How to Unlock Cabinets With an Old-Style Key

If you've inherited or come across antique cabinets, you and your home are in for a real treat. Old fashioned cabinets not only give you the functionality of added storage but they also give your home the elegance of times gone by. However, it would not be surprising to find such cabinets locked. Luckily, if the cabinet dates back before World War Two, the lock consists of a very simple mechanism, unlike the pin tumbler locks of today. An old fashioned key, such as a skeleton key or bit key, will allow you to unlock it.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Hold the skeleton key with the bits on the end of it sticking straight up. Insert the tip of the key into the lock and push half the key in. Feel the resistance that the tip of the key meets.

   • 2

     Turn the key to the right. You may hear the lock mechanism clicking open. Alternatively, you may need to adjust the position of the key in the lock once more so the tip of the key correctly touches the correct parts of the internal lock.

   • 3

     Twist the key all the way to the right, completing a half circle movement with the key. The lock will click open, allowing access to the cabinet.