How to Drill Out a Deadbolt Lock

Written By
Robert Good
Robert Good
Published: Jul 1, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Drilling a deadbolt will not be difficult, but you will need the correct tools.

Things You Will Need

  • Power drill
  • Drill bit
  • Spray lubricant
  1. Place a drill bit into the tip of the power drill and tighten the tip of the power drill according to that model power drill. Spray the drill bit with lubricant so that the bit is completely covered with lube.

  2. Spray the lubricant inside the deadbolt and around the outer edge of the key hole, and place the tip of the drill bit onto the center of the key hole.

  3. Pull the trigger on the power drill to spin the drill bit. Gently apply pressure onto the drill to force the drill bit into the key hole. As the drill bit penetrates the key hole, apply lubricant to keep the friction from braking the drill bit. Do this until the drill bit breaks through the rear of the lock and all of the tumbler pins are ground down.

  4. Once the deadbolt has been drilled, stick a screwdriver into the hole and turn the lock to unlock it.

The Drip Cap

  • Inside every deadbolt lock are a number of tumbler pins that lock and unlock the bolt.
  • Drilling a deadbolt lock should be your last option, because it will destroy the lock.
  • As the drill bit penetrates the key hole, apply lubricant to keep the friction from braking the drill bit.
Robert Good

Living in Tucson, Ariz., Robert Good has been writing from 2003 on a wide variety of subjects ranging from sports, gardening and cooking to auto repair, home maintenance and travel. Good holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the…

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