Have you ever been locked out of your house and had no idea how to get back in? Or what if you’ve lost your keys and need a way to break into your own home? Drilling a lock out is a quick and easy way to gain access to your property, and it doesn’t require any special tools or skills. In this article, we’ll show you how to drill a lock out in just a few simple steps.
Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a drill, a drill bit that is the same size as the lock cylinder, and a screwdriver. You may also want to wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any flying debris. Once you have your tools ready, you can start drilling the lock out.
To drill a lock out, first, remove the screws that are holding the lock in place. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the lock out of the door. Next, use the drill to drill a hole in the center of the lock cylinder. The hole should be deep enough to reach the pins that are holding the lock in place. Once you have drilled the hole, insert the screwdriver into the hole and turn it to break the pins. Once the pins are broken, the lock will open, and you’ll be able to gain access to your property.
Assessing the Lock’s Security
Before attempting to drill out a lock, it’s crucial to assess the lock’s security features to determine if drilling is the most feasible approach. Here are several key factors to consider:
Lock Type: Different lock types have varying levels of resistance to drilling. Padlocks, for example, are generally easier to drill out than deadbolts or high-security locks.
Cylinder Type: The cylinder is the core of the lock that houses the pins and tumblers. Cylinders can be made from various materials, such as brass, stainless steel, or hardened steel. Hardened steel cylinders are the most resistant to drilling.
Pinning: The number and arrangement of pins within the cylinder determine the lock’s resistance to picking and drilling. Locks with more pins and complex pin configurations are more challenging to drill out.
Drilling Protection: Some locks incorporate anti-drilling measures, such as hardened steel inserts or drill-resistant plates, to deter drilling attempts.
Door Thickness: The thickness of the door can impact the effectiveness of drilling. Thicker doors provide more material for the drill bit to penetrate, making it more difficult to reach the lock’s core.
Security Level Assessment
Based on these factors, you can estimate the lock’s security level and determine if drilling is a viable option. The following table provides a general assessment of lock security levels:
| Lock Type |
Security Level |
| Padlock |
Low to Medium |
| Deadbolt |
Medium to High |
| High-Security Lock |
Very High |
Gathering Essential Tools
Assembling the necessary tools is crucial for efficient lock drilling. A comprehensive toolkit should include:
-
Drill: A variable-speed drill with a chuck capacity of at least 1/2 inch is recommended. Consider using a cordless drill for increased mobility.
-
Drill Bits: Carbide-tipped drill bits ensure clean and precise drilling. Choose bits with diameters slightly smaller than the key pins to minimize lock damage. Common sizes include 5/64, 7/64, and 3/32 inch.
-
Center Punch: This tool marks the exact location for drilling by creating an indentation on the cylinder face.
-
Hammer: Use a small hammer to tap the center punch and guide the drill bit.
-
Followers: Long rods or wires, followers help align the drill bit and prevent deviation during drilling.
-
Plug Extractor: A specialized tool used to remove the lock plug after drilling the shear line.
-
Safety Glasses and Gloves: Ensure personal safety by wearing protective eyewear and gloves while drilling.
Recommended Drill Bit Sizes for Lock Cylinders
| Cylinder Pin Size |
Drill Bit Size |
| 5 Pin |
5/64 inch |
| 6 Pin |
7/64 inch |
| 7 Pin |
3/32 inch |
Drilling into the Plug
The plug is the small, cylindrical piece of metal that fits into the keyhole. It’s held in place by a spring, and when you insert the key, it pushes the plug up, allowing the key to turn the lock. If the plug is damaged or stuck, you’ll need to drill it out to remove the lock.
Safety First
Before you start drilling, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves. The drill bit can shatter if it hits something hard, so it’s important to protect your eyes and hands. You should also use a drill press if possible, as it will provide more stability and control than a handheld drill.
Choosing the Right Drill Bit
The size of the drill bit you need will depend on the size of the plug. You can usually find the size of the plug stamped on the lock itself. If not, you can measure the diameter of the keyhole with a caliper. Once you know the size of the plug, choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller. This will help prevent the drill bit from binding in the hole.
