The main benefit of using cabinet locks on file cabinets is security. You may instinctively know that commercial filing cabinet security is a no-brainer, but for filing cabinets in your own home? Why?

Well, think about the kinds of information you keep in those cabinets: insurance documents, medical exam reports, tax records, bank statements, maybe even some work-at-home business projects. These are all things that are best kept private. Safe locks on your cabinets allow you to do just that.

You may not need to protect this information from your own family, but think of the party guests, for example. When you have multiple guests running around your house during a party, it’s impossible to know where everyone is and what they’re doing.

Everyone has someone in their life who is too nosy for their own good, or yours for that matter. This is the ‘friend’ who checks your medicine cabinet every time he uses the bathroom and has to know why you have that tube or whatever for athlete’s foot. He wasn’t there a week ago. Yes of course.

I once had a party where I found out that my bosses’ wives had locked themselves in my room and gone through my jewelry boxes and dresser drawers.

These are the types of people that home file cabinet locks are designed to protect you from.

Some locks are more effective at protecting your confidential documents than others. Key locks seem to be the most popular type. There are many different types and styles available.

Locking systems are usually built into the cabinet during the manufacturing process, but they won’t work if you don’t lock them. There are basically two types of cabinet locks: keyed and keyless. When you purchase your file, consider whether it would be easier for you to keep track of an extra key or remember a lock combination. You can always write down the combination and keep it in a safe place.

No file cabinet lock is 100% guaranteed to keep out someone who is determined to break in, but they are usually adequate for repelling your run-of-the-mill nosy Nelly.

Another benefit of using cabinet locks on file cabinets in your home 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 it is necessary to replace the lock on a filing cabinet. If they are not installed correctly, they will not provide the security you are looking for. It is recommended that you seek professional help when replacing cabinet locks.