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Home and Garden
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Locks and Keys
How to Drill Out a Lock Download Article Open your door quickly and easily with a few simple tools Explore this Article Sections 1 Drilling Out a Lock Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and Eric McClure
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 598,557 times.
Lock drilling is the last resort if you’re locked out of a door and you need to get in fast. While drilling the lock will destroy it, you won’t have to pay (or wait for) a locksmith and the old lock can always be replaced. Plus, it's pretty simple—drill a hole just above the keyhole to destroy the tumblers, then use a flathead screwdriver to open the door. We’ll break it down for you in detail below.
Things You Should Know
Drill into the lock just above the keyhole. The goal is the drill through all of the pins inside the lock cylinder.
Go slow, and whenever the drill bit gets stuck, switch to the next size up and keep going.
After you drill through the pins, insert a flathead screwdriver into the keyhole and twist it to unlock the door.
Steps
Section 1 of 1:
Drilling Out a Lock
Download Article
1 Confirm the lock can be drilled out by looking at it. The only locks you can drill out are the doorknob locks and deadbolts with traditional tumblers. Tubular locks, ceramic locks, smart locks, cam locks, and mortise locks can only be drilled out or disassembled by locksmiths.[1]XResearch source
Basically, if the keyhole isn’t set in a circular metal platform and the key isn’t a “normal” key, you must break the lock to open the door.
It's also important to double-check and make sure that you're working with a basic tumbler lock that you'll be able to knock out.
Trying to drill out a non-tumbler lock may destroy your door, drill bit, drill, or lock mechanism and make it even harder to get in.
If you’re struggling to picture what kind of lock you can drill out, just imagine any interior door in a standard home. Those kinds of knob locks and deadbolts can be drilled out.
2 Acquire a drill and different sizes of drill bits. Any type of drill bit should work, but steel, black oxide, and titanium drill bits will work best. To drill through a lock, you need:[2]XResearch source
A power drill.
Multiple drill bits.
A center punch and hammer. This is optional, but it will help a lot if you have one.
Protective eyewear (to keep shards of metal out of your eyes).
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3 Hammer a center punch directly above the keyhole (optional). If you don’t have the steadiest hands with a drill, punch a divot just barely above the keyhole’s shear line to guide your drill.[3]XResearch source
The shear line is where the pins enter the lock’s opening to meet the key’s ridges, so if the lock is installed where the key’s ridges point up when you open it, put the center punch just above the top of the opening.
Some locks are installed upside down. If the key would go into the keyhole with the ridges pointing down, set the center punch guide hole on the bottom.
4 Attach a 1/8-inch (3mm) drill bit to your drill. If you don't have a bit that size, go with something in the neighborhood. So long as the bit is roughly as big as the widest part of the keyhole, it will work.[4]XResearch source
5 Drive the drill bit slowly into the lock above the keyhole. Hold the drill straight and go slow. The goal here is to destroy the pins inside the lock cylinder which allows you to force the lock open. Most locks have about five tumbler pins to drill through, although some have six or more.[5]XResearch source
You’ll feel more resistance as the drill bit encounters each pin. That’s completely normal.
6 Go slowly and stop once your drill bit starts spinning. Don’t try to drive through the entire lock all at once. You’re just going to break the drill bit if you force it too hard.[6]XResearch source Feel the drill work and stop once it gets stuck or starts spinning in place.[7]XResearch source
Keep the drill level while drilling. If you drill at an angle, you can accidentally drill through unnecessary metal and your door.
7 Switch to a slightly larger bit when the small bit gets stuck. After going through with your smaller bit, take it up a notch.[8]XResearch source Attach a 1/4-inch (6.5mm) or larger drill bit to your drill, and go through the lock again with the larger bit to break up the pins more and open the lock.[9]XResearch source
It normally only takes 2 drill bits to get through a traditional lock, but use a third bit that’s even bigger if your second bit gets caught.
8 Insert a flat-headed screwdriver into the lock. Use a little bit of force to insert the screwdriver into the key hole (not the hole you drilled). Turn the lock in the same direction you would with a key. If the drilling worked, the lock will turn and the door will open.[10]XResearch source
9 Continue drilling and testing the screwdriver if the door won’t open. It’s possible you didn’t drill through all of the tumblers in the lock if it won’t open. Switch to a larger 3/4 inch (19 mm) drill bit and repeat the process. Keep using larger bits and your flathead until the door opens.[11]XResearch source
If you still can’t get the lock to open, contact a locksmith. There may be an anti-drill plate installed behind the tumblers that you can’t see keeping you from opening the door.