Drilling the Plug
Once you have the right drill bit, insert it into the drill press and tighten the chuck. Place the lock in the vise, making sure that the plug is centered in the hole. Start drilling slowly and carefully, applying light pressure. As you drill, the drill bit will cut through the plug and eventually reach the spring. Once the spring is cut, the plug will fall out of the lock.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for drilling the plug:
| Step | Instructions |
|—|—|
| 1 | Wear safety glasses and gloves. |
| 2 | Choose the right drill bit. |
| 3 | Insert the drill bit into the drill press and tighten the chuck. |
| 4 | Place the lock in the vise. |
| 5 | Start drilling slowly and carefully. |
| 6 | Once the drill bit reaches the spring, the plug will fall out of the lock. |
Extracting the Broken Key
**4. Extracting the Broken Key**
Once the lock is drilled out, you will need to extract the broken key from the lock cylinder. This can be a tricky task, but there are a few different methods you can try.
**Method 1: Using a Paperclip**
Straighten out a paperclip and insert it into the lock cylinder. Use the paperclip to gently push on the broken key until it comes out. Be careful not to push too hard, or you could damage the lock cylinder.
**Method 2: Using a Tweezers**
If you have a pair of tweezers, you can use them to grab the broken key and pull it out of the lock cylinder. Be careful not to pinch your fingers, and be gentle with the lock cylinder.
**Method 3: Using a Key Extractor**
Key extractors are specialized tools that are designed to remove broken keys from lock cylinders. They are typically made of a thin, flexible metal wire with a hook on the end. To use a key extractor, insert the hook into the lock cylinder and use the wire to gently push on the broken key until it comes out.
**Additional Tips**
Here are a few additional tips for extracting a broken key:
| Tip |
Description |
| Use a flashlight. |
This will help you see inside the lock cylinder and find the broken key. |
| Be patient. |
It may take some time to extract the broken key. Don’t get frustrated, and keep trying. |
| Use the right tools. |
Using the wrong tools can make it more difficult to extract the broken key. Make sure you have the right tools before you start. |
Identifying the Pins
The next step is identifying the pins. To do so, you will need a tension wrench and a pick. Insert the tension wrench into the keyway and apply slight pressure while wiggling the pick back and forth to feel for the pins.
There are two types of pins: driver pins and key pins. Driver pins are the ones that interact with the key and allow the lock to turn. Key pins are simply there to prevent the driver pins from moving unless the correct key is inserted.
To identify the pins, you need to determine which ones are binding. Binding means that the pin is stuck in the shear line and preventing the lock from turning. To check for binding, gently push the pick up against a pin. If the pin moves freely, it is not binding. If the pin resists movement, it is binding.
Once you have identified the binding pins, you need to set them. Setting a pin means lifting it enough so that the driver pin can move past it. To set a pin, gently push the pick against the binding pin and then release it. The pin should drop back down into the shear line, but it will be set slightly higher than before.
Once you have set all of the binding pins, the lock will turn. If the lock does not turn, you may have missed a binding pin or you may not have set the pins high enough. Simply repeat the process until the lock turns.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for identifying the pins:
| Step |
Description |
| 1 |
Insert the tension wrench into the keyway and apply slight pressure. |
| 2 |
Wiggle the pick back and forth to feel for the pins. |
| 3 |
Identify the binding pins by gently pushing the pick against them. |
| 4 |
Set the binding pins by gently pushing the pick against them and then releasing it. |
| 5 |
Repeat the process until all of the binding pins are set and the lock turns. |
Setting the Pins
The most critical step in lock out drilling is setting the pins. This involves manually pushing the pins up into the lock cylinder, which will allow the core to turn and open the lock. To set the pins, you will need a set of lock picks and a tension wrench. The tension wrench is used to apply pressure to the lock cylinder, while the lock picks are used to lift the pins.
To set the pins, first insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole. Apply gentle pressure to the tension wrench, and then begin inserting the lock pick into the top of the keyhole. Gently lift the lock pick up and down, and feel for the pins. When you find a pin, apply pressure to the tension wrench and lift the lock pick up until the pin clicks into place.
