The key stops at a half turn, cams won’t retract, and yesterday’s rekey has your deadbolt frozen solid. Now it’s moving day, the dummy knob is off, and you’re staring at a jammed deadbolt with boxes piling up. When you’re locked out of the house, it’s tempting to grab the drill and search “how to drill out a cylinder lock.” It can get you in, but it’s destructive and should be a last resort.

In this guide, Sure Lock & Key explains when drilling is actually justified, what preparation helps you avoid extra damage, and which non-destructive options are worth trying first. If drilling truly is the only path, we’ll set expectations for what a professional locksmith does on-site and how to plan an immediate swap to a replacement cylinder once you’re back inside.

When Drilling a Cylinder Lock Is Justified

Before you reach for the power drill, it’s important to know that drilling a lock cylinder will permanently destroy it. This method is only for true emergencies. Justification for drilling includes:

The lock is completely seized: A jammed deadbolt or internal mechanism is so broken that a key won’t turn, and picking is not an option.
A key is broken deep inside: If a piece of the key is lodged far back in the cylinder, it can be impossible to extract, blocking any other entry method.
You’re locked out of the house: You’ve tried every other non-destructive way to get in, and calling a locksmith isn’t possible or will take too long (though we recommend it).

Want a non-destructive option first? Try our guides: how to pick a room door lock and how to open a front door lock.

Lock Types and Where Drilling Works

Most residential doors use a pin-tumbler lock (deadbolts like Schlage and Kwikset, or knob or lever cylinders). Inside the cylinder, pairs of key pins and driver pins must align at the shear line so the plug can rotate.

When you drill a lock, your goal is not just to bore a random hole. The goal is to destroy those pins right at the shear line. This frees the plug from the outer housing, allowing you to turn it with a screwdriver and open the door.

Tools and Drill Bit Sizes That Actually Work

To drill a lock properly, you need the right gear. Using the wrong tools can break your bits or damage your door.

A powerful drill: A corded drill is often best, as battery-powered drills might not have enough consistent torque.
Safety glasses: This is not optional. Metal shards will fly.
A center punch and hammer: These create a small indent to guide your drill bit, preventing it from “walking” or slipping across the lock’s surface.
Hardened drill bits: You’ll need cobalt or titanium-coated drill bits. Standard wood bits will dull almost instantly.
Assorted bit sizes: Start with a small pilot bit (around 1/8″) and have larger ones ready (like 1/4″ and 1/2″).
A flathead screwdriver: This will be your “key” after the cylinder is drilled.

Step-by-Step Drilling Technique

Before you start, take a deep breath. Are you sure you need to do this? For a simple interior bedroom or bathroom door, you’d be surprised how often a non-destructive method works.

If you’re set on drilling, here’s how to remove the lock without a key:

Suit up: Safety glasses on. Keep the door open if you can reach the interior. If not, work carefully from the outside.
Mark your spot: Use the hammer and center punch to make a small indent right on the shear line. This is the tiny gap just above the keyhole, where the inner plug meets the outer housing.
Drill the pilot hole: Insert your 1/8″ drill bit. Drill slowly and steadily into the indent. Your goal is to go straight through the lock, parallel to how the key would enter.
Destroy the pins: Switch to a larger bit, like a 1/4″. Insert it into your pilot hole and drill again. You will feel resistance as the bit grinds through each pin. Apply firm, steady pressure. You may need to move to an even larger bit to clear all the pin chambers.
Open the lock: Once the pins are destroyed, insert your flathead screwdriver into the drilled-out keyhole. You should be able to turn it just like a key to retract the latch or deadbolt.

Only drill locks you’re authorized to service. Not sure? Call a professional locksmith. Sure Lock & Key can reach most homes quickly and open the door cleanly.

Aftercare: Remove the Cylinder Lock and Fit a Replacement

Congratulations, you’re in. The downside is your lock is now useless. You’ll need to remove the cylinder lock and replace it.

Most cylinder locks are held in by screws on the edge of the door (for a deadbolt) or by removing the interior handle (for a knob). Take the old lock to the hardware store to find an exact replacement. If you’re not comfortable installing the new one yourself, this is a great time to call a professional locksmith for house to make sure your door is secure again.

We have to say it again: drilling is a last-ditch effort. Knowing how to drill out a cylinder lock is a handy piece of information for a worst-case scenario, but in most situations, it’s a messy, destructive, and difficult job.

A professional locksmith has a set of tools and skills to open most locks without any damage at all. If you’re locked out of the house or facing a jammed deadbolt, Sure Lock & Key can provide emergency lockout service, open the door cleanly, and replace or rekey hardware on the spot—so you’re back inside without wrecking the lock.

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