How to Get Past a Deadbolt
Deadbolts are excellent protection against undesired entry because they hold the door more firmly against direct pressure than more common spring-bolt locks. At some point, however, most people lock themselves out of their house or office and need to get past their deadbolt. Thankfully, the locks are not entirely foolproof, so you can force your way in if you need to. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Thin, flat piece of metal
- Pick tool or thin, flat and flexible piece of metal
- Cordless drill
- Boring bit
Instructions
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Use a pick tool to move the lock pins of the deadbolt into their open position. You can acquire a pick cheaply online or at many stores, or you can simply use a thin, flexible piece of metal that has a triangle or circular protrusion on one end. You'll rake this piece of metal across the pins of the lock until they are all caught up.
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Find a strong piece of thin metal to use as a torque tool. You'll insert this beneath your lock pick to act as the turning mechanism. Using steady pressure, turn the tool as though you were turning an actual key. Make sure to keep the tool firmly against the lock pick, so that the pins don't fall back into their closed position.
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Drill out your lock if you are unable to pick it. Find a cordless drill with a boring bit. Insert the tip of the bit into the lock and begin drilling while pushing firmly and steadily. The bit will eventually bore out the working mechanism of the deadbolt, and you should be able to simply open the door. Bits of metal may sheer off while you are drilling, so make sure to wear protective eyewear throughout the process.
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Pry open the door if you are unable to pick or drill the lock. This will damage the lock and the door, so do this only as a last resort if time is a critical issue. Insert the prybar between the jam of the door and the door, up near the deadbolt itself. Apply steady pressure until the door gives way.
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Call a locksmith if you are unable to get in any other way. A locksmith will generally drill out the lock rather than picking it. A handyman may also be able to drill the deadbolt open and will generally charge significantly less.
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Tips & Warnings
Pick guns will mechanize the task of inserting a lock pick, pushing up the pins, and applying torque. Although expensive, a pick gun will work on the majority of cheaper deadbolts, and requires much less time than manually picking the lock.
Successfully raking the pins can take some time when you first begin. Be patient, and make sure to continue using gentle motions. Once a pick breaks inside a lock, the lock will generally have to be drilled out and abandoned.
Breaking into a house or building that isn't yours, either by picking the lock or drilling it out, is illegal. Before you try to get past a deadbolt, ensure you have the authority to gain entry without a key.
