Picking a lock is a useful skill to have, but sometimes it’s simply not possible. In these cases, you may need to resort to drilling out the lock. This is a more destructive method, but it’s often the only way to open a lock without the key. Drilling out a lock is not as difficult as it may seem, but it does require some patience and the right tools. Moreover, it’s important to take precautions to avoid damaging the surrounding area. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to drill out a lock, as well as some tips for doing so safely and effectively.
Before you begin, you will need to gather the following tools: a drill, drill bits of various sizes, safety glasses, a center punch, and a hammer. Once you have all of your tools, you can begin the process of drilling out the lock. First, put on your safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Then, use the center punch to mark the center of the lock cylinder. This will give you a guide for drilling. Next, select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the lock cylinder. Start drilling slowly and carefully, applying gentle pressure. Once you have drilled a hole through the lock cylinder, you can use a larger drill bit to widen the hole. Continue drilling until you have drilled through the entire lock cylinder. Finally, use a screwdriver or other tool to remove the lock cylinder from the lock body.
Drilling out a lock can be a challenging task, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively drill out a lock without damaging the surrounding area. However, it is important to note that drilling out a lock is a destructive method, and it should only be used as a last resort. If you are not comfortable drilling out a lock yourself, you can always call a locksmith to do it for you. Nonetheless, If you are successful in drilling out the lock, you will be able to open it without the key. This can be a useful skill to have in case you ever lose your keys or if you need to open a lock that has been damaged.
Gathering Essential Tools
Before embarking on the task of drilling out a lock, it is imperative to gather the necessary tools. These include:
1. Drill and Bits
Choose a drill with sufficient power for the task at hand, such as a corded or cordless drill with a variable speed setting. As for drill bits, you will need a set capable of drilling through the lock’s metal components, such as carbide-tipped drill bits. Remember to include bits of varying sizes, ranging from small to large, to accommodate different lock sizes and security features.
Create a table with the following information:
| Drill Bit Size | Use |
|—|—|
| 1/16 inch | Pilot hole |
| 1/8 inch | Drilling through pin chambers |
| 3/16 inch | Removing the lock cylinder |
Securing the Lock
Before drilling, it’s crucial to secure the lock firmly in place to prevent it from moving and causing inaccurate drilling. Stabilizing the lock ensures precise drilling and prevents damage to the drill bit or surrounding surfaces.
Step 1: Use a Vise
A vise provides the most secure hold. Clamp the lock’s body in the vise, ensuring that it’s securely fastened to prevent any movement during drilling.
Step 2: Mount the Lock on a Sturdy Surface
If a vise is unavailable, securely mount the lock on a flat, stable surface. Use heavy-duty screws or bolts to prevent loosening during drilling. Ensure that the lock is firmly attached to prevent vibrations and movement.
Step 3: Use a Locking Pliers
Locking pliers can be used to secure the lock in place. Grip the lock’s body tightly with the pliers, ensuring that the jaws are firmly engaged. Hold the pliers steady during drilling to prevent the lock from moving.
Tips:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a sharp drill bit | A dull drill bit will create more friction and heat, potentially damaging the lock. |
| Lubricate the drill bit | Drills have a tendency to snag and break, so it’s important to lubricate the drill bit to ensure easy insertion and removal. |
| Drill slowly | Drilling too quickly can create excessive heat and damage the lock. |
Choosing the Correct Drill Bit
Selecting the appropriate drill bit is crucial for successful lock drilling. Here are key considerations:
Drill Bit Material:
- High-Speed Steel (HSS): Affordable and suitable for basic locks.
- Cobalt: Harder than HSS, offering improved durability and longevity.
- Carbide: Extremely hard and durable, ideal for professional drilling and hardened locks.
Drill Bit Size: The diameter of the drill bit should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the lock’s keyhole. This ensures that the bit doesn’t jam or damage the lock’s internal mechanisms.
To determine the appropriate drill bit size, it’s recommended to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific lock. If you cannot find the instructions, a general rule of thumb is to use a drill bit that is 1/16-inch smaller than the keyhole diameter.
Drill Bit Shape: The shape of the drill bit plays a role in the efficiency and effectiveness of drilling. The most common types of drill bits for lock drilling include:
- Twist Drill Bit: The most versatile and affordable option.
- Step Drill Bit: Allows drilling holes of different diameters without changing bits.
- Center Drill Bit: Creates a pilot hole before drilling the main hole, ensuring greater precision.
The table below summarizes the key features and suitability of different drill bit materials:
| Drill Bit Material | Hardness | Durability | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSS | Medium | Basic | Low-security locks |
| Cobalt | High | Moderate | Intermediate-security locks |
| Carbide | Very High | Excellent | High-security locks |
Drilling Carefully and Accurately
Drilling a lock requires precision and care to avoid damaging the surrounding area or the lock itself. Follow these steps to drill accurately:
- Mark the Drilling Point: Identify the location of the keyhole or other lock mechanism that needs to be drilled. Use a pencil or scribe to mark the exact spot where the drill bit will enter.
- Choose the Correct Drill Bit: Select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the lock mechanism to ensure a snug fit. Consider using a carbide-tipped drill bit for increased durability and faster drilling.
- Secure the Lock: Clamp the lock firmly in place using a vise or other secure method. This will prevent it from moving or vibrating during drilling, which could result in inaccurate drilling.
- Drill Slowly and Steady: Apply gentle pressure and maintain a steady hand while drilling. Allow the drill to work its way through the lock mechanism without rushing. Avoid applying excessive force, as this can damage the drill bit or the lock.
