| For many consumers, a filing cabinet doubles as a | | | | system that locks all drawers or just one, depending |
| convenient and accessible form of vault. Filing cabinets | | | | on how the locking bolt is turned. Some systems lock |
| may lack the inch-thick steel and complex security | | | | one drawer only, so it's always a good idea to ask |
| locks of a storage safe, but for the casual user, a | | | | your supplier about these details before you buy. |
| good filing cabinet should have all the security and | | | | You may also want to inquire about filing cabinets set |
| protective features you'll need in the day-to-day | | | | in old-fashioned furniture styles, such as those of the |
| workings of your office. | | | | Victorian era. These cabinets may feature classic-style |
| The first and foremost security feature of a filing | | | | escutcheons and keyholes. In the old days, these |
| cabinet is the lock. The vast majority of filing cabinets | | | | keyholes were made for warded locks, commonly |
| feature pin tumbler locks, either in standard or tubular | | | | seen in historical films with the accompanying skeleton |
| form. Standard pin tumblers are the locks you see | | | | keys. Nowadays they're obsolete and very rare. On |
| every day in doors and cabinets. Tubular locks, with | | | | modern furniture, these keyholes are merely |
| their small stubby keys, are more common on bike | | | | decorative, without any security function at all. Buying a |
| locks, smaller cabinets and, yes, filing cabinets. | | | | Victorian-style cabinet may get you stuck with a |
| These two types work much the same, without much | | | | good-looking yet vulnerable piece of furniture, so if |
| difference in security, though the specifics vary by | | | | you're not sure, ask! |
| manufacturer. No filing cabinet lock is one hundred | | | | The locks described here aren't the only options - |
| percent secure from a dedicated lockpick, but to keep | | | | they're just the most common. Many cabinets feature |
| the casual snooper out of your business, a functioning | | | | systems such as combination locks and even various |
| lock is a vital component. Most filing cabinets these | | | | kinds of electronic lock, all with varying features and |
| days are lockable with one of the two systems | | | | security functions. Many filing cabinet retailers have |
| mentioned above, but some brands are available either | | | | different types of lock options available, enabling you to |
| with or without locks, so you should always | | | | choose the lock that's right for your needs and have it |
| double-check before purchasing. | | | | installed on a specific model of cabinet. |
| As well, many office filing cabinets feature a single-lock | | | | |