If you’ve been holding onto an antique trunk or inherited one, the last thing you want to do is damage it. But how can you look at what’s inside if you don’t have a key? There are options!

Getting back into your antique trunk starts with understanding what kind of lock you have.

Warded locks are the most common trunk locks – they are also the least complex to unlock. A warded lock has rectangular grooves and a rounded shaft. To unlock this, you will need a special warded lock pick set or you can contact a locksmith for quicker assistance.

In some rare instances, a trunk can also have a pin tumbler lock. This is generally when a modern trunk has been refurbished to look like an antique trunk. You can identify one of these locks by peering inside it. If you can see pins, you have a pin tumbler lock. Unfortunately, these can be slightly more difficult to open, and you will need to know how to pick a lock.

A locksmith can help you pick an antique trunk lock and assist you with the creation of new keys. However, if you are planning to refurbish your trunk, the person assisting you might be able to help you with the lock anyway. They will either know how to pick it without damaging it or replace it completely – the choice is yours.