Number 6 Pin
The sixth pin in a lock cylinder is often the most difficult to set. This is because it is located at the bottom of the cylinder, and it is therefore more difficult to apply pressure to it. To set the sixth pin, you will need to use a special tool called a “bump key.” A bump key is a key that has been modified so that it can be used to set the pins in a lock cylinder without turning the key.
To use a bump key, insert the key into the lock cylinder and apply gentle pressure to the key. Then, use a hammer or other blunt object to hit the key. This will cause the pins to jump up and down, and it will eventually set the sixth pin.
Once the sixth pin is set, the lock should turn and open. If the lock does not open, you may need to reset the pins and try again.
| Step |
Action |
| 1 |
Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole. |
| 2 |
Apply gentle pressure to the tension wrench. |
| 3 |
Insert the lock pick into the top of the keyhole. |
| 4 |
Gently lift the lock pick up and down. |
| 5 |
When you find a pin, apply pressure to the tension wrench and lift the lock pick up until the pin clicks into place. |
Rekeying the Lock
Rekeying a lock involves replacing the existing key pins with new ones, effectively changing the combination required to operate the lock. This process can be performed by a locksmith or, with some skill and the proper tools, by the lock owner. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to rekeying a lock:
- Gather your tools: You will need a rekeying kit, which typically includes a follower, tension wrench, and a set of new key pins.
- Remove the lock cylinder: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the lock cylinder in place. Gently pull out the cylinder.
- Extract the old key pins: Insert the follower tool into the keyhole and apply tension with the tension wrench. Use the appropriate key pin extractor to push out the old pins.
- Insert the new key pins: Take the new key and insert it into the keyhole. Using the follower, guide the new key pins into their corresponding holes.
- Set the shear line: Push the key pins all the way down until they are flush with the top of the lock cylinder.
- Test the lock: Insert the new key and turn it to ensure the lock operates smoothly.
- Reassemble the lock: Reinsert the lock cylinder into its housing and secure it with screws.
Note: Rekeying a lock requires a certain level of skill and dexterity. If you are not confident in your abilities, it’s recommended to consult a professional locksmith for assistance.
| Pros of Rekeying |
Cons of Rekeying |
| Increased Security |
Can be time-consuming |
| Cost-effective compared to lock replacement |
Requires specialized tools and knowledge |
| Preserves the original lock aesthetics |
May not be suitable for all lock types |
Lubricating and Testing
Once you have drilled out the lock, it is important to lubricate it to prevent it from rusting or seizing up. You can use a household lubricant such as WD-40 or apply dry graphite lubricant (lock powder).
Testing the Lock
After lubricating the lock, test it to make sure it is working properly. Insert the key and turn it to the locked position. Then, try to turn the knob or handle to open the door. If the door does not open, the lock may need to be adjusted or replaced.
Using a Key Extractor
If you are unable to remove the broken key from the lock, you can use a key extractor to remove it. A key extractor is a small tool that fits into the keyway and grips the broken key. To use a key extractor, insert it into the keyway and turn it until it grips the broken key. Then, pull the broken key out of the lock.
Drilling Out the Lock
If the above methods do not work, you will need to drill out the lock. To do this, you will need a drill and a drill bit that is the same size as the keyway. First, remove the screws that hold the lock in place. Then, insert the drill bit into the drill and place it over the keyway. Drill straight down into the keyway until you reach the end of the lock.
Once you have drilled out the lock, remove the drill bit and insert the key into the lock. If the key turns easily, the lock is now unlocked.
Replacing the Lock
If the lock is damaged beyond repair, you will need to replace it. To do this, remove the screws that hold the lock in place and pull the lock out of the door. Then, insert the new lock into the door and secure it with screws.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for drilling out a lock:
- Use a sharp drill bit.
- Drill slowly and carefully.
- Do not drill too deep into the lock.
- If you are drilling a lock that is made of metal, use a metal drill bit.
- If you are drilling a lock that is made of wood, use a wood drill bit.
- Wear eye protection when drilling.
