How to unlock a toolbox without key

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How can I open a locked toolbox in a truck?

I lost the keys to my truck's locked toolbox at a job site. How can I open it?

Sorry to hear about losing your keys! That’s super frustrating.

Start by calling a locksmith. Some toolboxes have numbers on the bottom or outside that correspond with a type of key. If you can provide proof of ownership to a locksmith, they may be able to give you a new key or create a new key. In some cases, your car insurance may cover this if you have comprehensive insurance or towing and labor coverage, just like if you locked your keys in the cab of the truck.

You could also try to call the company that makes your toolbox. They may even have an FAQ on their site that describes how to get into a locked box that you own.

The last resort is to try to pry open the box yourself. A crowbar or other type of tool may break the lock. While you may be able to get into the box this way, you’ll likely need to purchase a new toolbox after the fact, which can set you back a pretty penny.

If you do, make copies of your key to avoid being locked out in the future.

And if you don’t have comprehensive insurance or towing and labor coverage on your truck currently, consider adding by calling your insurer or using the Jerry app. Sign up in minutes to compare quotes from over 50 insurance providers.

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Secret tip to unlock the bottom half of larger tool boxes..

A lot of these stylish of tool boxes can be unlocked without keys... We use to do it in our shop somewhat often with one another...

Get yourself a long piece of 1/8th flat bar an inch or so wide (maybe a foot longer than the depth of the tool box and a flash light.

Now with the flash light look in between a set of drawers that run the full width of the box right in the center. Right in the space between.... You will see the drop bar lock mechanism... Basically just keep looking until you find the cam that rotates this bar (from the lock out front) and with your flat bar give it a pry up and you should be able to get the thing to pop open.

Another good trick is to find similar brand keys and with enough wiggling (with the lock being worn in enough) you can usually get them to pop open too.

I acquired an orphan toolbox from my workplace. I don't have a picture of it, otherwise I would show it off. I'm in the process of moving and it is piled with boxes in the front of my trailer. Unfortunately, it is locked and I don't have a key. I'm sure that a locksmith can pick the tubular lock, but I'm curious if I will be able to pick it myself. Any suggestion?

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drill it out, less headaches then picking it. They just replace the lock.

Cabinet locks like these used in toolboxes are a very generic design you can pick up at nearly any box store or locksmith.

When my dad first got dementia and started loosing keys, I became quite proficient at picking regular locks.( I get multiple back up keys now).

Tubular locks are a pain to pick but it can be done. For like $70 there is a picking tool that works quickly on these locks. May not be worth it for one lock, but if you think there may be more locks in the future it may justify the purchace price.

Here is a demonstration of this tool.

Check the laws in your state so you don't get into legal trouble for owning this tool. I understand in some states it is illegal to own lock picking tools without a locksmith license.

Here is a link that show a state by state breakdown of the legality of owning lock picking tools.
http://www.lockwiki.com/index.php/Legal_issues

Hope this helps.

Chris

Last edited: Dec 9, 2012

I'm always a fan of using original hardware. Bring it to a locksmith and have him give it a shot picking it.
The best part is if he is able to pick it, a key can be cut from the pick.
Worst case you can purchase a new cylinder from him and drill out the old one.

By chance if you know the manufacturer of the box and it has a number on it, you may be able to get a replacement key for it.

I make custom lock picks in my shop, and have sold them in the past. I can assure you that any locksmith could have that lock open in under a minute. I can make a pick called a Bogota rake that could have it open in no time as well. Lock picking is one of my hobbies, and as such I can tell you that the lock that you are facing is an easy pick. Either get yourself a tool and try it yourself if you are really interested in learning to pick locks, or take it to someone who does. Once the lock is picked, the core may be removed and a key made to match. Good luck, and feel free to PM me with any questions on it!

Does the lock have a key code number on it? You may be able to order the correct key without help of a locksmith or damaging the lock.

Where are you located, btw?

