How to Install a Steelcase File Cabinet Lock Kit

Pull the top drawer open and remove everything from it. Remove the drawer completely from the rest of the cabinet by lifting it up -- approximately 2 ½ inches -- until it is free of the drawer cradle.

Place a punch in the middle of the lock knockout -- located at the top right-hand corner of the cabinet. Tap the hammer against the punch to remove the knockout.

Insert the lock key into the lock cylinder. Turn the key until the lock bolt is positioned straight up. Rotate key clockwise another one-quarter turn.

Slide the retaining clip over the lock cylinder by holding it flush again the inside of the cabinet. Hold the lock cylinder in place on the outside of the cabinet while you slide the clip over the part of the lock cylinder on the inside of the cabinet. The clip fits into two grooves on the lock cylinder, one on the top and one on the bottom.

Insert the pointed end of the linkage into a predrilled hole on the lock bolt inside the cabinet. Rotate the linkage piece, pushing the squared end into the lock mechanism.

Bend the square end up around the lock mechanism using a screwdriver to secure it in place.

Insert the key into the lock and rotate it several times to make sure it works properly.

Reinstall the top file cabinet drawer by lowering it into the drawer cradle and sliding it closed. Replace all of the items in your file cabinet drawer.