More on Desk Keys

If you’re looking for a desk key., the chances are you’ve either lost the one you had, or you’ve obtained a lockable desk without its key. Maybe the drawers are locked; maybe they aren’t. Worry not; you don’t have to donate the desk to the municipal tip just yet.

The majority of desk keys fall into two categories, cam lock keys and pedestal keys. Cam locks turn a single bar (cam) perpendicular to the barrel that locks across the inside edge of the furniture. Pedestal locks have a peg which slots into the furniture in the same direction as the barrel; this then turns a cam which lifts and lowers a bar running the height of the pedestal, locking and unlocking all the drawers at once.

Keys for both these types of lock will probably be short in length, with teeth most of the length of the blade. They are also most likely to be one sided; the top edge flat and the bottom edge with teeth, although some manufacturers use double sided keys for their desks (where both edges have teeth).

Neither of these types of lock are extremely secure; there are ways in which a reasonably determined person, or someone ‘in the know’ would be able to unlock them without a key; however they are enough to deter a passing opportunist from removing valuables, important papers etc.

Obtaining replacement keys will be easy as in most cases manufacturers stamp a code on the barrel face to indicate type, manufacturer and cut, which you can give to us. This should be a five digit number, although you may find only three or four. Sometimes manufacturers do not stamp the lock with the key series; only with the ‘differ number’ which denotes the cut. If this is the case, you should give us notes of the following:

• manufacturer of the desk & or lock

• a photograph of the lock or key

• where the three digit number is stamped

• (draw a basic diagram showing the outside edge of the barrel, the keyhole and write the numbers on to match their location on the original). For more information on how to obtain the correct key number take a look at our useful guides on the FAS's page.

You may also find that some stamped codes on locks may have worn off over time. In this case, you may be able to do a pencil rubbing (lay a piece of paper over the lock barrel and rub with the edge of the pencil tip), or paint whiteout over the worn out number. Rub off the excess whiteout and the remainder should be left in the grooves of the number.

We will be able to supply you with your newly cut keys within a few short days, provided you have given them all the information we need for . We also guarantee to send you your requested order on the same day, should you order by 3pm.