pop open rather quickly without much damage to the door, the doorknob or the frame. Once it’s opened a “standard” key replacement can be purchased at your local hardware store, or online.

Unless the key is used on a daily basis, the skeleton key is going to go missing sooner or later. Keeping these tricks in mind will help avoid catastrophe and panic when that time inevitably comes.

Kwikpick Lock and Safe offers FREE lockout service for children or pets. If you need locksmith services for your Surprise, El Mirage, or Phoenix home or auto, call today! Bill 623-300-1889.

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / How To Pick A Skeleton Key Lock?

Do you also have the old vintage lock with the fancy skeleton key but can’t use it because it’s rusted? Or you lost the key and now can’t enter your room? Don’t worry we are here to help you out. In this article, we will give you a brief idea about how to pick a skeleton key lock.

What Is A Skeleton Key Lock?

The type of days which can open many different locks are known as skeleton keys. They are made by hollowing and carving the centre. The empty structure then passes its way inside the lock and helps in opening many different locks.

A normal key has a particular style in which it is cut. Thus it works only for a particular lock. Skeleton keys on the other hand have the most part filed out. Hence, it can work with many different locks. Skeleton keys are also known as master keys or secure keys.

Steps To Pick A Skeleton Key Lock

1. Using A Paper Clip/Bobby Pin

As skeleton locks are mostly simple, they can be opened using a bobby pin or a paper clip. Take a clip, as they are malleable, they can be easily stretched open. Open it, hold the base with the help of pliers. Insert then the clip inside the hole and find the lever.

Make sure only one-fourth part of the clip is inside the lock. Bend the remaining part straight in a way it forms a 90° angle. You can open locks of small items easily using a paper clip or a Bobby pin.

2. Using Allen Wrench

a. Insert The Wrench

Take your Allen wrench and insert it inside the lock. Preferably insert a 3⁄32 inch (0.24 cm) Allen wrench. Press it tight from the part you are holding it. Locate the lever and get a hold of it. Keep pushing it upwards. Once you feel the lever moving, wriggle the wrench. Move it back and forth to check the insides. Keep doing so till you feel some resistance giving up.

b. Engage With The Lever

Engage with the lever and keep it in place. Hold it with the other hand, make sure you don’t lose it. If you do, you will have to readjust the wrench. After a few tries, you will get the hold of the lever in the right position. You need to use both hands to pick a skeleton lock. Use your dominant hand to unlock the deadbolt and the other to hold the base.

c. Insert The Second Wrench And Hook It With The First One

Insert the second wrench inside the hole while engaging with the lever. You can use a paperclip or a bobby pin as well. We are using two wrenches or pins to create a makeshift key.

d. Unlocking The Deadbolt

After insertion, start twisting the second Allen wrench in the clockwise direction. You would feel the resistance while turning the wrench. Keep twisting it till the deadbolt slides and unlocks.

e. Remove The Wrenches

Once you have unlocked the lock, remove the wrenches/ pins. As the deadbolt has been unlocked, the knob of the door can now be opened.

3. Using A Flat-Head Screw

If the lock you are trying to pick is complex, the paper clip might not do the job. So you can use a flat head screw. A flat head screw is a heavy-duty instrument, it stays tough and can open the lock easily.

The process is the same as of paper clip. The only difference will be that the flat head screw is not malleable so you won’t be able to bend it to form a handle. But they have inbuilt handles, so you just have to insert and twist.

Leticia Haupt is a senior staff writer and has tested over 500 home improvement products for BeOnHome.Leticia spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime reports and spotting trends. Her safety expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more.

Reader Interactions

How do you open a skeleton key lock without the key?

If you need to open a deadbolt skeleton lock, you will need an Allen wrench. Insert the first Allen wrench at the top of the keyhole. Now, look for the lever and push it using the right amount of pressure. You need to keep the pressure on the lever until you open the lock.

Can skeleton key locks be picked?

Once you know what you are feeling around for in a skeleton key lock, it should not take you very long to pick it. Whether you are into antiques and came across a trunk that you cannot get open or you lost the key to an old door, you should be able to undo that lock with two allen wrenches and a little bit of patience.