The main benefit of using cabinet locks on filing cabinets is security. You may instinctively know that security for commercial filing cabinets is a no-brainer, but for filing cabinets in your own home? … Because?
Well, think about the types of information you keep in those cabinets: insurance documents, medical exam reports, tax records, bank statements, maybe even some work-from-home business projects. These are all things that are best kept private. The secure locks on your cabinets allow you to do just that.
You may not have to protect this information from your own family, but think of the party guests, for example. When there are multiple guests in the house during a party, it is impossible to know where everyone is and what they are doing.
Everyone has someone in their life who is too nosy for their own good, or yours. This is the ‘buddy’ who checks your medicine cabinet every time he uses the bathroom and has to know why you have that tube of whatever for athlete’s foot. Wasn’t there a week ago. Yeah right.
I once had a party where I discovered that my bosses’ wives had locked themselves in my room and went through what was in my jewelry boxes and my dresser drawers.
These are the types of people home filing cabinet locks are designed to protect you from.
Some locks are more effective at protecting your confidential documents than others. Keyed padlocks seem to be the most popular type. There are many different types and styles available.
Locking systems are generally built into the cabinet during the manufacturing process, but will not work if you do not lock them. There are basically two types of cabinet locks: keyed and keyless. When purchasing your file, consider whether it would be easier for you to keep track of an additional key or to remember the combination of a padlock. You can always write down the combination and keep it in a safe place.
No filing cabinet latch is 100% guaranteed to keep someone determined to break in out, but they are generally adequate to repel your nosy, ordinary Nelly.
Another benefit of using cabinet locks on your home filing cabinets is security. If you have small children or pets in your home, keeping them safe is a big concern. Locking your cabinets allows you to eliminate the temptation of inquisitive little hands.
Sometimes the lock on a filing cabinet needs to be replaced. If they are installed incorrectly, they will not provide the security you are looking for. It is recommended that you seek professional help when replacing cabinet locks.