I've lost the only key...

[Inrealtroublenow]

To the laptop cabinet in the office. All our laptops are stored in there. Feel sick at having to admit that to boss tomorrow. Looked everywhere in office/ home/ coat/ bag. I was the only one in yesterday and today so it's definitely me and not anyone else. Was told when I started (relatively recently) to protect key with my life because it's the only copy.

[quote AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair]@starfishmummy it must be obvious but I can't think how she locked the filing cabinets if there weren't any keys [/quote]
Google tells me they are called push locks. You just push a plunger in to lock and only need the key for opening - the plunger pops out and stays out until deliberately pushed back in. Used to be pretty common on filing cabinets.

YY to retrace your steps, even in your mind, to work out when you last had the key in your hand.

Meanwhile, are there any janitorial / security staff around, who might have a spare key.

They will want to know the three or four digit number on the lock.

Any site with multiple filing cabinets will only have a few different numbered locks. Get everyone to check their keys, someone most likely has a key to a different cabinet with the same lock number.

Meanwhile, if it's a standard filing cabinet, lay the cabinets down on its side, to expose the base. Fiddle with the long rod that goes down to the base and you will most likely be able to pop out the lock.

Some tips from someone who has don't this many, many times. I promise, in years to come you will laugh about this.

All the best xx

Thanks @starfishmummy, I've worked in a lot of offices and have never seen that type of lock, only ever standard keys that all look the same

I'm picturing the special laptop type cabinet on wheels here rather than the standard document type. If it is that I don't think you'll be able to turn it on its side or anything

Any news OP?

St. Anthony and promise ( and give ) a £10 to charity.
🤞

Keys have been found! In my DS shoe of all places. I've now told my boss that we are getting copies made. Thank you everyone

@Inrealtroublenow

Keys have been found! In my DS shoe of all places. I've now told my boss that we are getting copies made. Thank you everyone

Omg haha

You know, I SO nearly posted "Look in shoes" because it's a favourite hatch for children 😂

Happy for you

That's great OP

Ds's shoe?

Hang on, back track a bit OP. Where was ds's shoe? You need to give us a bit more detail, so we can enjoy this a bit more. How did that happen?

So you picked your son up from school and took him to your mums house, whee, presumably he took his shoes off and the key somehow fell off you into the shoe? Did he stay there overnight hence only finding the key when he went to put his shoes back on this morning?

I'm relieved for you OP!

Now speak to your boss and ensure you get copies cut of any keys which are important and single.

Years ago I had an issue where my bag was stolen with work door keys (had to lock up if boss wasn't around) and got a slight earbashing off my boss - he did have replacements - I told him - 'Do you really think I enjoyed having my bag stolen and having to replace everything in it?' - bag wasn't ever found.

Tell boss he needs to have a keysafe installed, there is no point locking valuables away then hanging the key in full view, it may invalidate any insurance claim.

@Inrealtroublenow

Keys have been found! In my DS shoe of all places. I've now told my boss that we are getting copies made. Thank you everyone

Oh my god we once found a hotel key card in our toddler DS’ shoe (lost while we were packing up the room to leave and fly home - he had put it in there entertaining himself!) and we found it several days and 1000s of miles later! Glad it’s not just us 😂😂 and that you found the key.

Under the cabinet...or coat pocket

Ooops late to the party

Thanks St. Anthony.

I'm so glad they've been found. I was so invested in this thread I even dreamt about it last night.

That's brilliant. I once found a spider in my shoe

Tony is a star and yay for finding them. Enjoy the relief feeling, it's a good emotion to have...

That’s brilliant news!

That’s flipping marvellous!!
I know it’s a bit late but I’ve just seen this on Facebook

Woohoo! Did you find them in time for work today?

Glad to hear this. Sadly, I'm still looking in vain for my bicycle keys (I kept both of them on one chain, like a complete idiot) and have now bought a metal drill head in order to destroy my own bicycle lock. That'll be fun... wish me luck.