Losing your keys or breaking a lock is frustrating, but drilling it out should be your absolute last resort. This method grants you access to your home or room, yet it permanently destroys the lock cylinder in the process.
Drilling means you must replace the hardware, but a new lock cylinder costs far less than a new door frame. If you have never handled a drill on a deadbolt before, you need to know the proper technique to avoid gouging the wood or damaging the mechanism housing.
Before you grab your power tools, read this guide. We explain how to drill out a lock in six simple steps so you can get back inside safely and quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Check the lock type: Standard tumbler locks are drillable, but locks with anti-drill pins, hardened steel pins, or ball bearings often require a professional locksmith.
- Gather the right gear: You need a variable-speed power drill, high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits (1/8-inch and 1/4-inch), a center punch, a hammer, and lubricant.
- Follow the procedure: Create a guide point with a punch, drill a pilot hole, lubricate frequently, step up to a larger bit, and use a screwdriver to turn the mechanism.
- Try alternatives first: Before destroying the hardware, attempt to pick or bump the lock, and always verify you have the owner’s permission to force entry.
Can Your Lock Be Drilled?
Before you start destroying hardware, you must identify what you are up against. The type of lock dictates the difficulty and whether you can handle the job yourself.
Standard tumbler locks are generally easy to drill through. However, high-security locks often feature anti-drill pins, hardened steel inserts, or ball bearings designed to deflect drill bits. If you encounter these, your drill bit will likely spin without penetrating, or it may snap off entirely.
Don’t Do This
If you see “hardened” stamped on the face of the lock, or if you meet immediate, unyielding resistance, call a professional locksmith.
Things to Double-Check Before Drilling
Try Picking the Lock
If you have a set of picks or even a couple of paperclips, try raking the lock first. This is a non-destructive method. If you cannot feel the pins setting or do not know how to manipulate the tumbler manually, a pick gun might do the trick quickly.
Attempt Lock Bumping
Bumping is a technique developed in the 1970s for locksmiths to disassemble cylinders quickly (1). It works well on older, standard locks.
Insert a “bump key” (a key cut to the lowest depth) about two-thirds into the slot. Lightly tap the key with a hammer while applying slight torque. Try this roughly 20 times. If it doesn’t pop open, move on to the drill.
Secure a Replacement Lock
Once you drill, there is no going back. Ensure you have a replacement cylinder or deadbolt on hand. You do not want to successfully open your front door only to realize you cannot lock it again for the night.
Verify Ownership
If you are a tenant, call your landlord first. They likely have a spare master key. If you own the property, you are clear to proceed. Never drill a lock on a property you do not own without explicit permission.
What You Will Need
You do not need an entire workshop, but you do need specific tools to penetrate metal efficiently.
- Variable-speed power drill: A cordless drill with decent torque is ideal.
- High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits: Use a 1/8-inch bit for the pilot hole and a 1/4-inch bit to finish the job.
- Center punch: This tool marks the metal so your drill bit doesn’t wander.
- Hammer: Required to strike the center punch.
- Flat-head screwdriver: You will use this to turn the mechanism once the pins are gone.
- Lubricant: WD-40 or a synthetic oil helps keep the drill bit cool.
- Safety glasses: Metal shavings will fly; protect your eyes.
How to Drill a Lock in 6 Steps
1. Create a Guide Point
Locate the shear line. This is the line between the inner plug (the part that turns) and the outer cylinder. You want to drill right where the key teeth would push the pins upward.
Place your center punch slightly above the keyhole, directly on the shear line. Strike it firmly with your hammer two or three times to create a divot. This indentation prevents your drill bit from skidding across the face of the lock.
2. Drill a Pilot Hole
Attach the 1/8-inch drill bit to your drill. Align it with your guide point. Apply gentle pressure and start drilling at a slow speed. Your goal is to drill through the pins inside the cylinder. Most locks have five pins, though some have six.
You will feel a distinct “bump” or resistance drop as the bit destroys each pin. Keep the drill level; angling it up or down can damage the door frame.
3. Lubricate and Maintain Pressure
Friction creates heat, which can snap a thin drill bit. Spray lubricant into the hole frequently. Keep the pressure steady but do not lean your entire body weight into it. Let the tool do the work.
4. Switch to a Larger Bit
Once you have drilled through the pins with the small bit, swap it out for the 1/4-inch bit. Re-drill the same hole. This larger bit shreds the remaining pin debris and opens up the cylinder, ensuring the locking mechanism is completely disconnected.
5. Insert the Screwdriver
Clear out any metal filings. Insert the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the key slot. Turn it just like you would a key. Since you destroyed the pins holding the lock in place, the cylinder should rotate freely.
