Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - Locked out of utility room

I don't have a key to the deadbolt lock on my utility room and there is no other way into the room. I have already bought a replacement lock, but I can't get the door open to get to the inside side of the lock. The door swings out, but I can't get the pins out of the hinges. Can I drill out the lock cylinder?

Frank

I don't have a key to the deadbolt lock on my utility room and there is no other way into the room. I have already bought a replacement lock, but I can't get the door open to get to the inside side of the lock. The door swings out, but I can't get the pins out of the hinges. Can I drill out the lock cylinder?

Frank

Hi Frank,

Welcome to the board. I have to ask what brand of lock are we talking about? This will help me tell you where to drill, what size bit, etc.

cuedude

It is a college rental property and the property manager did not get the keys back to the utility room. I had kept the original key, but the lock was rekeyed and now my key won't work. I'll check on the lock brand today.

Hi Frank,

One more question for you. Because this is a Collage Rental, would there be alot of red tape involved to get the renter involved with this? If not, why not let him call a locksmith? The lock can be picked open, rekeyed, and saved for a replacement lock if needed in the future.

If it's going to be a hastle, let me know, and I'll walk you through it.

cuedude

The renter graduated last January and moved out. I have no way of contacting him.

Hi Frank,

Not what I meant. I meant the landlord. (Renter, or Rentor). Most people have no idea how to contact the last tennant. LOL. Sorry for the confusion.

cuedude

I am the landlord.

I wouldnt advise drilling the lock cylinder like locksmiths do. It is a practised art.

If you know where the connecting screws are located then drill for the connecting screws and break the outer cylinder off and proceed to open with a screwdriver.

I would think I could drill where the pins are, just above the key slot. Should I expect this to be exceptionally hard metal? The lock is probably 20 years old.

have you gotten a quote from a locksmith ?

I would , might surprise you

I would think I could drill where the pins are, just above the key slot. Should I expect this to be exceptionally hard metal? The lock is probably 20 years old.

Hi Frank,

The metal will only be hard if the lock is high security such as medeco. Otherwise, it's brass. And right above the keyway is a good place. I recommend you use a center punch to insure your bit doesn't 'walk' as you begin drilling. You will get some additional resistance as the drill hits each tumbler. Most locks I've drilled have only 5 tumblers, while others have 6 or 7. I would drill through the first 5, then, using a flatblade screwdriver, try unlocking the lock. There is one thing which can cause you trouble, and that is the top tumblers droping into the lower chambers, thus blocking rotation of the lock. You will need something long and slender to dig out the pieces. One thing that comes to mind is a straitened out paperclip. If the hole is clear, try the screw driver.

It gets a bit complicated to explain, but take a flashlight with you when you do this. If after drilling 5 tumblers, cleaning it out, and using the screwdriver it still doesn't turn, look into the hole you just drilled to the very back. Is there another tumbler? You will recognize it. It will be a different color than the base metal. (Usually appears silver). If you see another tumbler, it too will have to be drilled, cleaned. Then try the screwdriver. It should open for you.

There is another thing to remember. There is a chance your drilled hole is off-center. IF that is the case, you will have to enlarge the hole. This will eventually clear the tumblers out of the way, and the lock can be opened with the driver.

Bottom line is: Keep trying.

cuedude

Again....i dont advise drilling the tumblers unless it's a last resort and it is a practised art.

Quite often alot of deadbolts arent fitted properly anyway, which may mean the bolt might not be fully thrown. It might be possible to slide the bolt back with a piece of plastic.

Then there will be no damage at all.

Depending on your location it might be cheaper to call your local locksmith to either pick or impression the lock cylinder.

If you do decide to drill it yourself....and it doesnt go to plan...it could be considerably more expensive for a locksmith to rectify your situation.
Good Luck!

i would try to drive a center punch UP through the hinges first to remove the pins, then use a flat bar or screwdriver to finish it before drilling anything.

Thanks for your help. I drilled it. In about a minute I had it drilled and the door open. I used about a 3/8" bit and drilled in the keyhole. Sometimes just playing dumb and taking the brute force way works. I never even saw the pins or springs.

About a month ago, my property manager had a locksmith come out and fix a lock. She said the key would turn, but it wouldn't unlock. The locksmith charged $100 and I really don't know what he did. I could have bought a new lock and installed it myself for a lot less.

Now I need to rekey some of my locks so I won't need so many keys. Lowes says they will rekey locks for $5 each if I bring them into the store. There are three that I would like to rekey to one key. I should probably take them to Lowes, but I would like to try to do it myself.

The tools required for rekeying most locks today are reasonably simple to self manufacture.

It is important to note the diameter of the barrel so to make sure that your follower (push-through) is large enough to fit inside the cylinder body and hold the top pins (drivers) from falling out.

You will require a set of bottom pins to correctly recode the locks to your selected keys.

It is fairly simple but all the same, some people have difficulty and this is why locksmiths are required tradespeople.

Good Luck....and thanks for the feedback.

BTW....a 3/8 inch hole was unnecessary....but it worked...so feel pleased.