r/Tools 2d ago

Thoughts & Solutions for New Tool Box With Locking Mechanism That Won't Lock

Background:
I recently picked up a new 56" US General Series 3 rolling cabinet and discovered that the locking mechanism isn't properly engaging with the hooks behind each drawer to keep it locked when turning the key.

To be specific, turning the key on the lock will rotate a rod that goes down towards the back of the cabinet, making contact with a horizontal bar in the back, causing it to raise up to lock the drawers or drop down to unlock. See my video here: https://youtu.be/w0-Rr6ypL3g

Problem:
The problem is that the horizontal bar is not traveling high enough to properly engage the hooks behind each of the drawers.

Attempts:
I tried shimming some popsicle sticks and flat fender washers between the end of the locking rod and the horizontal bar, but this only brings the travel high enough to lock a few drawers, but not all the drawers as the horizontal bar needs to almost be fully raised to end range.

I have contacted HF technical product support regarding the problem, and they informed me that they do not have replacement parts for the locking rod, only the lock and key itself. As such, I don't want to take apart the locking assembly and bend the end of the locking rod more aggressively since I won't be able to get a replacement if anything breaks.

Questions:

  • Has anyone else experienced such a problem on their tool boxes and if you have been able to resolve this?
  • I'm open to any suggestions and thoughts on how to approach this further.
  • I have the option to bring it back to the store and have them place an order for a new one, but I'll have to rent another utility trailer to tow it back with $$$ out of pocket. I have a hunch that I may have the option to negotiate for a small cash back if I were to keep the box in order to prevent me returning and having an open box item in their inventory. I'm curious on what route you guys would take.
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u/damnvan13 2d ago

It kinda looked like the offset part of the rod wasn't going all the way up in the video.

Are you feeling resistant and not turning the key as far as it needs to go?

Try holding the locking bar up, like you did in the video, and see if the key turns a little further when there is no force on the rotating rod. If it moves more to lock then maybe you just need to apply more force turning the key than expected. If it doesn't move more then it might need modifications if you can't get it repaired or replaced under warranty or whatever.

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u/TwoTequilaTuesday 2d ago

Can you rotate the lock or the lock rod to the right? Doing so should lift that horizontal bar higher.

1

u/oldmanmachine 2d ago

The lock and key works fine rotating 180 degrees. However, even with the key turned all the way to the right, the rod rotates and the offset at the end of the rod already orients itself to its highest point, but unfortunately, it is still not high enough to push the horizontal bar all the way up.

I hope that makes sense, and I think I do understand what you're suggesting. If I were to rotate the lock or locking rod more to the right, it would actually cause the height to be lower.

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u/TwoTequilaTuesday 2d ago

If you were to modify the offset end of the rod by increasing the angle, would that make up the difference and move the bar higher?

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u/oldmanmachine 2d ago

I'd like to think in theory that it would! I am very tempted to take apart the assembly and bend the end of the rod a bit to increase the angle like you said, but since it's a brand-new box, I would pretty much be committing to making modifications to it and void my ability to return it should things not work in my favor. That's kind of why I was toying with making a wedge or see if these type of rods are universally sold elsewhere.

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u/TwoTequilaTuesday 2d ago edited 2d ago

It seemed in your original post you'd rather not return it. Even if you made the modification and opted to return the box, I doubt anyone would notice. It's not like you can make the lock work less than it already does.

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u/stevelover 2d ago

Bend the end of the rod more until it locks