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