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How to Remove Door Lock Cylinder without Key in 4 Steps?

Fact checked by Teddy B.Miller

how to remove door lock cylinder without key

Are you wondering how to remove door lock cylinder without key? Locate the position of the lock then unscrew the front side screws to uncover the lock’s body. After that, unscrew the inside screw. Turn the cylinder cam into a 12 o’clock position then remove the lock from the cavity of the door.

With these steps, you can get out of your house or go inside it once your lock becomes faulty. You can also follow these steps if you want to change the lock of your door but your key is missing.

What You Need

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In following this tutorial, there are certain items that you are required to have. As much as possible, look for the specific items needed to do each step successfully. You don’t need to go to the store because the tools are easy to find. You may have them inside your toolbox or inside your house.

Screwdriver

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The screwdriver you need will depend on the type of screws embedded in the lock of the door. One of the most common screw heads is a Phillips screw. It has a cross-shape screw head that helps to center the screw. It is advisable to use a Phillips screwdriver if the lock of your door has this kind of screw.

However, there are instances that the screws have internal hex screw heads that are suitable for assembling furniture because of the indented shape on the top. If you encounter this kind of screw, you can use an Allen wrench since it is designed for bolts and screws that have hexagonal sockets on their heads.

Paper clip

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The paper clip will serve as an alternative to the lost or broken key. Use a paper clip that is made of metal to prevent it from being twisted once you insert it into the lock of the door. Straighten it right away and make it long enough.

As an alternative to a paper clip, you can also use a bobby pin, but you have to make sure that it is made of metal. Also, if another thin metal object is available, you can use it while performing and following the tutorial. However, a paper clip is the best option since it can be found easily.

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What to Do

Step 1: Locate the position of the lock and unscrew the front side

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To start, you should locate first the position of the lock. Once you located it, look for the area where you insert your key. You will find a piece of metal securing the body of the lock, also called escutcheon plates. Usually, it has two screws, embedded on the upper and lower part of the metal. Unscrew them and uncover the body of the lock.

Step 2: Remove the screw inside the lock’s body

The screw for locking is found in the door cavity. This screw typically holds the euro-cylinder lock, so it can be easily located.

If you locate the screw for locking, start to unscrew it, but you have to avoid removing the nuts that bind the faceplate.

Step 3: Turn the cylinder cam into a 12 o’clock position

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You have to turn the cylinder cam into a 12 o’clock position. Since you don’t have a key, you can use the straightened metal paper clip. Insert it to the right side of the lock then place it above the cylinder cam. With pressure, push the cylinder cam downwards until it goes into the lock.

Step 4: Eject the lock from the cavity of the door

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Once you have successfully done the above step, you can now eject the lock from the cavity of the door. If the lock is old and worn out, the procedure is very easy. However, it may take several attempts if the lock is brand new and it is your first time doing this tutorial.

Conclusion

Do you enjoy doing the tutorial on how to remove door lock cylinder without key? By following the steps, you don’t have to call for professional help in case you cannot get out or get inside your house because of a broken door lock. Also, you can change the lock without using any key.

If you think that the tutorial is useful, we encourage you to share this post with your loved ones so they will also know what to do when their door locks become dysfunctional. Also, we would be very delighted to know your experiences in the comments below.

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