When you lost the key of a door and it is locked. And you have tried picking the lock and pushing the door open. Bumping a lock is an amazing technique, where a locksmith strikes the lock at least 20 times and with any luck it gets unlocked.

But when nothing works power drill is a very common and easy method that is used to open the locked door. But it should only be applied when you have tried everything, this should be the last resort.

Drilling out a lock will destroy the lock mechanism. Today we shall look into how to drill out a lock.

Understanding the lock

There are different types of locks. Some may have hard steel inside the tubular lock and some may have the ball bearing. These types of tubular locks prevent drilling. So the drilling method will not work in both these cases.

Here understanding the lock type is very important before drilling it out. You must have some experience in this area or can get some guidance from a professional locksmith to understand the lock.

Here is the step by step procedure to drill out a lock successfully.

You will need:

  • A Power Drill
  • Different sizes of drill bits
  • A hammer
  • Work gloves
  • A Screw Driver
  • Machine Lubricant

Step 1: Prepare your power drill

Wear your work gloves and get started. You will need a well-maintained power drill that is easy to carry. Power drills come with different types and sizes of drill bits that you can fill into the drill. Start with a slightly smaller bit to drill out the lock. This will help to drill just the lock and not damaging other areas.

Step 2: Create some space for the drilling

You can use a hammer and thick nail to create some space for drilling the lock. Take the hammer and hit the nail on the keyhole. This will guide the drill to the exact point, the point where all the pin tumblers are.

Step 3: Apply some lubricant

You can use lubricant spray to the keyhole that will help the drilling process. It will smooth the surface and the drill bit will not get stuck or get jammed inside.

Step 4: Start Drilling

Plug the power drill in and start drilling through the lock. The pin tumblers inside the lock may create resistance therefore you should drill slowly. Apply some more lubricant if you feel the drill bit is stuck. Keep your hand still and focused while drilling because you don’t want to damage the property while this process.

Step 5: Go Deeper inside the lock with the drill

The lock may have more than 5 pin tumblers. You can change the size of the drill bit to a slightly thicker one and start drilling again and go deeper slowly. You have to reverse the drilling for 2-3 times to draw out the inside metal of the lock. You can use a screwdriver to change the direction of the keyhole and start drilling again.

Step 6: Unlocked

After the drilling process is complete try opening the lock with the help of a screwdriver. If it is unlocked then your job here is done. If it still stuck at a point you may need to use a thicker drill bit and drill through the lock again.

Step 7: Install the new Lock

When your locked area is finally unlocked, get the new lock ready. Remove the drilled lock that is now destroyed and non-reusable. You can use the screwdriver to take out the screws and install a new lock at the door. You cannot just risk the security by leaving a drilled lock. Therefore replacing it with a secure lock would be a professional and credible approach. Make sure to keep the keys safe this time.

Care Tip:

Always remember that drills and other tools like this are power tools. Power tools require some good training before using them. So use the drill out a lock only if you have a certain experience of using this tool before.

Otherwise, we always recommend professional help. Get a proper technician to carry out the job. It is important to save yourself from physical harm and property damage.

Again, it is always important to have a spare key to every lock you have. Remember that the drilling process will damage the lock entirely and it will not be reusable again.

So use this method as a last option after trying picking the lock, pushing and bumping technique, and consulting with a locksmith. Your safety is very important while using the drill so be extra careful.

How do you open a lock with a drill?

How do you unlock a lock without a key?

The most direct method is to drill into the face of the lock in order to reach the lever or drive cam. After accessing the lever or cam, the safecracker can use a punch rod to push them out of the way or bend them until they are no longer obstructing the path of the bolt.

How do you drill out a cylinder lock?

Another great tool to use is a screwdriver. A small or thin screwdriver will work best on interior doors or doors with privacy handles. Simply push the screwdriver into the hole on the doorknob straight through for as far as you can. Then, turn or twist the screwdriver until the lock opens.

Will drilling through a lock open it?

Can you drill out a barrel lock?

Lock–drilling is a last-resort approach to gaining entry to locks that cannot be opened by other means. Drilling a lock will destroy the locking plug, but should leave the mechanism in working order.

How do you remove a barrel lock without a key?

If you have lost the key and need to gain access to something locked with a barrel or cylinder lock, the easiest way to remove the lock and gain access is to drill the lock out. Drilling out a barrel lock should take just a few minutes.

How can I lock my bedroom door without drilling?

How do you break a padlock with a drill?

Addalock Portable Door Lock: Best for Convenience

Known as the “original portable door lock,” the Addalock is the easiest, lowest impact item on our list. It works like a door blocker, but it’s held in place at the existing strike plate on your door, so there’s no drilling or changing out hardware.

What’s the best tool for cutting off a padlock?

What is the hardest lock to cut?

Bolt cutters are the common tool of choice for to cut padlocks during forcible-entry. Unfortunately, most padlocks are made of case-hardened steel, which is very strong in comparison to the materials that bolt cutters were intended to cut.

What can I use to cut a lock?

Padlocks That Can’t Be Cut With Bolt Cutters
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11 nov. 2020

Can bolt cutters cut through hardened steel?

Bolt cutters are one of the most effective and popular ways to cut through a lock. Essentially, bolt cutters are just a bit pair of scissors that are equipped with a fulcrum joint which allows them to transfer much more power to the blades, allowing you to cut through thick metals.

How do you pick a lock with a paperclip?

Large bolt cutters, which can be as long as 48 inches, can handle hardened steel rods, heavy chains, and thick threaded cable up to 7/16 of an inch in diameter.

Can you cut a lock with a Sawzall?

Can a Sawzall cut hardened steel?

A reciprocating saw has a tough blade a bit like a jigsaw, and can be used to cut through the bolts on a lock. Using this type of saw generates a lot of heat, so always be sure to wear safety goggles before you attempt to cut the lock. This will prevent dust from the metal getting into your eyes.

Can an angle grinder cut hardened steel?

Carbide tipped blades cut harder, denser metals like hardened steel, cast iron, alloys including boron steel, and higher grades of stainless steel. Diamond Grit blades also cut hardened steel, however they are expensive and take longer to cut through the material.

Can a Dremel cut hardened steel?

Hardened steel can be tough to cut. According to this video from Ultimate Handyman, that’s because hardened steel is often harder than the steel in hacksaw blades and similar toothed saw blades. In fact, your best chance for cutting hardened steel may be an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel.