In the unfortunate event that you find yourself locked out of your car, don’t panic! You can drill out the lock yourself with a few simple tools. Although this may seem like a daunting task, it is actually quite simple and can be done in just a few minutes. Here are the steps on how to drill out a lock:
First, you will need to gather your tools. You will need a drill, a drill bit, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Once you have your tools, you will need to locate the lock on your car. The lock is usually located on the door handle. Once you have found the lock, you will need to remove the screws that are holding it in place. Once the screws are removed, you will be able to pull the lock out of the door.
Now that you have the lock out of the door, you will need to drill out the cylinder. The cylinder is the part of the lock that the key goes into. To drill out the cylinder, you will need to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cylinder. Once you have the correct drill bit, you will need to drill a hole into the cylinder. Once you have drilled a hole into the cylinder, you will be able to use the pliers to pull the cylinder out of the lock. Once the cylinder is removed, you will be able to open the door.
Assessing the Situation
Before you begin drilling out a lock, it’s crucial to assess the situation thoroughly. This assessment will help you determine the most appropriate course of action and minimize the risk of causing further damage.
Consider the following factors:
Lock Type and Material
Different lock types require different drilling techniques. Identify the lock type and material (e.g., brass, steel, laminated) to select the correct drill bit and speed.
| Lock Type | Material |
|---|---|
| Deadbolt | Brass, steel |
| Knob Lock | Brass, aluminum |
| Padlock | Brass, steel, laminated |
Lock Location and Accessibility
Determine the location of the lock and its accessibility. This will affect the type of drill and accessories you need, as well as the safety precautions you must take.
Door Type and Material
Consider the door type (e.g., wood, metal) and its material. This will determine the resistance you may encounter while drilling and the potential for damaging the door.
Surrounding Environment
Assess the surrounding environment for potential hazards, such as electrical wires, plumbing, or other obstacles that could be damaged during drilling.
Gathering Necessary Tools
Before you begin the drilling process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools to ensure a successful outcome. Here’s a comprehensive list of the essential equipment you’ll need:
Drill and Drill Bits
Selecting the right drill and drill bits is paramount. A heavy-duty drill with variable speed settings and a keyed chuck is recommended for drilling through tough lock materials. As for drill bits, choose high-quality cobalt or carbide-tipped bits that are specifically designed for metal drilling. The appropriate drill bit size will depend on the size of the lock you’re trying to bypass.
Templates and Guides
Templates and guides can provide invaluable assistance in drilling lock cylinders, especially for inexperienced users. They help ensure accuracy and precision when drilling, reducing the risk of damaging the lock mechanism or the surrounding area. Templates or guides are particularly useful for locks with complex designs or for specific types of locks.
Lubricants and Coolants
Drilling through metal can generate a significant amount of heat and friction, which can damage drill bits and hinder the drilling process. To mitigate this issue, it’s essential to use lubricants and coolants that reduce friction and heat buildup. Applying a few drops of cutting oil or a specialized drilling fluid to the drill bit before and during drilling can significantly improve performance and extend the lifespan of the drill bit.
Safety Gear
Drilling involves potential hazards, such as flying metal fragments and noise. To ensure your safety, it’s imperative to wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, earplugs, and gloves. These items will help protect you from harm while you’re working.
Protecting the Lock
Drilling a lock out is a delicate procedure that can be easily botched if not approached with care. Protecting the lock is paramount to ensure its integrity and prevent further damage. Here are the key steps to safeguard the lock during the drilling process:
Placing Masking Tape:
Apply masking tape around the lock to create a protective barrier. This tape will prevent metal shavings and debris from entering the lock’s delicate mechanisms. It also helps guide the drill bit and prevents it from accidentally slipping.
Padding Around the Lock:
Consider wrapping the lock in a soft material, such as a cloth or rubber, to provide additional cushioning. This padding will absorb any vibration generated by the drilling process, minimizing the risk of damaging internal components.
Using a Drill Guide or Template:
A drill guide or template can precisely align the drill bit with the proper drilling location. This ensures the bit doesn’t wander or slip, preventing damage to surrounding areas. Drill guides are particularly useful when dealing with precision locks or those with intricate mechanisms.
Creating a Jig (Optional)
For increased precision, a jig (a guide for drilling) can be created. This is especially useful if multiple locks will be drilled.
Materials:
- Scrap wood or metal
- Drill
- Drill bit (same diameter as drill bit to be used for lock drilling)
- Clamps
Instructions:
- Position the lock in the desired location on the scrap material.
- Secure the lock with clamps.
