Want to learn how to drill out a barrel lock? Hammer the punch tool at the shear line. After you have created visible indentions in the lock, use a 3/16-inch drill bit or a bigger bit to completely break the pins. Insert a flathead screwdriver and turn it like you turn a key to open it.
If you want a quick and easy way to break into your house, drilling out a lock is one of the best options. It will only take you a few minutes; however, you need to follow the steps carefully.
What You Need to Prepare
Before you start with the tutorial, you need to prepare the necessary items. As much as possible, prepare the recommended tools to prevent inconvenience while you are doing the whole procedure.
1. Punch tool and hammer
For the purpose of drilling, the best punch tool to use is a center punch tool. You can use this tool to prevent the drill from veering off. If you prefer a narrower and deeper indention, the type of punch tool that you can use is prick punch tool.
To drive the punch tool, you will also need a ball-peen hammer. Before you start pounding, make sure that the handle of the hammer is fixed and firm. A loose handle may cause injury. You can use a proper wedge if the hammer needs tightening or loosening.
2. Drill and drill bit
Prepare a ⅜-inch or ½-inch drill. The advantage of using a ⅜-inch drill is that it is compatible with various sizes of drill bits. A ½-inch drill, on the other hand, works best for heavier applications. It is also advisable that you use a variable speed drill that includes an adjustable clutch.
As for the drill bit, you will need a 3/16-inch high-speed steel (HSS). This perfectly works for drilling a metal lock. Note that you need to keep the drill at a medium speed as you drill into the lock.
3. Flat head screwdriver and masking tape
A flat head screwdriver is needed to turn and open the lock completely. In choosing a flat head screwdriver, it must be long enough to reach the locking mechanism and narrow enough to fit inside. The thinner the shaft is, the longer reach it has.
The masking tape is also useful for lessening the residue while you are in the drilling process. The masking tape should entirely cover the lock. Aside from that, you must press it down firmly until you can see the circular area in the center of the barrel.
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cover the lock & hammer the punch tool at the shear line
Before you start drilling, cover the lock with a masking tape to lessen the residue as you start drilling.
After that, hold the punch tool carefully at the top of the lock. Hammer the punch tool two to three times until there are visible indentions. This will also guide you as you drill into the lock. It will also prevent the drill bit from slipping.
Step 2: Use a 3/16-inch drill bit or a bigger bit to completely break the pins
After you have created visible indentions, use a 3/16-inch drill bit or a bigger bit to completely break the pins. Set the drill at a medium speed and keep the drill as straight as possible so that you can easily break the pins of the lock completely and break its locking mechanism.
Step 3: Insert a flathead screwdriver and turn it like you turn a key to open the lock
Insert a flathead screwdriver inside the head of the lock. After that, turn the lock like the way you turn a key. If the lock fails to open, try to drill the lock again until you can successfully open the barrel lock. Make sure to replace the damaged lock with a new one to keep your home safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I drill out a tubular lock?
Yes, you can. However, in drilling out a tubular lock, you will need different sizes of drill bits (¼ inch and ⅛ inch) to reach the pin that holds the nut. You may also need a needle-nose plier, since some of the tubular locks are stubborn.
2. Can I drill out a safe lock?
Yes, you can drill out a safe lock but it is discouraged, since it can seriously injure you or can cause irreparable damage to your safe. You can try other ways or you can call a locksmith to help you out.
3. Can I drill out a thule lock cylinder?
Fortunately, yes. However, you need to use a larger bit to drill out thule lock cylinder (Check out the guide how to remove door lock cylinder without key here). You must also keep on drilling until the lock core breaks. Don’t forget to install a new lock and get a new key for your replacement lock.
Conclusion
Have you finished our tutorial on how to drill out a barrel lock successfully? If you need to break into your house immediately and you don’t mind damaging your barrel lock, this tutorial would probably work for you. However, if you are hesitant to break your barrel lock, you can call a locksmith or look for another way.
If you find this article useful, we encourage you to share it with your friends. We would also love to know your suggestions on how you can drill out a storage cylinder lock. Just leave a comment below.
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