File Cabinet & Desk Locks

Standard wafer locks are the most common file cabinet locks - simple, cheap, and minimally secure. These are what most office furniture ships with. They use flat wafers instead of pins, which makes them vulnerable to picking, bumping, and even manipulation with bent paperclips. We can service these locks, but if security matters, we recommend upgrading.

Plunger locks (also called push locks) are common on desk drawers. You push the lock to secure and use a key to unlock. These provide convenience but limited security - the mechanisms are simple and often vulnerable to bypass.

Cam locks are the most versatile option for file cabinets. They use a rotating cam mechanism and can be fitted with various security levels from basic wafer cylinders to high-security pin tumbler cylinders. Upgrading from a wafer cam lock to a pin tumbler cam lock dramatically improves security.

Medeco, Abloy, and other high-security locks offer the highest protection but at premium prices. These feature patented keyways, pick-resistant designs, and key control (keys can only be duplicated through authorized channels). For cabinets containing highly sensitive information, these locks are worth the investment.

Electronic locks are emerging for high-security applications. These provide audit trails (who accessed the cabinet when), no physical keys to lose, and easy code changes when employees leave. Initial cost is higher, but operational benefits may justify it for regulated industries.

Rekeying changes the internal wafers or pins so that old keys no longer work and new keys are required. This is usually the most cost-effective solution when locks are functioning properly but key control has been compromised. We remove the lock cylinder, replace the wafers or pins, and provide new keys - typically $35-50 per lock.

Replacement makes sense when locks are damaged, worn, or inadequate for security needs. If you're upgrading from cheap wafer locks to pin tumbler cylinders, or adding high-security locks, replacement is necessary. Replacement costs more - typically $50-100 per lock including the new hardware - but provides a fresh start with better security.

Keyed-alike service is popular for offices with multiple cabinets. Rather than juggling different keys for every file cabinet, we can key multiple locks to work with the same key. This works for both rekeying and replacement - specify which cabinets should share keys, and we'll set them up accordingly.

Master key systems extend this concept further. Individual employees get keys that work only on specific cabinets, while supervisors or security personnel get master keys that open all cabinets in the system. This provides both convenience and access control. We design and implement master key systems for office furniture that integrate with your existing door locks if desired.

When you're locked out of a file cabinet containing documents you need immediately, we provide same-day emergency service. Our technicians carry tools and common replacement parts to handle most file cabinet lock situations on the first visit. For less urgent needs, we can schedule service around your office hours to minimize disruption.

File cabinet lock service in Austin typically runs $35-100 per lock depending on service type. Simple unlock service when you're locked out starts around $35. Rekeying runs $35-50 per lock. Lock replacement varies based on the hardware chosen - basic cam locks around $50-75 installed, high-security options $100+.

For offices with multiple file cabinets, we offer quantity pricing. Rekeying ten cabinets costs less per unit than rekeying one. If you're doing a comprehensive office security upgrade, bundling file cabinet work with door lock service often makes economic sense.

We work with property management companies, office managers, and IT departments throughout Austin. Whether you need a single desk drawer unlocked or a systematic upgrade of your entire office's document security, we provide professional service that respects your business environment.