IKEA GALANT file cabinet locks are generally very reliable, but there are a few reasons why they might not work correctly.
If the key is not inserted correctly, the lock is jammed, the key is worn down, or the tumblers are dirty or jammed, the lock may not work correctly.
Let’s go over a few common reasons why the IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock stops working and how you can fix it.
Fixing IKEA GALANT File Cabinet Lock Not Working
- Front and Back Reversed
The front and back of the IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock are reversed. People make this common mistake when they first get their file cabinets.
The key needs to be inserted into the lock from the back, not the front.
If you insert the key into the lock from the front, it will not work, no matter how many times you try.
- Recover the Combination
The IKEA GALANT file cabinet has a combination lock, which means you can set your own combination. If you forget the combination, there is a way to recover it.
On the back of the file cabinet, there is a small hole. Take a paperclip and insert it into the hole.
The paperclip will reset the combination back to default, which is 0-0-0. Use the tip of a knife or a key to turn the paperclip.
- Slide and Press the Numbers
Press down on the buttons and slide them to the correct numbers. The buttons are very sensitive, so you must press down on them while you’re sliding them.
Once you’ve set the combination, turn the knob to the left and open the door. This hack is said to work most of the time.
- Key Not Inserted Correctly
The IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock may not work because the key is not inserted correctly. Try inserting the key again and turning it to the left.
To ensure you’re inserting the key correctly, consider looking at the IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock from the side to see how the key should be oriented when inserted.
If the key is inserted correctly and the lock still does not work, there are a few other things you try, as mentioned below.
- Lock Is Jammed
The file cabinet will not unlock if the lock is jammed. If this is the case, you’ll need to use a paperclip or another thin object to push the locking mechanism back.
Once the locking mechanism is back in place, you should be able to remove the key and insert it again.
To avoid this issue in the future, make sure you’re not overstuffing your file cabinet beyond its capacity.
- Key Is Worn Down
If the key is worn down, it will no longer work correctly. In this case, you’ll need to get a new key from IKEA. A major reason why the key gets worn down is that it’s not cut correctly, and all the teeth don’t fit into the tumblers inside the lock.
If you’re having trouble removing the old key or inserting the new one, you can always take the file cabinet to a locksmith and have them do it for you.
- Tumblers Are Dirty or Jammed.
If the tumblers are dirty or jammed, the IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock will not work correctly. You can use compressed air to blow out any dirt or debris to clean the tumblers.
If the tumblers are jammed, you’ll need to use needle-nose pliers to remove the jammed tumbler.
Once you’ve removed the jammed tumbler, consider inserting the key and turning it to the left to unlock the file cabinet.
If the tumblers inside the IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock are dirty or jammed, you’ll have to clean them. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the tumblers.
If the tumblers are jammed, you’ll need to use a paperclip or other thin object to push them back into place.
- Damaged Key
Another reason the IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock may not work is that the key is damaged. Check to see if the teeth on the key are broken or bent. If so, you will need to get a new key from IKEA.
- Wrong Key Being Used
The IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock may not work because the wrong key is used. Check to ensure that the right key is inserted into the lock.
To ensure you use the right key, look at the IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock from the side to see how the key should be oriented when inserted. You can try using a different key if you’re still having trouble.
- Dirty or Damaged Lock
The IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock may not work because the lock is dirty or damaged. First, try cleaning the lock with a moist cloth to fix this. If the lock does not work, it may need to be replaced.
- Faulty Lock Mechanism
There’s a possibility that the IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock itself is defective. The file cabinet lock will not work if the lock mechanism is faulty. In this case, you’ll need to contact IKEA customer service to Get a replacement.
You’ll need your IKEA receipt and the lock’s serial number to claim a replacement.
- Faulty Locking Bar or Cabinet
if everything is working properly other than the bottom drawer, which is not locking, there may be a mistake in either the locking bar or the locking bracket on the bottom drawer.
One of the potential issues would have been if the front and back were reversed for the bracket, then the bracket for the lock would have been in the back rather than the front, and the lock would not work.
It is important to lock the bracket on the side of the drawer securely and in the right place. You Also take out the IKEA GALANT’s top drawer and lock the unit you can see. The locking bar is supposed to move up and down.
- The locking bar is not properly connected.
The IKEA GALANT’s top drawer must be locked for the locking mechanism to be properly engaged. Check to see that no part of the locking bar is bent. If it is, then the IKEA GALANT will not lock. The locking bar must be able to move up and down freely.
If the IKEA GALANT still does not lock, there may be an issue with the locking bracket on the bottom drawer. The bracket may not be properly secured to the cabinet.
Ensure that the screws on the locking bracket are tightened securely. If they are loose, then tighten them with a screwdriver.
Have a look that the bracket is not bent. If it is, then the IKEA GALANT will not lock. The bracket must be in the correct position for the lock to work properly.
The locking bar should slide up and down and be able to catch on the drawer when it is locked. If the top drawer is taken out and you activate the lock, you need to see if the bar moves up and down.
It is not connected properly if it’s not moving up and down.
If the bar is moving correctly, then there is the possibility that it’s just not catching it. In such a scenario, you need to open and close it while you watch how the bar is moving and see why it’s not catching.
- Jam the Lock
If you’re still having trouble, you can try jamming the lock. This will usually work if the lock isn’t working because the key is not inserted correctly or the tumblers are dirty or jammed.
To jam the lock, insert a piece of paper into the keyhole and wiggle it around. This will usually dislodge the key and allow you to insert it correctly.
- Replace the Lock
If you’ve tried all these solutions and the lock isn’t working, you may need to replace it. IKEA sells replacement locks for the GALANT file cabinet. You can also find aftermarket locks that will work with the file cabinet.
To prevent this issue:
- Regularly check that the screws are tight on the locking bracket.
- Check that the bracket is not bent and is in the correct position.
- Ensure that the locking bar can move up and down freely.
- If you notice any issues, contact IKEA customer service for assistance.
To Sum it Up:
If the IKEA GALANT file cabinet lock is not working, it may be due to the wrong key being used, the lock is dirty or damaged, or a faulty lock mechanism.
You can try cleaning the lock or replacing it if necessary. If the issue is with the locking bar or cabinet, ensure everything is properly secured and aligned. You can also contact IKEA customer service for assistance.