Are you tired of struggling with a jammed or damaged storage cylinder lock? You may have lost your key and need to change the lock altogether. Whatever the case, drilling out a storage cylinder lock can seem like a daunting task for those who are not familiar with the process. But don’t worry, it’s more complicated than it may seem!

In this blog post, we will take you through step-by-step instructions on how to drill out a storage cylinder lock without causing any damage or harm to yourself or the surrounding area. So, whether you’re a homeowner looking to fix an issue at home or just wanting to learn some new handy skills, keep reading to find out everything you need about drilling out a storage cylinder lock.

What Will You Need?

Before we start, it’s essential to have all the necessary tools and materials ready. Here’s a list of items you will need:

• A power drill
• Appropriate drill bits (size may vary depending on the lock)
• Protective eyewear
• Gloves (optional but recommended for safety)

Now that you have everything you need let’s get started!

10 Easy Steps on How to Drill Out a Storage Cylinder Lock

Step 1. Assess the Situation:

The first step in drilling out a storage cylinder lock is to assess the situation. Is the lock wholly jammed, and you cannot turn it? Or is it just damaged and not functioning correctly?

This will help you determine whether drilling is necessary or if there are other methods you can try. If the lock is completely jammed, drilling may be your only option. However, if it’s just damaged, you can repair it without resorting to drilling. Understanding the condition of your lock is crucial in choosing the most effective solution.

Step 2. Prepare Your Drill:

Once you’ve determined that drilling is necessary, the next step is to prepare your drill. Make sure your training is fully charged or plugged into a power source. Insert the appropriate size drill bit into your routine.

A more minor drill bit is suitable to start with, as it helps to create a pilot hole. Put on your protective eyewear and gloves to ensure your safety. Once your drill is ready and you’re adequately equipped with safety gear, you’re ready to move on to the actual drilling process.

Step 3. Start Drilling:

Place the drill bit on the center of the lock where the keyhole is. Apply gentle but steady pressure and start drilling slowly. The purpose of this initial drilling is to break the pin inside the lock.

Remember to keep your drill steady to avoid damaging the lock or drilling hole. Once you feel the drill bit has gone deep enough into the lock, stop drilling. You should be able to feel a slight give or drop, which indicates that the pin has been broken.

Step 4. Continue Drilling:

After breaking the initial pin, it’s time to continue drilling. Swap your initial, more minor drill bit for a larger one. Re-insert the drill into the hole that you have already created, then continue drilling with steady pressure. The more significant drill bit should be able to break the remaining pins in the lock, allowing you to disengage the lock mechanism.

Be patient and keep your drill steady, as forcing the exercise could lead to it breaking or the lock getting damaged further. Once you feel a significant give or the routine moves freely, it signifies that all the pins inside the lock have been broken.

Step 5. Remove the Broken Lock:

After you’ve broken all the pins, the lock should be easy to remove. You might need to wiggle it or turn it using a screwdriver, but it should come out with little resistance. Remember to be careful during this process to avoid causing any unnecessary damage to the door or the surrounding area. Once the lock is out, dispose of it safely. You have now successfully drilled out a storage cylinder lock!

Step 6. Clean the Lock Housing:

After the lock has been successfully removed, it’s time to clean the lock housing. There will likely be metal shavings and debris from the drilling process. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any metal shavings and dust from within the lock housing. Ensure that the accommodation is clean before installing a new lock. This step is crucial to ensure the new wave fits and operates properly without any obstructions.

Step 7. Choose the Right Replacement Lock:

Choosing the right replacement lock is crucial since it needs to fit correctly into the lock housing and provide appropriate security. If you’re unsure what type of lock you need, bringing your old safety to a hardware store for reference might be helpful. Be sure to choose a lock with the same dimensions and designed for the same purpose.

Moreover, consider the security grade of the lock. Higher-grade locks are more challenging to pick or drill and offer the most security, but they might also be more expensive. Choose one that fits your needs and budget.

