How to Drill Open a Deadbolt Lock

The deadbolt door lock is one of the most difficult to drill.

A deadbolt lock is one of the hardest locks to remove by drilling. It is very secure because the bolt goes right through the door frame. It can be challenging to remove one of these locks and if you drill it crookedly, the door could end up permanently locked. You would have to damage the door frame to access the room. If you are locked out of the house (or room), your only alternative may be to drill through the deadbolt to remove it.

Things You'll Need

• Power drill
• 1/4-inch drill bit
• Safety glasses

Instructions

1. Put on safety glasses to prevent small metal filings from flying into your eyes.

2. Insert a new drill bit into the power drill. The drill bit should be 1/4 inch thick, and the power drill should be a high quality tool. A cheaper tool may not have the speed needed to break into a deadbolt.

3. Set the power drill to the fastest forward setting possible. You will need all of the drill's strength.

4. Line up the drill bit with the keyhole. Hold the drill horizontally to the ground or floor.

5. Press the power button on the drill and start pressing against the keyhole. Hold the pressure steady and keep the drill horizontal as you drill your way through the lock. The drill should destroy the pin mechanism that turns the deadbolt. Keep checking your drill to make sure you are holding it straight. If not, reverse the drill and fix your angle.

6. Hit the reverse button on the drill and put it on the slowest setting. Slowly pull the drill back out through the hole you have created.

7. Allow the lock to cool down for 10 minutes before you touch it to pull it out.

References

• Dog in the Playground: How to Drill a Lock