How to Drill a Hardened Lock

If you have left a lock outside for too long, the keyhole can harden and might be rusted shut. The value of the locked goods far outweighs the value of the lock. In order to open the lock, the best process is to drill the keyhole open. You can use a cordless or wired drill to open the lock. Just use any drill that you have in your home. If you do not have a drill, purchase an inexpensive drill from your local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Power or cordless drill
• 1/4-inch carbide drill bit
• 3/8-inch carbide drill bit
• Flat-head screwdriver

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place a 1/4-inch carbide drill bit into the drill.

   • 2

     Drill a pilot hole into the top of the keyhole.

   • 3

     Place a 3/8-inch carbide drill bit into the drill, and drill into the pilot hole.

   • 4

     Drill 1 inch into the keyhole. The drill breaks the pins that set the lock. Set the drill to the "Reverse" setting and remove the drill.

   • 5

     Place a flat-head screwdriver into the keyhole. Turn the keyhole and open the hardened lock.