Help! Lost Key To Harbor Freight Wood Toolbox

[mbankirer]

 

I successfully converted this tool box sometime ago, because of posts here!

In my recent move, after carefully wrapping pens and inks and locking the box, I, of course, misplaced the key to the main door!

Harbor Freight does not have any replacement keys. The main lock is not one that is easily 'picked'...the whole thing was under $100 ($79.99 for the box, and about $10 for inserts)...do I need to get a locksmith? Which will be more than cost of the case...

[PaganArcher]

How isn't it easily picked? Admittedly, I pick something similar rather often as I never had the key to begin with when it was handed down.

[mbankirer]

My husband did happen to get it open! No money on locksmith!

[FOUR X FOUR]

How isn't it easily picked? Admittedly, I pick something similar rather often as I never had the key to begin with when it was handed down.

SURE.

[FOUR X FOUR]

image.jpeg

I successfully converted this tool box sometime ago, because of posts here!

In my recent move, after carefully wrapping pens and inks and locking the box, I, of course, misplaced the key to the main door!

Harbor Freight does not have any replacement keys. The main lock is not one that is easily 'picked'...the whole thing was under $100 ($79.99 for the box, and about $10 for inserts)...do I need to get a locksmith? Which will be more than cost of the case...

I'll send you set for a 4.5 oz bottle of Noodlers BayStateBlue

[FOUR X FOUR]

I think you were offended by my offer. I wouldn't charge some one a 4.5 oz bottle of ink for a silly little key. However, if you'd have responded with something like, How about a 3oz bottle, I would have already sent you a free set.

 

Some regards

Allan😃😃😃

[Stylo_dOr]

image.jpeg

 

I successfully converted this tool box sometime ago, because of posts here!

In my recent move, after carefully wrapping pens and inks and locking the box, I, of course, misplaced the key to the main door!

Harbor Freight does not have any replacement keys. The main lock is not one that is easily 'picked'...the whole thing was under $100 ($79.99 for the box, and about $10 for inserts)...do I need to get a locksmith? Which will be more than cost of the case...

I am a Harbor Freight junkie and happen to have the exact same tool box. Great tool box for the money too. I love mine. Unfortunately, you may have a bit of a pickle regarding your missing key(s). The two keys that came with my tool box are serial numbered and are complex keyed, just like the keying on the key for your front door. However, knowing Harbor Freight (made in China), there may be a glimmer of hope. My serial number is 408 and perhaps...just perhaps...all those tool boxes may have the same serial number. This is definitely a long shot, but you never know. My suggestion is to go back to Harbor Freight, find the same tool box, and look at the serial number on the set of keys. If you're lucky, they're all numbered 408. If not, well...ask the store what they suggest about ordering a new lock. Anyways, the lock itself can be drilled out...carefully. Use a set of cobalt or nitrile drill bits and start with a small diameter and start working your way up in diameter sizes until the locking latch on the back of the lock swings loose. You may have to wiggle the door along the way in order to get that latch to swing loose. If you do it carefully and patiently, you should be able to open your tool box in no time.

 

Regards,

 

Stylo_dOr

[bogiesan]

Now that you have it open, remove the lock and replace with a simple rotating knob.

[JessLJessup]

Can I ask a side question? Do short ink bottles or samples fit in those drawers?

 

Jess

[FredRydr]

Just be careful what you store in these boxes that come from Asia, since they're notorious for infestations of celluloid weevils.

 

Fred

[FOUR X FOUR]

Can I ask a side question? Do short ink bottles or samples fit in those drawers?

Jess

It would have to be a very shallow/small bottle. However, in the very top, you can put bottles the size of 3 oz Noodlers.