- Drill a pilot hole through the jig and into the lock’s keyhole.
- Remove the lock and enlarge the pilot hole in the jig to the diameter of the drill bit that will be used to drill the lock.
- Reinsert the lock into the jig and align it with the enlarged hole.
- Clamp the lock securely.
- The jig is now ready to guide the drill bit when drilling the lock.
Drilling Precisely
Accurate drilling is crucial for lock-out success. Here are five detailed steps to guide you:
- Mark the Hole Location: Use a center punch or scribe to mark the exact center of the hole. Securely hold the drill perpendicular to the surface.
- Choose the Correct Bit: Select a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter than the lock cylinder or bolt. Ensure the bit is sharp for clean and precise drilling.
- Set the Drill Speed: Adjust the drill speed based on the material being drilled. A slower speed is recommended for harder materials.
- Apply Lubrication: Lubricate the drill bit and workpiece to reduce friction and prevent overheating.
- Drill Carefully: Apply gentle pressure and monitor the drill’s progress. Stop and clear debris as needed to avoid binding or misalignment.
Hole Depth Considerations
| Lock Type | Hole Depth (inches) |
|---|---|
| Deadbolt | 1-1/2 to 2 |
| Latch Bolt | 1 to 1-1/2 |
| Padlock | 1 to 1-1/4 |
Accurately drilling the hole to the appropriate depth is essential to successfully lock out the device. Refer to the table above for recommended depths based on lock type.
Avoiding Overdrilling
One of the most important things to avoid when drilling a lock out is overdrilling. Overdrilling occurs when you drill too deep into the lock, damaging the internal mechanisms and making it impossible to open. To avoid overdrilling, follow these steps:
- Start by drilling a small pilot hole in the center of the lock.
- Use a drill bit that is the same size as the pilot hole.
- Drill slowly and carefully, applying light pressure to the drill.
- Once you have drilled through the lock, stop drilling.
- If you are unsure whether or not you have drilled through the lock, use a flashlight to look inside the hole.
- If you see any internal mechanisms, stop drilling immediately.
By following these steps, you can avoid overdrilling and ensure that you can successfully open the lock.
| Drill Bit Size | Lock Type |
|---|---|
| 1/16 inch | Padlocks |
| 3/32 inch | Deadbolts |
| 1/8 inch | Mortise locks |
Remember, the drill bit size may vary depending on the specific lock you are drilling.
Removing the Lock Cylinder
7. **Drilling the Lock Cylinder**
Drilling the lock cylinder is the most involved step and requires precision drilling. Follow these steps carefully:
- Mark the Center Point: Using a small drill bit (e.g., 1/16 inch), mark the center point of the lock cylinder by drilling a small hole in the middle.
- Use a Larger Drill Bit: Switch to a larger drill bit (e.g., 1/8 inch) and drill a hole directly into the center of the lock cylinder. This hole should be deep enough to reach the plug inside.
- Drill into the Plug: With the same drill bit, carefully drill into the plug inside the lock cylinder. Drill at an angle toward the side of the cylinder to avoid damaging the lock. As you drill, you should feel the plug loosen.
- Remove the Plug: Use a small screwdriver or hex key to insert into the drilled hole and push the plug out. Once the plug is removed, the lock cylinder should be loose and can be pulled out of the lock body.
- Extract the Cylinder: Gently pull the lock cylinder out of the lock body. If it’s stuck, you can use a pair of pliers to grip the cylinder and twist it back and forth to loosen it.
- Replace the Cylinder: Insert the new lock cylinder into the lock body and align it properly. Use a screwdriver or hex key to tighten the retaining screw or set screw, securing the cylinder in place.
- A new lock cylinder
- A screwdriver
- A drill
- A drill bit
- A hammer
- A punch
- Use a drill bit that is the same diameter as the lock cylinder.
- Drill slowly and carefully, avoiding drilling into the door.
- If you drill into the door, use a wood filler to fill in the hole.
- Once you have drilled through the lock cylinder, use a hammer and punch to knock out the old lock cylinder.
- Check the Keyway Orientation: Ensure the keyway is facing the correct direction so that the key can be inserted smoothly.
- Insert the Key: Insert the key into the keyway and gently turn it to the lock position.
- Test Unlocking: Turn the key counterclockwise (to the left) to unlock the door. The door handle should move freely, allowing the door to open.
- Test Locking: Turn the key clockwise (to the right) to lock the door. The door handle should now be immobile, preventing the door from opening.
- Check the Deadbolt: If the lock features a deadbolt, engage it by pushing it into the door frame. The deadbolt should extend smoothly and engage securely with the strike.
