5 Essential Steps to Safely Drill a Lock Out

Emergency Lockout Situations

Emergency lockouts can be stressful and dangerous. However, by following these steps, you can safely and effectively drill out a lock and regain access to your space.

Assess the Situation

Before you start drilling, it’s important to assess the situation and make sure that it’s safe to proceed. Ask yourself the following questions:

Is there anyone inside the building who could be injured by the drilling?
Are there any electrical wires or gas lines that could be damaged?
Is the lock situated in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to drill?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, it’s best to call a professional locksmith instead of attempting to drill out the lock yourself.

Once you’ve determined that it’s safe to proceed, gather the following tools:

A drill
A drill bit
A center punch
A hammer
Safety glasses

Once you have all of your tools, you’re ready to start drilling.

Lock Type	Drill Bit Size
Deadbolt	1/4 inch
Mortise Lock	5/16 inch
Rim Lock	3/8 inch

Tools Required

1. Drill

– Use a standard drill with a high RPM (revolutions per minute) for drilling out a lock.
– A drill with a chuck size of 3/8 inches or larger is recommended to accommodate various drill bits.
– For optimal performance, consider using a drill with a variable speed setting to control the drilling speed.

2. Drill Bits

– **Carbide Tip Drill Bit:** Ideal for drilling hard metals, including hardened steel locks. Choose a drill bit with a diameter slightly smaller than the lock cylinder.
– **Cobalt Drill Bit:** Suitable for drilling into tough metals, such as stainless steel. They are more durable than high-speed steel bits.
– **High-Speed Steel (HSS) Drill Bit:** A versatile option for drilling into various metals, including soft metals like aluminum or brass.

Drill Bit Type	Suitable Materials
Carbide Tip	Hardened steel locks
Cobalt	Tough metals (stainless steel)
HSS	Soft metals (aluminum, brass)

Extractor Bit: A specialized drill bit designed to extract broken keys or drill out the remaining lock cylinder after drilling. It has a reverse-threaded design to grab the broken key or lock cylinder and remove it safely.

3. Other Tools

– **Hammer:** A small hammer is useful for tapping the drill bit into the lock cylinder to start drilling.
– **Center Punch:** A tool used to mark the center point on the lock cylinder for accurate drilling.
– **Safety Glasses:** Essential to protect your eyes from flying metal chips while drilling.
– **Gloves:** Gloves help protect your hands from sharp edges and metal shavings.

Safety Precautions

Drilling a lock out can be a dangerous procedure, so it is important to take the following safety precautions:

1. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

This includes safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask. Drilling can create flying debris, so it is important to protect your eyes and skin.

2. Secure the workpiece.

The workpiece should be clamped or otherwise secured to prevent it from moving while you are drilling. This will help to prevent accidents.

3. Use the correct drill bit and speed.

The type of drill bit and the speed at which you drill will depend on the material of the lock. It is important to use the correct drill bit and speed to avoid damaging the lock or the workpiece.

Material	Drill Bit	Speed (RPM)
Wood	Twist drill bit	500-1000
Metal	High-speed steel drill bit	1000-2000
Plastic	Plastic drill bit	500-1000

4. Apply cutting fluid.

Cutting fluid will help to lubricate the drill bit and prevent it from overheating. This will also help to extend the life of the drill bit.

5. Be patient.

Drilling a lock out can take time. It is important to be patient and to take your time. Rushing the process can lead to mistakes.

6. Inspect the lock after drilling.

Once you have drilled the lock out, inspect it for any damage. If the lock is damaged, it should be replaced.

Assessing the Lock Mechanism

Assessing the lock mechanism is crucial before attempting to drill it. Carefully examine the lock to determine its type and identify any security features that may hinder your drilling efforts.

Start by identifying the type of lock. Common types include deadbolt locks, mortise locks, cylindrical locks, and padlocks. Each type has distinct characteristics and requires different drilling techniques.

Next, inspect the lock for any security features that could impede your drilling. These features may include reinforced drill points, hardened steel plates, or anti-lockout mechanisms designed to prevent drilling. If you encounter any such features, it is advisable to consult with a professional locksmith.

Lock Type	Security Features
Deadbolt Lock	Reinforced drill points, hardened steel plates
Mortise Lock	Drill-resistant guards, anti-lockout mechanisms
Cylindrical Lock	Hardened steel pins, anti-bump pins
Padlock	Multiple locking points, hardened shackle

Removing the Lock Core

Once the lock cylinder has been drilled out, it’s time to remove the lock core. This is the part of the lock that contains the pins and springs that prevent the lock from being picked or opened with a key that does not match.

Steps:

1. Insert the pick into the keyhole and turn it slightly to the left or right. This will help to loosen the lock core and make it easier to remove.
2. Gently pull on the pick while turning it. The lock core should come out easily.
3. If the lock core does not come out easily, you may need to use a pair of pliers to gently pull it out. Be careful not to damage the lock core, as this will make it difficult to reassemble the lock later.

Tips:

– If you are having difficulty removing the lock core, you may need to drill out the lock cylinder further.
– Be careful not to damage the lock or the surrounding area when drilling.
– If you are not comfortable drilling the lock yourself, you can call a locksmith to do it for you.

Replacing the Lock

Once the lock cylinder has been removed, you can replace it with a new one. Here are the steps to do this:

Insert the new lock cylinder into the lock body.
Turn the key to the locked position.
Insert the retaining screw into the lock body and tighten it.
Test the lock by inserting the key and turning it to the locked and unlocked positions.
If the lock is working properly, you can reassemble the door handle and strike plate.