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Question Will this work on a tall file cabinet too? Glenn Letteer Community Answer File cabinets generally have two types of locks, pin tumber and waffer. It is not possible to drill a waffer lock as they have no shear line. The keyways on file cabinet pin tumbler locks are very small. As such, if you are going to attempt drilling one, you need a much smaller bit. If you choose the wrong bit size, you may split the cylinder plug. If this happens, you have a problem on your hands. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 29
Question Can I drill a front door tumbler that has locked me in? Upnorth Here Top Answerer Yes, you can generally drill any lock cylinder that is not made of metal harder than your drill bit. If your front door is a required "means of egress" for fire safety, it should not require any keys to exit. In many places it would be a violation of fire code and building code. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 9
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Warnings
Do not touch the drill bit or the lock with bare fingers while drilling, as it will be extremely hot. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
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Things You'll Need
Drill
Drill bits
Flathead screwdriver
Safety goggles
Hammer (optional)
Center punch (optional)
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Co-authored by: Robert Vallelunga Locksmith This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. This article has been viewed 598,557 times. 9 votes - 69% Co-authors: 12Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 598,557 Categories: Locks and Keys | Hole Making ToolsArticle SummaryX
Before you attempt to drill a lock, keep in mind that you won't be able to drill locks that have a center pin made of steel or a ball bearing in the middle pin. To get started, hammer a center punch into a point just above the keyhole and take it out. Then, using an 1/8-inch drill bit, slowly drill through the point you made with the center punch. Next, replace the drill bit with a 1/4-inch bit, and repeat the process. Finally, insert a flat-head screwdriver into the lock and turn it to unlock the door. To learn how to tell what kind of lock you're working with, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Omar Acevedo
Oct 7, 2016
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Robert Vallelunga Locksmith 9 votes - 69% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 598,557
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Download Article Open your door quickly and easily with a few simple tools Explore this Article Sections 1 Drilling Out a Lock Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and Eric McClure 
$1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. 
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Co-authored by: Robert Vallelunga Locksmith This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. This article has been viewed 598,557 times. 9 votes - 69% Co-authors: 12 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 598,557 Categories: Locks and Keys | Hole Making Tools Article SummaryX
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1 Confirm the lock can be drilled out by looking at it. The only locks you can drill out are the doorknob locks and deadbolts with traditional tumblers. Tubular locks, ceramic locks, smart locks, cam locks, and mortise locks can only be drilled out or disassembled by locksmiths.[1] 
2 Acquire a drill and different sizes of drill bits. Any type of drill bit should work, but steel, black oxide, and titanium drill bits will work best. To drill through a lock, you need:[2] 
3 Hammer a center punch directly above the keyhole (optional). If you don’t have the steadiest hands with a drill, punch a divot just barely above the keyhole’s shear line to guide your drill.[3] 
4 Attach a 1/8-inch (3mm) drill bit to your drill. If you don't have a bit that size, go with something in the neighborhood. So long as the bit is roughly as big as the widest part of the keyhole, it will work.[4] 
5 Drive the drill bit slowly into the lock above the keyhole. Hold the drill straight and go slow. The goal here is to destroy the pins inside the lock cylinder which allows you to force the lock open. Most locks have about five tumbler pins to drill through, although some have six or more.[5] 
6 Go slowly and stop once your drill bit starts spinning. Don’t try to drive through the entire lock all at once. You’re just going to break the drill bit if you force it too hard.[6] Feel the drill work and stop once it gets stuck or starts spinning in place.[7] 
7 Switch to a slightly larger bit when the small bit gets stuck. After going through with your smaller bit, take it up a notch.[8] Attach a 1/4-inch (6.5mm) or larger drill bit to your drill, and go through the lock again with the larger bit to break up the pins more and open the lock.[9] 
8 Insert a flat-headed screwdriver into the lock. Use a little bit of force to insert the screwdriver into the key hole (not the hole you drilled). Turn the lock in the same direction you would with a key. If the drilling worked, the lock will turn and the door will open.[10] 
9 Continue drilling and testing the screwdriver if the door won’t open. It’s possible you didn’t drill through all of the tumblers in the lock if it won’t open. Switch to a larger 3/4 inch (19 mm) drill bit and repeat the process. Keep using larger bits and your flathead until the door opens.[11] 
Glenn Letteer Community Answer File cabinets generally have two types of locks, pin tumber and waffer. It is not possible to drill a waffer lock as they have no shear line. The keyways on file cabinet pin tumbler locks are very small. As such, if you are going to attempt drilling one, you need a much smaller bit. If you choose the wrong bit size, you may split the cylinder plug. If this happens, you have a problem on your hands. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 29 
Upnorth Here Top Answerer Yes, you can generally drill any lock cylinder that is not made of metal harder than your drill bit. If your front door is a required "means of egress" for fire safety, it should not require any keys to exit. In many places it would be a violation of fire code and building code. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 9