- Test Deadbolt Retraction: Turn the key again to unlock the door, and ensure that the deadbolt retracts fully into the lock body, allowing the door to open.
- Repeat Testing: Perform these steps multiple times to ensure the lock consistently operates smoothly and reliably.
- Test with Different Keys: If you have additional keys for the lock, test them as well to ensure they work correctly.
- Observe the Key: After each unlocking and locking cycle, inspect the key for any signs of damage or wear. This can indicate issues with the lock’s alignment or tolerances.
- Call a Professional If Necessary: If you encounter any problems during testing, such as difficulty operating the lock or key damage, contact a qualified locksmith for further assistance.
- A drill
- A drill bit that is the same size as the lock cylinder
- A pair of pliers
- A screwdriver
- Remove the lock from the door. This will make it easier to drill the lock out.
- Insert the drill bit into the drill. Make sure that the drill bit is the same size as the lock cylinder.
- Place the drill bit against the lock cylinder. Make sure that the drill bit is centered on the lock cylinder.
- Begin drilling. Apply pressure to the drill and begin drilling into the lock cylinder.
- Continue drilling until the drill bit has penetrated the lock cylinder. Once the drill bit has penetrated the lock cylinder, you will be able to remove the lock cylinder from the lock.
- Use the pliers to remove the lock cylinder. Once the lock cylinder has been removed, you will be able to open the lock.
| Drill Bit Size (inches) | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1/16 | Mark center point |
| 1/8 | Drill into lock cylinder |
Cleaning the Hole
Once the hole is drilled, it’s crucial to clean it thoroughly to remove any metal shavings or debris that may interfere with the key’s operation. Here are the steps to ensure a clean hole:
1. Insert a Vacuum Cleaner:
Attach a small vacuum cleaner nozzle to the end of a vacuum cleaner and insert it into the hole. Run the vacuum for several seconds to remove loose metal shavings.
2. Use a Compressed Air Can:
If a vacuum cleaner is unavailable, use a compressed air can. Spray the air into the hole to dislodge any remaining debris.
3. Insert a Pipe Cleaner:
Dip a pipe cleaner into rubbing alcohol and insert it into the hole. Twist and move it around to loosen and remove any stuck debris.
4. Use a Small Brush:
Use a small, soft-bristled brush to gently clean the hole. This will help to remove any fine dust or particles.
5. Repeat the Process:
Repeat steps 1-4 several times to ensure that the hole is completely clean. Any remaining debris can cause the key to stick or not work properly.
6. Inspect the Hole:
After cleaning, use a flashlight to inspect the hole and make sure that it is free of any obstruction. The hole should be smooth and clear.
7. Lubricate the Hole:
Once the hole is clean, apply a small amount of graphite powder or dry lubricant into the hole to prevent the key from sticking.
8. Caution:
It’s crucial to clean the hole thoroughly before attempting to insert the key. Any debris or metal shavings that are not removed can damage the key or lock mechanism, requiring further repairs. Take your time and follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful lock-out procedure.
Installing a New Lock Cylinder
To install a new lock cylinder, you will need the following tools:
Follow these instructions to install a new lock cylinder:
1. Remove the old lock cylinder by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
2. Insert the new lock cylinder into the door, aligning the keyhole with the keyhole in the door.
3. Screw the screws that hold the lock cylinder in place.
4. Test the lock to make sure that it works properly.
9. Tips for drilling a lock
Here are some tips for drilling a lock:
| Drill Bit Size | Lock Cylinder Diameter |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 1/2 inch |
| 5/16 inch | 3/4 inch |
| 3/8 inch | 1 inch |
Testing the New Lock
Once the new lock is installed, it’s essential to test it thoroughly to ensure it’s working correctly. Here are the detailed steps for testing the new lock:
How to Drill a Lock Out
Drilling a lock out is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to note that drilling a lock out can damage the lock, so it is important to only do this if you are certain that you will not be able to unlock the lock with a key.
To drill a lock out, you will need the following tools:
Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps to drill a lock out:
People Also Ask
How do I know if I need to drill a lock out?
You will need to drill a lock out if you are unable to unlock the lock with a key. This could be due to a lost key, a broken key, or a jammed lock.
What is the best way to drill a lock out?
The best way to drill a lock out is to use a drill bit that is the same size as the lock cylinder. This will ensure that the drill bit does not damage the lock.
What are the risks of drilling a lock out?
Drilling a lock out can damage the lock. It is important to only do this if you are certain that you will not be able to unlock the lock with a key.