If you are not comfortable replacing the lock yourself, you can call a locksmith to do it for you.

Here are some additional tips for replacing a lock:

Make sure that you have the correct size and type of lock for your door.
If you are replacing a deadbolt lock, make sure that the new lock has the same backset as the old lock.
If you are replacing a knob lock, make sure that the new lock has the same knob diameter as the old lock.
Be careful not to overtighten the retaining screw, as this can damage the lock.

Type of Lock	Backset	Knob Diameter
Deadbolt	2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″	N/A
Knob Lock	2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″	2-1/8″ or 2-1/4″

Rekeying the Lock

Rekeying a lock involves changing the internal pins of the lock so that it can be operated with a different key. This is a common practice when keys are lost or stolen or when ownership of a property changes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rekey a lock:

Gather the necessary tools: You will need a rekeying kit, which includes a variety of picks and tension tools. You may also need a small hammer and a screwdriver.

Remove the lock cylinder: This is the part of the lock that contains the pins. To remove it, you will need to insert a key into the lock and turn it to the unlocked position. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cylinder in place.

Disassemble the lock cylinder: Once the cylinder is removed, you will need to disassemble it. This involves removing the pins and springs that hold the pins in place.

Repin the lock cylinder: This is the most important step in the rekeying process. You will need to use the picks and tension tools to rearrange the pins in the cylinder so that they match the new key.

Reassemble the lock cylinder: Once the pins have been repinned, you can reassemble the lock cylinder.

Install the lock cylinder: Insert the reassembled lock cylinder back into the lock and secure it with the screws.

Test the lock: Insert the new key into the lock and turn it to the locked and unlocked positions. The lock should operate smoothly and easily.

Dispose of the old key: Once you have successfully rekeyed the lock, you should dispose of the old key to prevent unauthorized access to your property.

Rekeying a lock can be a challenging task, but it is possible to do it yourself with the right tools and patience.

Preventive Measures

To prevent drilling out a lock, there are several preventive measures that can be taken:

1. Install a high-security lock:

A lock with an anti-drill shield or a drill-resistant insert can make it harder to drill the lock. These locks have hardened steel plates or materials that make it difficult for the drill to penetrate the lock.

2. Strengthen the door and frame:

Reinforcing the door and frame can make it more difficult to get a drill into the lock. Install a strike plate and use long screws to secure the lock to the door frame.

3. Hide the lock:

If the lock cannot be seen from the outside, it is difficult to drill it out. A door with a recessed lock or a lock that is hidden behind a door knocker or other furniture can deter criminals.

4. Use a lock cover

Lock covers are devices placed over the lock to prevent drilling or freezing. They are designed to withstand and conceal the attack point.

5. Install a surveillance system:

Security cameras or motion-activated lights can deter criminals from attempting to drill out a lock. A surveillance system can also provide evidence to law enforcement if a break-in attempt occurs.

6. Be aware of your surroundings:

Be aware of any suspicious behavior or people near your home. If you see someone trying to drill out a lock, call the police immediately.

7. Keep your property well-lit:

A well-lit property can deter criminals and make it more difficult to drill out a lock.

8. Lock all doors and windows:

Even if you leave your home for a short period, lock all doors and windows to prevent easy access to a target lock.

9. Educate yourself about lock security:

Learn about different types of locks and their security features. Consult with a locksmith to determine the best security measures for your specific situation and needs. By understanding the techniques criminals use to drill out locks, you can take proactive steps to protect your property.

Professional Assistance

When to Seek Professional Help

Drilling a lock is a complex process that requires specialized tools and expertise. If you lack the necessary skills or equipment, it’s best to seek professional assistance to avoid damaging the lock or property. Consider the following scenarios where professional help is recommended:

When the lock is high-security or has anti-drilling mechanisms.
When the lock is embedded in a door or window frame, making it difficult to access.
When you’re unfamiliar with the lock mechanism or have no previous experience with lock picking or drilling.
When the lock is damaged or broken, making it impossible to open with standard methods.
When the lock is installed on a commercial or public property that requires professional locksmith services.

Choosing a Locksmith

When choosing a locksmith, it’s crucial to consider their reputation, experience, and certification. Look for a locksmith who:

Characteristic	Criteria
Reputation	Positive customer reviews and testimonials
Experience	Years of experience in the field
Certification	Licensed and certified by professional organizations
Insurance	Insured against any damages or liabilities
Availability	24/7 emergency services and flexible scheduling

Benefits of Professional Assistance

Guaranteed success: Professional locksmiths have the skills and tools to drill locks effectively and efficiently.
Reduced risk of damage: They use specialized techniques to minimize the risk of damaging the lock or property.
Convenience and peace of mind: You can relax knowing that a qualified professional is handling the situation.

How to Drill Out a Lock

Drilling a lock is a relatively simple process, but it requires some specialized tools and materials. If you don’t have the right tools or experience, it’s best to call a locksmith. However, if you’re confident in your abilities, here are the steps on how to drill out a lock:

Gather your tools. You will need a drill, a drill bit (the size will depend on the size of the lock), a center punch, a hammer, and a pair of safety glasses.

Put on your safety glasses. Drilling can create flying debris, so it’s important to protect your eyes.

Mark the center of the lock cylinder with the center punch. This will be your drilling point.

Drill a hole in the lock cylinder. Start by drilling slowly and carefully. Once you have drilled a small hole, you can increase the speed and pressure.

Once you have drilled through the lock cylinder, the lock will be unlocked. You can now remove the lock from the door.