Opening vintage cabinets with "stuck" keys
+5
I have two antique cabinets- both with skelton keys stuck in the locks. They both worked recently but they are now stuck. I am moving the keys a bit but cannot unlock either cabinet. Any diy suggestions? Thank you in advance.
8 answers
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A very strong magnet?
![Rachel Draper]()
Rachel Draper
on Jan 18, 2016
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wd 40
![Bob]()
Bob
on Jan 18, 2016
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If you have any oil handy put on a Q-tip and insert into the area where the keys are.
![Janet Pizaro]()
Janet Pizaro
on Jan 18, 2016
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Try a blow dryer to heat up the lock...after a little wd-40. The key should be thicker than the lock, and should heat up slower than the lock.!
![Lalybelle]()
Lalybelle
on Jan 18, 2016
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Is it dry where they are located or damp? Humidity could have something to do with it. Try spraying a little graphite in the lock and try it then.
![Kay]()
Kay
on Jan 18, 2016
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I would get a puffer bottle of powdered graphite. It's a wonderful dry lubricant for things like that. Oil or WD40 could damage the wood finish. You might call a locksmith for advice. Please let us know what works!
![Joan]()
Joan
on Jan 18, 2016
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Wonderful as WD40 is I was told not to use it on locks as dust can get trapped in it, etc. I was told to buy a liquid graphite product for locks. It has a tiny tube and you spray it in. Solved my problem with sticky locks I couldn't open.
![Marion Nesbitt]()
Marion Nesbitt
on Jan 19, 2016
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I have never heard of dry graphite but found it on a big box hardware store website. I'll get some and let you know how it works. thanks for the great suggestions!
![Lisa Cosentino Wattley]()
Lisa Cosentino Wattley
on Feb 07, 2016
Rachel Draper
on Jan 18, 2016
Bob
on Jan 18, 2016
Lalybelle
on Jan 18, 2016
Kay
on Jan 18, 2016
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