How to Open a Kimberly-Clark Paper Towel Dispenser Without a Key: A Practical Guide from Someone Who’s Broken Their Fair Share

Why This Happens (And How I Learned the Hard Way)

When I first started managing supply for event venues, I assumed every dispenser came with a clearly labeled key that was stored in a logical place. (Surprise, surprise.) It took losing a $12,000 event placement because a vendor couldn’t refill the towels to understand how critical a $2 piece of plastic is. The locks are there for a reason: to prevent theft and to ensure proper installation. But a lost key shouldn’t shut down a restroom.

During our busiest season in 2023, we had a client call at 6 AM needing a dispenser opened for a 9 AM conference kickoff. Normal turnaround for a replacement key from Kimberly-Clark is a few days. We tried the bent paperclip method. It worked (ugh, finally!) but we cracked the housing. The client was furious, but the alternative was zero towels for 500 attendees. I still kick myself for not having a backup key strategy in place.

Method 1: The Bent Paperclip (The Go-To Emergency Method)

This works on the vast majority of Scott and Kleenex standard dispensers with a basic pin-and-tumbler or simple cam lock. Here’s the process (based on about 15 successful attempts and 2 failures on my part):

1. Get a medium-sized paperclip. Unfold it so you have a long straight section, then bend the last quarter-inch into a small hook (about 90 degrees).
2. Look for the small release hole or the edge of the lock cylinder. Most Kimberly-Clark dispensers (like the Scott C-Fold or Roll Towel models) have a small access hole on the bottom or side of the lock mechanism. (It’s not a keyhole for the key; it’s a secondary release.) Insert your hook.
3. Gently probe for a spring-loaded tab or latch. You’ll feel resistance. Push the tab inward or upward while applying light pressure to the front of the dispenser cover. It should pop open with a click.
4. If you don’t feel a tab, you might have a cam lock. In that case, insert the hook into the keyhole, turn it gently like a key while pulling outward.

Risk: A bent paperclip is not as strong as the actual key. If you apply too much torque, you can snap the clip inside the lock (note to self: always have a spare paperclip). More importantly, forceful probing can scratch or crack the plastic. About 1 in 10 times I’ve seen a hairline crack form around the lock area. (Thankfully, that dispenser still functioned, but it looked unprofessional.)

Method 2: The Small Flathead Screwdriver (Higher Risk, Higher Success)

I used this for a large-scale project in 48 hours. The client had a Kimberly-Clark center-pull dispenser, and the paperclip method failed (the lock was seized). A small, precision flathead screwdriver (1.5mm or 2mm wide) can work as a better lever.

How it works: Insert the tip into the keyhole or release slot. Use a gentle twisting motion as if turning a key. This gives you more torque. However, it also applies significantly more stress to the lock housing. I’ve seen this method crack the housing on two separate occasions. Is it worth it? For a $1,500 project that hinged on a clean restroom? Yes. For a routine refill? Absolutely not.

Method 3: The ‘Call the Maintenance Department’ (The Only Right Answer)

Here’s my opinion, and it’s based on tracking costs across 47 rush orders last quarter alone: the total cost of breaking a dispenser with a DIY method is almost always higher than the cost of having your building’s maintenance team cut the lock or order a new key.

Let me break it down. A standard Kimberly-Clark dispenser costs around $30-60 (based on quotes from major suppliers, January 2025; verify current pricing). Replacing a cracked housing will cost you time, the cost of a new dispenser, and the labor to install it. You might think you’re saving $10 and 10 minutes by not dealing with maintenance. But if that crack turns into a full break, you’re out $80 and a lot of frustration. I’ve seen it happen. (I’ve done it.)

When NOT to Try These Methods

This gets into territory that’s not my expertise, but I’ve learned the hard way. Do not attempt these methods on:

• High-security dispensers (e.g., Kimberly-Clark’s Tork or some industrial models with tamper-proof locks). These have anti-pick mechanisms, and forcing them will almost certainly break the unit.
• Dispensers under warranty. If the unit is less than a year old, tampering with the lock might void your warranty. The manufacturer can tell if the plastic was stressed.
• If you’re in a rental or leased property. The property manager’s maintenance will usually have a master key. Using a tool is a last resort for a reason.

Real talk: The best solution is to order two replacement keys from Kimberly-Clark when you first buy the dispenser. Keep one in the janitor’s closet and one on a key ring for the shift lead. It’s a $2 investment to avoid a $60 headache.

Bottom Line

A paperclip works in a pinch. A screwdriver works when you need more force. But neither is a long-term strategy. In my experience, the only time I’d use these methods over the official lost-key protocol is when a deadline is measured in hours, not days.

And between you and me, the best “tool” is a small pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the paperclip. (Mental note: buy a spare set for the truck.)

Prices and methods are for general reference. Always verify current regulations and warranty terms for your specific dispenser model.