6. Force the Mechanism (If Necessary)
If the lock still refuses to turn, you may not have drilled deep enough or you might have missed a pin. In this case, switch to a larger 3/4-inch bit or a specialized tubular lock bit to drill out the entire assembly. This is messy but effective.
How to Drill Out a Lock With a Key in It
If a key snapped off inside the cylinder, you can still drill it, but it requires precision.
1. Select the Right Bit
Use a 1/4-inch bit. Position it directly against the broken key fragment or just above it on the shear line if there is room.
2. Drill the Cylinder Only
Drill straight into the plug (the part that turns). Do not drill into the housing (the stationary outer ring). You need to drill deep enough to destroy the pins that are locking the plug to the housing.
3. Clear and Turn
Pull out the drill and remove the debris. You should now be able to insert a screwdriver into the slot (or use the broken key stub if accessible) to turn the mechanism. Once open, you can remove the cylinder and take it to a specialist for replacement.
Can You Drill Out a Master Lock?
Yes, you can drill out a Master Lock padlock, though the technique varies slightly from a door lock. Use a 1/4-inch bit and aim directly through the center of the keyway, not the shear line.
Drilling through the core destroys the mechanism holding the shackle in place. Be aware that Master Locks are often made of laminated steel, which is tough. If the lock fails to open, you have at least permanently disabled it, preventing anyone else from using it.
Do Lock Drilling Templates Help?
Absolutely. A drilling template is a physical guide that fits over the lock face. It shows you exactly where to drill to hit the shear line or the mounting screws.
These templates eliminate guesswork and trial-and-error, significantly speeding up the process. They are specific to lock brands and models, so verify your lock type before purchasing one.
Pro Tips for Drilling Locks
- Lubricate constantly: Use water, oil, or WD-40 to reduce heat and resistance. This prevents your bit from binding or snapping.
- Start slow: Keep the drill on a low-speed setting. This allows you to feel the bit cutting through individual pins.
- Stay straight: If you drill at an angle, you risk boring into the door sash or the lock housing, which makes the lock harder to remove.
- Protect your face: Never blow into the keyhole to clear debris. Metal shards can blow back into your eyes. Use a magnet or a small brush instead.
- Use HSS bits: Standard wood bits will fail immediately. Ensure your bits are rated for metal.
- Use tape for traction: If your bit slips before the pilot hole is established, place a piece of masking tape over the punch mark to give the bit some grip.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Drill a Lock?
On average, drilling a standard tubular lock takes between five and ten minutes. However, this depends heavily on the quality of your drill bits and the security level of the lock. High-security locks with anti-drill pins can take much longer or may be impossible to drill without specialist gear.
How Much Does It Cost to Drill Out a Lock?
If you do it yourself, the cost is minimal, just the price of the drill bits and a replacement lock. If you hire a professional locksmith, expect to pay between $97 and $215. Emergency calls after hours or on weekends will push that price higher, potentially into the $150 to $250 range.
What Is the Best Drill Bit to Use to Drill Out a Lock?
You need a bit capable of chewing through hardened metal. The Screw X-Tractor Damaged Screw Extractor Drill Bit is a great option. Ideally, look for bits labeled as cobalt or titanium-coated High-Speed Steel (HSS), as these withstand the heat and friction of drilling metal much better than standard bits.
Can I Drill Out a Deadbolt Lock?
Yes, but it destroys the lock. Lubricate the keyhole and the drill bit heavily. Place a 1/8-inch bit just above the keyhole center (the shear line). Apply steady pressure and drill until you feel the pins break. Widen the hole with a larger bit, then use a screwdriver to retract the bolt.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Door Lock?
The hardware itself costs anywhere from $45 for a basic deadbolt to over $300 for a smart lock. If you install it yourself, that is your only cost. If you hire a pro to install it, add another $75 to $150 for labor.
Is It Cheaper to Break a Window or Call a Locksmith?
Calling a locksmith is almost always the better choice. While a small pane of glass might seem cheap to replace, breaking a window creates a dangerous mess and leaves your home unsecured until it is fixed. Complex locks cost more to drill, but a locksmith offers a clean, secure solution without the risk of injury or structural damage.
Does Drilling a Lock Damage the Door?
If done correctly, drilling a lock should not damage the door. However, if you drill at an angle or use a bit that is too large, you risk boring into the door frame or the sash. This is why using a center punch and starting with a small pilot hole is critical for protecting the surrounding wood.
Let’s Drill Down
Drilling a lock allows you to regain entry without waiting for a locksmith, but it is a destructive method that requires patience. If you rush, you risk damaging the door itself. Always try picking or bumping the lock first; you might save yourself the cost of a new deadbolt.
Before you start, identify your lock type. If you see hardened steel plates or ball bearings, put the drill away and call a pro. If it is a standard tumbler, follow these steps, stay safe, and you will be inside in no time.