- Be patient and take your time.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble drilling out a lock, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Problem |
Solution |
| The drill bit is not sharp enough. |
Sharpen the drill bit or replace it with a new one. |
| The drill is not powerful enough. |
Use a more powerful drill. |
| I am drilling too quickly. |
Slow down and drill more carefully. |
| I am drilling too deeply into the lock. |
Stop drilling and remove the drill bit. |
| I am drilling into a metal lock with a wood drill bit. |
Use a metal drill bit. |
Professional Locksmith Intervention
In cases where drilling is necessary, seeking professional locksmith assistance is highly recommended. Locksmiths possess specialized tools, knowledge, and experience to perform drilling accurately and safely, minimizing the risk of damage to the lock or surrounding property.
9. Key Extraction Using Drill
In some instances, a key may break inside the lock, rendering it unusable. To retrieve the broken key fragment, a locksmith can employ a drill to create a small hole in the lock cylinder. Using a specialised extraction tool, the broken key can be carefully extracted without damaging the lock mechanism.
The key extraction process via drilling typically involves the following steps:
- Inserting a thin drill bit into the lock cylinder to create a small hole.
- Using an extraction tool to grip the broken key fragment through the hole.
- Gently pulling out the broken key fragment to release the lock mechanism.
It is important to note that key extraction using a drill should only be performed by an experienced locksmith, as incorrect drilling techniques can further damage the lock or the surrounding area.
| Step |
Description |
| 1 |
Insert a thin drill bit into the lock cylinder to create a small hole. |
| 2 |
Use an extraction tool to grip the broken key fragment through the hole. |
| 3 |
Gently pull out the broken key fragment to release the lock mechanism. |
Additional Safety Tips
Always wear safety glasses when drilling.
Be sure the area is well-ventilated.
Never drill into a live wire.
If you are not sure if the wire is live, turn off the power to the area and test the wire with a voltage tester.
Use a drill bit that is the correct size for the lock.
Drill slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the lock or the door.
If you are having difficulty drilling, stop and consult a locksmith.
Once you have drilled the lock, use a screwdriver to remove the lock cylinder.
If you are unable to remove the lock cylinder, consult a locksmith.
Once the lock cylinder is removed, you can open the door.
| Safety Tip |
Description |
| Wear safety glasses |
Protect your eyes from flying debris and metal shavings. |
| Ventilate the area |
Inhale toxic fumes from drilling. |
| Avoid live wires |
Electrocution or fire. |
| Use the correct drill bit |
Prevent damage to the lock or door. |
| Drill slowly and carefully |
Control the drilling process and minimize errors. |
| Seek professional help if needed |
Ensure proper drilling technique and avoid potential risks. |
| Remove the lock cylinder |
Open the door without damaging the lock mechanism. |
| Open the door |
Gain access to the secured area safely. |
How to Drill Lock Out
Drilling a lock is a drastic measure that should only be taken as a last resort. However, if you have exhausted all other options and are unable to gain access to your property, drilling the lock may be your only choice. Before you start, it is important to gather the necessary tools and materials.
You will need:
- A drill
- A drill bit
- Safety glasses
- A center punch
- A hammer
Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps:
- Put on your safety glasses.
- Use the center punch to mark the center of the lock cylinder.
- Drill a hole in the center of the lock cylinder using the drill bit.
- Insert the drill bit into the hole and drill until you reach the back of the lock cylinder.
- Remove the drill bit and insert the screwdriver into the hole.
- Turn the screwdriver to unlock the lock.
Tips:
- Use a drill bit that is the same size as the lock cylinder.
- Drill slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the lock or the door.
- If you are unable to drill a hole in the center of the lock cylinder, try drilling a hole off-center.
People Also Ask
What is the best way to drill a lock?
The best way to drill a lock is to use a drill bit that is the same size as the lock cylinder. Drill slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the lock or the door.
Can I drill a lock without damaging it?
It is possible to drill a lock without damaging it, but it is important to be careful. Use a drill bit that is the same size as the lock cylinder and drill slowly and carefully.
What should I do if I accidentally drill into the door?
If you accidentally drill into the door, you can use a wood filler to repair the damage. Apply the wood filler to the hole and let it dry completely.
