How To Drill Out Lock? – Step By Step

You’re interested in finding out how to drill a barrel lock. At the shear line, pound the punching tool. After making clear indentations in the lock, completely break the pins with a 3/16-inch drill bit or a larger bit. To open it, place a flathead screwdriver inside and rotate it like a key.

Drilling a lock open is one of the best methods for breaking into a home quickly and easily. Even so, you must carefully follow the instructions. It will only take you a few minutes.

What Do You Need To Prepare?

You need to gather the required materials before you can begin the tutorial. Prepare the recommended tools as much as you can in order to avoid inconvenience while performing the entire procedure.

1. Punch Tool And Hammer

The best punch tool to use is a center punch tool when drilling. The drill won’t deviate if you use this device to stop it. The type of punch tool you can use is a prick punch tool if you prefer a narrower and deeper indentation.

You will also require a ball-peen hammer to drive the punch tool. Check that the hammer’s handle is firmly fixed before you begin to strike. The injury could result from a flimsy handle. If the hammer needs to be tightened or loosened, you can use a suitable wedge.

2. Drill And Drill Bit

Prepare a 3/8- or ½-inch drill. The ability to use different size drill bits with a 3/8-inch drill is a benefit. For heavier applications, however, a ½-inch drill works best. You should also use a drill with variable speeds and an adjustable clutch.

You will require high-speed steel (HSS) drill bit measuring 3/16 inches. For drilling a metal lock, this works perfectly. Keep in mind that as you drill into the lock, you must keep the drill running at a medium speed.

3. Flat Head Screwdriver And Masking Tape

The lock can only be fully opened by turning it with a flathead screwdriver. It is important to choose a flathead screwdriver that is both long and narrow enough to fit inside the locking mechanism. The shaft’s reach increases with shaft thickness.

Masking tape can also be used to reduce residue while drilling. The lock should be completely covered by masking tape. Apart from that, you have to press it down firmly until you can see the circular area in the barrel’s middle.

How To Drill Out The Lock?

1. Check If Your Lock Can Be Drilled Or Not

Make sure your lock can be opened through drilling before beginning the tutorial. Drilling is ineffective for opening a tubular lock if the middle pin is made of hardened steel or has a ball bearing. For information on your lock’s components, you can consult the manual.

Additionally, see if any additional defenses exist that might prevent you from drilling open your lock. To avoid giving the impression that a burglary is taking place, it is advised that you turn off the alarm on your lock.

2. Place A Center Punch Above The Keyhole

You can drill a hole while using a center punch as a guide. Make a point below the lock’s shear line dividing the inner from the outer cylinder to stop the drill from moving in the wrong direction. To successfully drill through the pin tumblers, make sure the point is high enough.

Use a lock-drilling template to simplify the process if you are unsure of the precise location where a hole needs to be made. This kind of template is typically available in hardware stores.

3. Drill A Hole Through The Cylinder Of The Lock

Now you can drill a hole through the lock’s cylinder to remove the pins. When the drill bit reaches each pin, you will encounter resistance. There are typically five tumblers in a lock, but some have six or more. You should put the drill into reverse and pull it out if it becomes stuck due to metal filings.

Avoid damaging the drill bit by applying gentle pressure and moving slowly. Stop drilling and lubricate the drill bit with oil or water if it becomes challenging to drill through the pins.

4. Drill Again Using A Larger Bit

Switch to a larger drill bit after drilling a hole with a small drill bit to remove more pins and successfully open the lock. A ¼-inch drill bit or a larger one can be selected. You can move on to the following step after you’re done digging a bigger hole.

5. Insert A Flat-headed Screwdriver And Turn It 

Turn the flat-headed screwdriver like a key by inserting the blade inside the hole you created. If you did the drilling correctly, the door will open. You must break the entire lock cylinder in the event that the lock would not turn.

You must change into a larger bit in order to completely dismantle the lock’s mechanism. A drill bit made specifically for this type of lock is required if your lock is tubular. Then, drill through the whole lock.

Conclusion

Have you completed learning how to successfully drill out a barrel lock using our tutorial? This tutorial would likely be useful for you if you urgently need to gain entry to your home and don’t mind breaking your barrel lock. However, if you are hesitant to break your barrel lock, you can either look for another way or make a locksmith appointment.

We encourage you to share this article with your friends if you find it to be helpful. Your ideas on how to drill out a storage cylinder lock would be greatly appreciated as well. Just post a comment below.