[babaloo]

I have an Effektiv 3-Drawer filing cabinet. The problem is that I locked it when I moved so the drawers wouldn't open, but lost the keys in the move.

I need to get replacement keys. Where can I get them?

I don't want to spend a lot of money on a locksmith over such a small key, but I have some important papers in there that I can't get to


Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks

[GardenOfDarwin]

I bought a few sets of the locks/keys in AS-IS. I don't know if they're all the same, but if so I'd be happy to send you a set.

Ironically, I've lost the set of keys to my ANTON filing cabinet.

Susan

[Narf]

AFAIK, there are 5 different sets (#1-#5) of keys and two different locksets over time (Effektiv A and Effektiv B), so another set may or may not work.

These have very few tumblers, though, and if it's anything like some old locking computer diskette boxes I had, simply unfolding a small paperclip, sticking it in, and wiggling/turning it was enough to unlock it.

[Chuck]

Depending on the age of your unit, you might be able to easily determine which key you need by looking at the lock itself - it may have the 3 digit lock code engraved right next to the key slot (001, 002, etc.). You can then take that info to your local store and find/buy the right key (or PM me with that number - I might have the key somewhere and could send it to you).

The first generation of these units came with locks installed on all of them; the lock was an "option" on later versions. The "A" and "B" lock distinction was to accommodate the different lock mechanisms that were needed in the "add-on" units' doors and drawers, as opposed to these drawer units; the same lock "tumblers" worked in both the "A" and "B" lock mechanisms.

The other choice, if you don't mind "disabling" the lock for now (until you get a replacement key), is to use a flat bar - like a kitchen knife, letter opener or thin screw driver - to open the locking mechanism. To do this, first locate the small metal "nipple" that trips the lock - look in the gap between the right side of the unit and the second drawer front for a small cylinder about 1/4" long, maybe 1/8" in diameter, made out of shiny silver metal. Insert your flat bar between the drawer front and side, just below the nipple, and force it up, towards the top of the unit - this should unlock the unit and allow you to open the drawers.**

When you get the drawers open, leave the locking mechanism alone (and the drawers unlocked) until you get the replacement key. When you get the key, reverse this process, then use the key going forward from there.

**NO, this is NOT how I've made my "fortune" - it's amazing how many people lose their keys, or break them off inside the lock!

[miriam08]

Chuck, does your offer still stand? I am looking for key # 019. Do you have that one available?

[Chuck]

Miriam, check your "in box" - and welcome to IKEAFANS.

[sfikeafan]

Hi Chuck,

Can you help me with code 007? I just lost my keys and I need to get to my documents. Thanks.

[Chuck]

Welcome to IKEAFANS, sf.

What piece is the lock on? Any idea how old it is?

[sfikeafan]

Hi Chuck,

Thank you for your quick reply. It's a wooden 3-drawer file cabinet. The lock is located on the right side strip in between the 1st and 2nd drawers. I have no idea how old the cabinet is, but I guess it would be 5 years or more.

[nycdvm]

Chuck,

You're probably getting tired of these requests, but I've broken my keys for my Effektiv file cabinet. The lock/key are stamped "001." Might you have a replacement you could send? It would be greatly appreciated.

If not, any tips for ordering replacements from various web sources I've seen?

Thanks much,

Peter