As a homeowner or renter, you might occasionally misplace your keys and find yourself shut out of your home. While it can be tempting to break a window or call a locksmith, there is a less expensive and less destructive option: drilling out the lock. This process, while requiring some precision and attention to detail, is relatively simple and can be accomplished with a few basic tools. Before attempting to drill out a lock, it’s important to assess the situation and determine if this is the best course of action. If the lock is particularly old or damaged, it may be more difficult to drill out without causing further damage. In such cases, it might be better to call a professional locksmith.
If you assess the situation and determine that drilling out the lock is the best course of action, you must gather the necessary tools. These include a drill, a drill bit that is the same size as the lock cylinder, a center punch, and a hammer. Additionally, safety glasses and gloves are recommended to prevent injury. Once you have gathered your tools, you should proceed to prepare the lock for drilling by removing the keyhole cover or any other obstructions that may prevent you from accessing the lock cylinder.
With the lock prepared, you can begin drilling. Place the center punch on the center of the lock cylinder and tap it with a hammer to create a small indentation. This indentation will help to guide your drill bit and ensure that you drill a straight hole. Once the indentation is created, insert the drill bit into the drill and align it with the indentation. Apply gentle pressure and start drilling. It is important to drill slowly and carefully, as drilling too quickly can damage the lock cylinder and make it more difficult to remove.
Evaluating the Lock
Before attempting to drill out a lock, it’s crucial to carefully assess its type and construction. Here’s a detailed guide to evaluating the lock:
Lock Type:
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Deadbolt Lock | Single-cylinder (key-in-knob), double-cylinder (key-in-both-sides), and keyed-entry (key-in-handle) options; high-security models available |
| Knob Lock | Single-cylinder (key-in-knob), double-cylinder (key-in-both-sides), and keyed-entry (key-in-handle) options; typically less secure than deadbolts |
| Mortise Lock | Installed within a door’s edge; high-security models available; requires special drilling techniques |
| Electronic Lock | Keyless entry using a code, fingerprint, or smartphone; may have backup keyhole for manual entry |
| Rim Lock | Mounted on the surface of a door; typically used for secondary entry points |
Lock Construction:
| Material | Drilling Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Steel | Hardest to drill; requires high-quality drill bits and slow speeds |
| Brass | Moderately hard to drill; still requires proper drill bits and techniques |
| Aluminum | Easiest to drill; can be drilled out with standard drill bits |
| Plastic | Rarely used in high-security locks; easily drilled out |
Lock Mechanism:
| Mechanism | Drilling Considerations |
|---|---|
| Pin Tumbler Lock | Requires drilling into the plug (cylinder) to access the pins |
| Wafer Tumbler Lock | Similar to pin tumbler locks, but uses wafers instead of pins |
| Lever Lock | Requires drilling into the lock body to bypass the lever mechanism |
| Electronic Lock | May have a backup keyhole; drilling into the electronic components can damage the lock |
Drilling into the Lock
5. Drilling the Lock Cylinder
This is the most common method of drilling out a lock, and it involves drilling into the lock cylinder, which is the part of the lock that contains the pins that hold the lock in place. To do this, you will need a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the lock cylinder, and a drill that is powerful enough to drill through the metal of the lock.
Here are the steps for drilling the lock cylinder:
| 1. | Center the drill bit on the lock cylinder and start drilling. |
| 2. | Drill slowly and carefully, applying gentle pressure to the drill. |
| 3. | Once you have drilled through the lock cylinder, the pins will fall out and the lock will be opened. |
Removing the Broken Key
Extracting a broken key from a lock can be a delicate but manageable task. Follow these steps to remove the key successfully:
1. Determine the Key’s Position
Use a flashlight to inspect the lock and locate the visible part of the broken key. If only a small portion is exposed, you may need to gently probe for it with a paperclip or needle.
2. Protect the Lock
Place a piece of masking tape over the exposed key fragments to prevent metal shavings from entering the lock mechanism.
3. Loosen the Key
If the key is jammed, apply a penetrating oil, such as WD-40, to the lock and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the key.
4. Grip the Key
Use needle-nose pliers or a small vise grip to firmly grasp the exposed part of the key. Avoid twisting or bending the key, as this could damage the lock.
5. Remove the Key
Slowly and steadily pull the key out of the lock. If you encounter resistance, gently wiggle the key back and forth while pulling.
6. Clear the Lock
Once the key is removed, inspect the lock for any remaining fragments or debris. Use a compressed air can or a toothpick to dislodge any particles. If necessary, insert a different key into the lock to test its functionality.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a sharp probe | If the broken key is deeply lodged, use a thin needle or paperclip to gently probe and extract it. |
| Avoid excessive force | Never twist or bend the key forcefully, as this could damage the lock or the key itself. |
| Protect your fingers | Wear gloves to prevent cuts or scratches from the sharp key fragments. |
How to Drill Out a Lock
Drilling out a lock is a last resort when other methods of opening it have failed. It is a relatively simple process, but it requires some care and precision. Here are the steps on how to drill out a lock:
1. Gather your materials. You will need a drill, a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the lock cylinder, and a center punch.
2. Prepare the lock. Insert the center punch into the keyhole and tap it with a hammer to create a small indent. This will help to center the drill bit.
3. Drill the lock. Position the drill bit over the indent and begin drilling. Apply gentle pressure and keep the drill bit straight. Drill until you reach the back of the lock cylinder.
4. Remove the lock cylinder. Once the lock cylinder is drilled through, it should be loose enough to remove by hand. If it is still stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to gently pull it out.
5. Replace the lock cylinder. Insert the new lock cylinder into the lock and turn it to make sure it is engaged. Tighten the set screw to secure the lock cylinder in place.
People Also Ask
How do I know what size drill bit to use?
The drill bit should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the lock cylinder. You can measure the diameter of the lock cylinder with a pair of calipers.
Can I drill out a lock without damaging the door?
Yes, it is possible to drill out a lock without damaging the door. However, it is important to be careful and to use a drill bit that is the correct size.
What should I do if I drill into the lock body?
If you drill into the lock body, you will need to replace the entire lock. It is important to be careful and to follow the steps outlined in this guide to avoid drilling into the lock body.
