How to Drill Holes in Deadbolt Lock Pins
Deadbolt locks are effective to secure doors on your home and outside buildings. If you have deadbolt locks with lost keys or old locks that have not been used in years, it is often necessary to replace the lock. Locked deadbolts with no keys require drilling to unlock the bolt from the door jamb. Drilling holes in deadbolt lock pins enables you to turn the cylinder with a screwdriver. Unfortunately, a cordless drill does not have enough power for the job. Instead, it requires the use of a standard variable-speed electric drill. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Center punch
- Hammer
- 1/4-inch titanium drill bit
- Electric drill
- Flat-head screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Place the tip of a center punch onto the face of the deadbolt just above the key hole slot. Tap the end of the center punch with a hammer to create an indentation for the drill bit. The deadbolt lock pins are above the key hole.
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2
Insert into your drill a 1/4-inch titanium or cobalt bit designed for metal. Place the tip of the bit over the indentation in the deadbolt lock face and begin drilling. Once you drill through the outer skin of the face, you will feel the drill bit cutting through the pins.
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3
Apply steady pressure as you are drilling and release pressure if the drill bit begins to bind. There are usually five to six pins you need to drill through. Each time you drill through a pin, the drill lunges forward slightly. Continue drilling until you are halfway through the lock.
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4
Put the drill in reverse and remove the drill bit from the lock. Insert the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the hole and turn the cylinder counterclockwise to unlock the deadbolt.
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Tips & Warnings
Although it is possible to drill through the key hole, you could damage the deadbolt enough that it will not unlock.
