How to Remove Lock Tumblers

Remove the two long screws holding the lock in place, using a Phillips-head screwdriver. The key plate (keyhole) and turning face (knob) of the lock will separate. Remove both pieces from the door and set the turning face aside.

Hold the key plate firmly in your hand, and separate the lock cylinder from it by pushing the cylinder inward until it is free of the key plate collar. Set the key plate collar into a small container. Insert the correct key into the keyhole/cylinder plug and pull the cylinder away from the cylinder plug. Place the cylinder in the container.

Position the cylinder plug so that the keyhole is facing away from you. On the back rim of the keyhole is a steel retainer ring that wraps downward around the cylinder and connects to a rectangular tumbler cover. Locate the small tab on this retainer ring that rests on the rectangular tumbler cover. Place your thumb over the tumbler cover to prevent the tumbler springs from ejecting the posts when it is removed.

Gently pry the clip tab up and away from the cylinder with the flat-head screwdriver. Take care not to damage or distort the retainer ring. Place the ring in the container.

Hold the cylinder plug steadily and slowly lift the tumbler cover from the top of the lock cylinder. Set the tumbler cover aside. Beneath the cover are five small holes with colored posts inside; these are the lock tumblers.

Record the exact order of the colors of the posts, starting from the post hole nearest the keyhole, on a notepad. The colors correspond to the particular length of each post. All brands of locks use different color codes; as a result, it is impossible to know the size of the posts without measuring them.

Position the upright cylinder so that it is directly above the small container into which the other lock parts have been placed. Turn the cylinder over and empty out the tumblers and springs.