Just collect all the keys you have laying around and start trying them. I have one key for those kind of locks that will open 6 out of ten that I've come across. Don't give up on a key until you have pushed it in real hard while trying to turn it, pulled it out slightly, pushed it down, lifted it up pushed it left and right and gave it a good jiggle.

Glen

Do you care if it is re-lockable?

I got a nice craftsman box from a buddy. They lost the key an could not get it open and they needed tools out of it.

After fiddling with it for an hour
I turned the box upside down. Locking mechanism slid down, drawers came open. I gave him the 2 tools he wanted, got to keep the rest of the tools and the box
I zip tied the lock mechanism up and still use the box today

I picked mine open in no time.

drill it out, less headaches then picking it. They just replace the lock.

Drill it out and pick up a new lock set for it for $10-$15 and be done with it. It'll be cheaper than getting a locksmith involved.

If this is the fairly std cheepie lock you can pick it with two paper clips...

bend one into a hook to turn the cylinder with.

Use needle nose to bend a short segment of another (one segment straightened) so it is zig zagged.

get the zig zaged one into the lock where the teeth of the key is, and once in wiggle it and move it slightly back and forth while pulling the cylinder to turn it.

The (probably three) plates in there will catch on the edge of the cylinder and once all three are caught it will start to turn, once started you can stop with the wiggler and just turn to to open.

Done

After its open you can remove the lock, take it in and get a key cut, or you can simply replace it, which is probably cheaper than the lock smith.

As the OP stated it's a tubular lock...which like motoys said, can be picked by a locksmith and a key made from the tubular pick. You can drill a tubular lock out, but it won't be fun.

c7fx

Well-known member

Like others have said pick the lock. If your unsure youtube has many videos on how to pick a lock. I just did this with a box I had. We lost the key when we moved. It took maybe 30 seconds and I was in.

As the OP stated it's a tubular lock...which like motoys said, can be picked by a locksmith and a key made from the tubular pick. You can drill a tubular lock out, but it won't be fun.

Use the back of a Bic pen to unlock a tube lock. Works sometimes. Check YouTube for how.

Jim

Pate

Well-known member

HPC (AG-1)sells a specific drill for opening these locks. It makes opening tubular locks much easier. It's not worth buying for the average guy @ $36.99. Just go at it with a regular bit. The risk is drilling it too deep and knocking off the tail. If it's a standard cam lock thats ideal, if it's connected to linkage then you're screwed.

Thanks all for the replies. I'm in the middle of moving and the box is in the middle of a trailer right now. I'll take a peek at the lock when I'm in my new house Thursday and determine if there is a number on the cylinder. I'll keep you posted.

I thought it... but was afraid to say it...

Step 1: Call Geraldo and tell him you've found Al Capone's tool chest.
Step 2: Call Discovery Channel
Step 3: Get reality show for opening of toolbox

Box will be opened for you and you'll have a couple of bucks in your pocket.

All the good and constructive advice has already been given.

Just turn the box upside down and the draws should open.Then just remove and replaace the lock.

I got a Kennedy box the same way,Mcmaster carr had the exact same lock.

I think I drilled it,took about two minutes.

We used to try each others Kennedy keys like was mentioned and a lot of them would open multiple boxes.

The tool box was no match for my drill. Got the lock out and the box open. I'll probably replace the lock with a new one.

Congrats on defeating the lock. Nice looking box.

Last edited: Dec 16, 2012

Definitely a nice box considering I got it for free.

Definitely a nice box considering I got it for free.

BTW, you suck.

Can a locksmith get into a tool box?

Start by calling a locksmith. Some toolboxes have numbers on the bottom or outside that correspond with a type of key. If you can provide proof of ownership to a locksmith, they may be able to give you a new key or create a new key.

Where do I find my tool box key code?

There are a couple different ways to find the lock code for your box. If you still have one of the keys that came with the box, the lock code will be etched on one side. The other would be to look at the external lock cylinder where you insert the key.