Step 8. Install Your New Lock:

After selecting the correct replacement lock, it’s time to install it. Carefully insert the new wave into the lock housing, ensuring it fits snugly and correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, which might involve screwing parts into place or snapping pieces together.

Make sure the new lock operates appropriately by testing it with the key. If it doesn’t work as expected, recheck the installation process and make necessary adjustments. Once installed correctly, your new storage cylinder lock should function smoothly and securely.

Step 9. Clean Up and Dispose of Old Lock Materials:

After successfully installing the new lock, the final step is to clean up your workspace and safely dispose of the old safety and materials. Gather all tools and leftover materials, and ensure no dangerous debris, like metal shavings, is left behind.

The old lock and drill bits should be recycled if possible. Remember to store your tools in a safe place for future use. With everything cleaned up and put away, you’ve fully completed drilling out and replacing a storage cylinder lock.

Step 10. Regular Maintenance:

To ensure the longevity of your new lock, it’s essential to carry out regular maintenance. This can include lubricating the lock cylinders with a graphite-based lubricant, ensuring the key turns smoothly, and inspecting for any signs of wear or tampering.

Regular maintenance not only prolongs your lock’s life but also helps prevent potential lockouts or the need for future drills. To perform maintenance, you may also need to consult the lock manufacturer’s instructions, as maintenance tips can vary depending on the lock’s make and model.

By following these steps, you should now understand how to drill out a storage cylinder lock efficiently and effectively.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Use the Right Drill Bits: For drilling out a storage cylinder lock, using a solid carbide drill bit is critical. This type of drill bit can easily penetrate the metal components of the lock.
2. Apply the Correct Pressure: Apply steady, moderate pressure when drilling. Too much force might damage the lock or drill bit, while too little detail could make the process ineffective.
3. Drill at the Shear Line: The most effective point to drill a lock is at the shear line where the inner cylinder and outer housing meet. This will disrupt the pin mechanism and allow the lock to turn freely.
4. Lubricate Frequently: Regularly lubricate the drill bit with cutting oil to avoid overheating and make the drilling process smoother.
5. Safety First: Always wear protective equipment such as safety glasses and gloves to prevent any potential injuries from metal shards or a broken drill bit.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can easily drill out a storage cylinder lock.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Using Unsuitable Tools: Always ensure you are using the correct drill bit for the job. Using a wood bit, for example, will not only fail to drill the lock but may also damage your tools.
2. Avoid Excessive Force: Avoid applying unnecessary excessive force while drilling. This could break the drill bit or cause damage to the lock that could make it even harder to open.
3. Don’t Forget to Lubricate: Not lubricating your drill bit frequently can cause it to overheat and dull quickly. This will affect the efficiency of the drilling process.
4. Avoid Drilling in the Wrong Place: Drilling at a point other than the shear line will not be effective. Make sure you identify the correct issue before beginning.
5. Remember Safety Measures: It’s vital to respect safety measures. Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying metal shards, and maintain a safe working environment.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a successful outcome when drilling out a storage cylinder lock.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to drill out a storage cylinder lock may seem daunting and intimidating, but with the proper knowledge and tools, it can be a simple process. We have covered all the significant steps in this blog post – from identifying when drilling is necessary to choosing the right drill bit and technique to properly removing the broken pieces of the lock.

Always prioritize safety when handling drilling equipment and be patient and careful throughout the process.

Remember that sometimes, it may be best to seek professional help if you need more confidence in your abilities or if the lock is particularly intricate. However, with practice and proper precautions, anyone can successfully drill out a storage cylinder lock.

The key is to take your time, follow our tips and tricks, and keep going even if things don’t go perfectly on the first attempt. So go ahead and put your new knowledge into action – you never know when you might need it in an emergency!

And as always, stay curious and keep learning new skills – you never know what challenges or opportunities may come your way.