Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - Cannot remove old security lock

I am unable to remove an old security lock. It is basically a circular lock with a key hole on each side. I do not have the key. No screws are visible. I have tried prying it off but that is not working. I have tried twisting it but the whole thing just moves round and round.

Any ideas?

Thanks

I am unable to remove an old security lock. It is basically a circular lock with a key hole on each side. I do not have the key. No screws are visible. I have tried prying it off but that is not working. I have tried twisting it but the whole thing just moves round and round.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Hi Juliehansen,

Without the key, about the only way is to cut into one of the knobs, (the inside one), remove the cylinder, take off what's left of the knob, remove the rose, and remove the screws. There are a couple things involved though. First of all, the tool I use for this is a hacksaw. It's dangerous at best. Once the knob has been opened up, it is sharp as a razor. Next you need something like a paper clip, or some type of probe tool to depress the retainer, so the knob can be removed. Again, there's that sharp knob to contend with. The rose can be easily removed to allow access to the mounting screws.

As an after thought, if there is a lock cylinder in both ends, it is an expensive lock set, so you may not woant to get that drastic with it. I suggest you give your local locksmith a call, and see what they say. It's just the safe thing to do.

cuedude

Well now that I know that there is not an easy way to do this I feel a lot better!

I have managed to remove the bolt. Now there are just the inside chamber bit and the plates on either side keeping it in place. It is possible to screw these bits off rather than resorting to the hacksaw?

I am unable to remove an old security lock. It is basically a circular lock with a key hole on each side. I do not have the key. No screws are visible. I have tried prying it off but that is not working. I have tried twisting it but the whole thing just moves round and round.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Hi again Juliehansen,

And a belated welcome to the board.

Actually, no, there isn't an easy way to do this, and here's why. On the back of the lock cylinder is what is called a tailpiece, or tailbar. In the locked position, it is Horizontal. Because it is flat, it blocks the spring retainer holding the lock cylinder in the lock. Also, this is why I mentioned taking the lock cylinder out, to make room for the movement of the retainer. Normally, all it takes is a key to turn the center part of the lock 90 digrees in either direction, turning the tailbar to virtical. This is how it would normally be done.

Here's another suggestion. Call your local locksmith, and have him pick the inside lock to the 90 position, and to pull the knob off for you. From here, you can remove the rose, and have access to the securing screws. This would save your lock from the dreaded hacksaw. Once that is done, he can decode the lock and make you a key simple enough. Hope this is helpfull.

cuedude

Are you talking about a knobset, or a deadbolt?
You mentioned having removed the "bolt" in your second post, so I'll assume you have a deadbolt problem.
The inside cylinder likely has a removable face plate covering the mounting screws. Try prying off the face plate to reveal the mounting screws.

Regards