- Use a Drill Guide: For increased accuracy, especially for precise drilling on delicate lock mechanisms, consider using a drill guide. This tool helps stabilize the drill bit and ensures that it enters at the correct angle and depth.
- Clear Debris: Periodically stop drilling to remove any metal shavings or debris from the drilling site. This will prevent the drill bit from clogging and ensures accurate drilling.
- Check Progress Frequently: Regularly check the depth of the hole to ensure you are drilling to the correct depth. Adjust the depth accordingly to avoid drilling too deeply and damaging the lock.
Inserting the Torsion Wrench
To insert the torsion wrench, follow these detailed steps:
- Choose the Correct Size: Ensure the torsion wrench you select fits the size of the drill bit you will be using. A smaller drill bit requires a smaller wrench, while a larger drill bit requires a larger wrench.
- Insert the Hex Key: Locate the hex screw at the base of the torsion wrench and insert the hex key that comes with the kit.
- Loosen the Hex Screw: Using the hex key, gently loosen the hex screw to allow for the wrench’s adjustment.
- Align the Wrench with the Drill Bit: Position the torsion wrench so that the barrel of the wrench is directly aligned with the drill bit.
- Tighten the Hex Screw: Once the wrench is aligned correctly, tighten the hex screw firmly using the hex key. Ensure that the wrench is securely attached to the drill bit.
- Adjust the Tension: Adjust the spring tension of the torsion wrench to match the size of the drill bit. This is important to prevent the drill bit from breaking during the drilling process.
| Drill Bit Size | Torsion Wrench Tension |
|---|---|
| 1/16 inch | Light tension |
| 1/8 inch | Medium tension |
| 1/4 inch | Heavy tension |
Applying Pressure and Turning the Wrench
Before attempting to drill out a lock, it is crucial to ensure that the drill bit is sharp and the wrench is securely attached. Once these preparations are complete, follow these steps:
- Position the Drill Bit: Place the drill bit at the center of the lock cylinder and apply firm pressure.
- Start Drilling: Slowly rotate the drill bit while maintaining steady pressure. Observe the drill bit’s progress and adjust pressure as needed.
- Drill Through the Lock: Continue drilling until the bit goes through the lock cylinder. This may require multiple passes.
- Insert the Tap Wrench: Once the lock cylinder is breached, insert the tap wrench into the drilled hole.
- Engage the Wrench: Securely engage the wrench by turning it clockwise until it locks into place.
- Break the Lock: Apply pressure and turn the wrench counterclockwise with a slow and steady motion. This will break the lock mechanism and allow access to the door or other secured item.
Important Note: It is essential to exercise caution when drilling out a lock. Avoid excessive force, as this can break the drill bit or damage the surrounding area. Use a drill press or other stable surface to ensure precision and minimize the risk of injury.
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Drill Bit | Breaches the lock cylinder |
| Tap Wrench | Engages with the drilled hole to break the lock |
| Wrench | Turns the tap wrench |
Removing the Lock Cylinder
To remove the lock cylinder, you will need to use a drill to create a hole in the back of the lock. Once the hole is drilled, you can use a screwdriver to remove the cylinder from the lock body.
Here are the steps on how to drill out a lock cylinder:
- Gather your tools. You will need a drill, a drill bit, a screwdriver, and a hammer.
- Remove the faceplate. The faceplate is the metal plate that covers the front of the lock. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the faceplate in place.
- Locate the lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is the round metal part of the lock that the key turns. It is located in the center of the lock body.
- Drill a hole in the back of the lock cylinder. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the lock cylinder. Drill a hole in the back of the lock cylinder, about 1/4 inch from the top.
- Insert a screwdriver into the hole. Use a screwdriver that is slightly larger than the diameter of the hole. Insert the screwdriver into the hole and turn it counterclockwise to remove the lock cylinder from the lock body.
- Remove the lock cylinder. Once the lock cylinder is removed, you can use the screwdriver to remove the key from the cylinder.
- Replace the lock cylinder. To replace the lock cylinder, insert the new cylinder into the lock body and turn it clockwise until it is tight.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather your tools. |
| 2 | Remove the faceplate. |
| 3 | Locate the lock cylinder. |
| 4 | Drill a hole in the back of the lock cylinder. |
| 5 | Insert a screwdriver into the hole. |
| 6 | Remove the lock cylinder. |
| 7 | Replace the lock cylinder. To replace the lock cylinder, insert the new cylinder into the lock body and turn it clockwise until it is tight. |
How To Drill Out A Lock
Drilling out a lock is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to note that this process will damage the lock and make it unusable. If you are not comfortable drilling out a lock, it is best to call a locksmith.
To drill out a lock, you will need the following tools:
- A drill
- A drill bit that is the same size as the lock cylinder
- A center punch
- A hammer
- A pair of safety glasses
Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps to drill out a lock:
- Put on your safety glasses.
- Use the center punch to mark the center of the lock cylinder.
- Drill a hole into the lock cylinder using the drill and drill bit.
- Once you have drilled a hole into the lock cylinder, you can remove the lock by turning the drill counterclockwise.
People Also Ask About How To Drill Out A Lock
Can I drill out any type of lock?
No, you cannot drill out all types of locks. Some locks, such as deadbolts, are designed to resist drilling.
What size drill bit should I use?
You should use a drill bit that is the same size as the lock cylinder.
How do I know if I have drilled into the lock cylinder?
You will know if you have drilled into the lock cylinder when you see metal shavings coming out of the hole.
