Sometimes, you find yourself in a situation where you need to know how to drill out a lock. It’s a last-resort method, but it can be necessary when a key is lost or broken and you have no other way to gain entry. As a gardener, I’ve had to do this on old shed doors or rusty toolboxes. It’s a practical skill, much like fixing a fence, but it requires care and the right tools.
This guide will walk you through the process safely. We’ll cover what you need and the steps to take. Remember, this should only be done on locks you own or have explicit permission to modify.
Essential Tools and Safety Gear
Before you start, gather your equipment. Trying to improvise can damage the door or the lock mechanism beyond repair. Here is what you’ll need:
- A variable speed power drill (corded is often more powerful)
- A set of high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits. You’ll start with a small bit (like 1/8″) and need a larger one (about 1/4″ to 3/8″)
- A screwdriver (flat-head or Phillips, depending on the lock)
- A hammer and a sturdy punch or nail
- Safety glasses to protect your eyes from metal shavings
- Work gloves to protect your hands
- A can of lubricating spray (like WD-40) if the lock is rusty
How to Drill out a Lock
This is the core method for a standard pin tumbler lock, which is the most common type on doors and storage units. The goal is to destroy the pins inside the lock cylinder so it can turn freely.
Step 1: Prepare the Work Area
Clear the area around the lock. If it’s a door lock, ensure the door is stable and won’t swing shut. Put on your safety glasses and gloves. If the lock is old or corroded, spray some lubricant into the keyhole and let it sit for a minute. This will make drilling easier and reduce dust.
Step 2: Mark Your Drilling Point
You need to drill in the right spot. Look at the keyhole. The pins are located in a line above it. Take your punch and hammer, and tap a small indentation into the metal of the lock cylinder, just above the keyhole. This “dimple” will stop your drill bit from skating around when you start.
Step 3: Start Drilling with a Small Bit
Insert your small (1/8″) drill bit. Place the tip directly into the dimple you made. Hold the drill steady and perpendicular to the lock face. Start drilling at a slow to medium speed. Apply firm, steady pressure. You are drilling through the outer shell of the cylinder and into the pin chambers.
Drill to a depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches. You should feel a slight change in resistance as you break through the pins. Pull the bit out occasionally to clear metal shavings. Don’t rush this step; let the bit do the work.
Step 4: Enlarge the Hole
Switch to your larger drill bit (1/4″ or 3/8″). Place it into the hole you just created. Drill again, following the same path. This larger bit will destroy the remaining pins and the internal mechanism of the lock cylinder. Continue until you’ve drilled through all the pin stacks.
Step 5: Test the Lock
After drilling, try to turn the lock. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the keyhole like it was a key. Apply turning pressure and gently wiggle it. If you’ve successfully destroyed the pins, the cylinder should rotate and the lock will open. If it doesn’t turn, you may need to drill slightly deeper or with a slightly larger bit.
Step 6: Remove the Lock Mechanism
Once the lock is open, you need to remove the damaged cylinder. On most door locks, there is a retaining plate on the edge of the door. Unscrew this plate and the entire lock assembly (the cylinder and the latch) should slide out of the door. For a padlock, you can usually just pull it apart now.
What to Do If the Drill Bit Gets Stuck
This is a common hiccup. If the bit binds, stop drilling immediately. Reverse the drill direction to back it out. Apply more lubricant to the hole. Start again with a slower speed and less pressure. Forcing it can snap the bit, making the problem much worse.
Alternative Method: Drilling the Shear Line
Some locksmiths target the “shear line” directly. This is the precise point where the inner and outer parts of the cylinder meet. The steps are similar, but the target is different.
- Mark a point on the face of the lock, right where the cylinder meets the door (the “housing”).
- Drill a small hole at this mark, going in about 1/4 inch.
- This hole should intersect the shear line. You can then use a pick or screwdriver to manipulate the cylinder open.
This method is a bit more finessed and can sometimes preserve parts of the lock, but for a novice, the direct pin-destruction method is more reliable.
Aftercare: Replacing the Lock
Drilling destroys the lock, so you must replace it. Take the old lock with you to the hardware store to ensure you get the correct size and type. Installing a new deadbolt or knobset is a straightforward DIY task. You’ll basicly need the new lock, a screwdriver, and maybe a chisel if the new hardware is a different size.
Clean up all metal shavings thoroughly, especially if the door leads to your garden or home. These shavings can be tracked inside or harm plants.
When to Call a Professional Locksmith
Knowing when to call for help is important. Consider a professional if:
- The lock is on a high-security door or a expensive safe.
- You are uncomfortable using power tools.
- The lock is in a fragile or antique door you don’t want to risk damaging.
- Your initial drilling attempts have failed and the situation is getting messy.
A good locksmith can often open a lock without destroying it, saving you the cost of a full replacement.
Preventative Tips from the Garden Shed
As someone who works outdoors, I’ve learned prevention is key. For shed and gate locks, maintenance stops most problems before they start.
- Regularly spray a graphite-based lubricant (not oil, which attracts dirt) into the keyhole.
- Ensure locks are shielded from the worst rain and soil splashback.
- If a key starts to feel stiff, don’t force it. Investigate the cause imediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you drill out any lock?
Most common pin tumbler locks can be drilled, but high-security locks with hardened steel plates, ball bearings, or complex mechanisms can defeat standard drill bits. It’s not a universal solution.
Is drilling a lock easy?
It’s a straightforward process with the right tools, but it requires a steady hand and patience. It’s not physically difficult, but there is little room for error in your drilling point.
How long does it take to drill out a lock?
For a typical door lock, the drilling process itself usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The entire job, including setup and removing the old lock, might take 30 minutes to an hour.
What’s the difference between drilling and picking a lock?
Picking manipulates the pins into place non-destructively. Drilling destroys the pins physically. Picking requires skill and special tools but leaves the lock functional. Drilling is more brute-force but is often faster for a beginner to accomplish.
Will drilling a lock ruin the door?
If done carefully, it should only ruin the lock cylinder. However, if the drill slips or you use excessive force, you can damage the door’s surface or the bore hole. Always start with a center punch to guide the bit.
Knowing how to drill out a lock is a useful skill for any homeowner or gardener. It’s a method for regaining access when all else fails. Always prioritize safety, use the correct tools, and remember that this is a destructive process. With a calm approach and this guide, you can handle this task and get back to what matters, whether that’s securing your home or getting to your gardening tools on a busy spring morning.