The key is lost, the door lock is broken, a new core needs to be installed - but you never know when you may need to drill out the lock cylinder. This process may not be so easy, it all depends on the type of lock. Drilling out the lock cylinder is done according to a special pattern; first you need to know where the post is attached to the tip of the bolt. If you do not know the exact structure of your lock, then the necessary information can be found in its passport. Here you can learn how to drill out the lock cylinder of the front door.
What is a lock cylinder?
The larva is the core of the castle, and it is located in the center
In simple language, the larva is the core of the castle, and it is located in the center. This is where we insert the key to open and close the door. That is, it is a set of certain combinations of pins, it will accept a key that has the same set of combinations, otherwise the door will not open. In some mechanisms, cylinders are used instead of pins. Replacing the cylinder differs from the type of lock, namely from the type of locking mechanism
Types of locking mechanisms
- The cylindrical one is the most popular, because not everyone can hack it. If you don’t know how to do this, it’s better not to disassemble it, so as not to do additional unnecessary work.
- Pin type - this type is rare, since the English mechanism is not reliable.
- Disc - most often it will not be possible to replace only the cylinder, since it is difficult to find a suitable replacement.
- Cross-shaped - it is also worth replacing the entire structure; this type is famous for its unreliability.
- Particularly complex - this includes mechanisms that are resistant to hacking, but you should not replace them yourself, and most likely this will not work.
When you shouldn't invent new autopsy methods
Here are some ways to knock out a lock
are not always effective. In addition, as you can see from their descriptions, to use one or another method you need either special equipment or appropriate skills. Therefore, if none of them suits you, you should not come up with a new method, for example, cutting out the lock body with a grinder or injecting acid inside. It’s better to immediately invite specialized specialists who can handle the lock in a matter of minutes, no matter how reliable the mechanism you have.
To avoid problems with opening the lock if the keys are lost, you should keep a spare set, for example, with neighbors whom you trust. Or with relatives, even if they live on the other side of the city.
To ensure that the locking device does not break and functions for as long as possible, use it carefully, turn the key without haste, and do not slam the door, because vibration can also negatively affect the efficiency of the internal parts of the product. In addition, the lock should be lubricated periodically. Such prevention will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the efficiency and durability of the locking mechanism.
If the front door of your home or office is broken, try changing its internal part - the cylinder. You can do this yourself. How to remove a faulty mechanism and in what ways you can open a door that is jammed - read on.
In what cases is it necessary to replace the lock cylinder?
There are not many cases of replacement, but it is better to do it as soon as you suspect that something is wrong with the lock. Let's clarify what I mean is that something is going wrong and needs to be replaced.
- You've been using the same lock for too long. Know how poor quality and expensive it is, sooner or later it will break.
- If you or anyone has tried or has already dismantled the lock before, then you should worry about its ability to work at full capacity.
- It often happens that the owner lost the key and tried to break into his apartment himself. So, if they tried to break the lock, whether they succeeded or not, it doesn’t matter, the cylinder is damaged, so don’t put off replacing it.
- If there is a strong blow to the mechanism, a breakdown will occur, even if after the blow it works, this does not guarantee anything.
- The key gets stuck when opening (closing), there’s no need to think twice about it, someday you won’t be able to get into the apartment.
Popular among burglars
The next method is how to knock out a lock
is one of the most popular among hackers recently. This is the so-called bumping. Its essence is to use a special key that is inserted into the keyhole. Strong blows are applied to the device, in the intervals between which it is necessary to turn the given key in the direction of opening the lock.
The bumping method allows you to arrange the pins in the desired combination, which will allow you to open the lock. You can use this method only if you have certain skills.
A bumper key is freely available on the internet, but you probably don't want to wait for one to come to you to open a broken lock. Moreover, if you are really concerned about the safety of your home and property and have installed a modern locking mechanism of high reliability, bumping will be ineffective.
How to open a lock cylinder
Methods for opening the lock cylinder are divided into forceful and intellectual. Depending on the chosen method, the secrecy mechanism can be destroyed or ensure proper operation after opening. Lockservice wizards talk about each group of methods.
The Lockservice lock opening service distinguishes 2 groups of methods that can quickly open the security mechanism:
- Intelligent methods, during which the secret part of the devices may not be damaged - the use of master keys and improvised means (pin, wire), bumping.
- Using forceful methods, after which it will be necessary to replace the secret part of the lock - knocking out, breaking out, drilling.
If you urgently need to open the lock cylinder and calling professional services is impossible, we will tell you how to open the lock cylinder yourself.
Breaking out
In case of breaking, a complete change of the secret part of the device is necessary.
In this case, a complete change of the secret part of the device is necessary. For the procedure you will need a gas or adjustable wrench. With its help, you need to hook the larva onto the protruding part and turn it by sharp rotation. A crack will appear that divides the structure into two parts. In this case, all fasteners are broken off, after which the security mechanism can be removed from the device. The mechanism is pulled out in the same way.
Drilling
You will need tools: a drill or a drill with adjustable speed. The diameter of the drill should be commensurate with the size of the lock cylinder (about 3 mm). This size allows you to carefully drill out the pins, which will allow you to quickly solve the problem yourself. The power tool should be placed against the key hole and drilled to the location of the pin that clings to the bolt (approximately to the middle). After drilling, the fastening can be turned using a screwdriver or wire and the lock can be released. In the case of a cylinder with an armor plate, you will need a heavy-duty carbide-tipped drill. When the cylinder lock cylinder cannot be drilled out, the entire cylinder must be drilled. In this case, you will need knowledge of how to open the cylinder using a drill with a diameter of 19 mm, or a special tubular drill designed for drilling out a lock. After this procedure, the castle will be completely destroyed.
Knockout
This method of opening the larvae is used as a last resort, when you urgently need to get into the room, but there is no time to wait for the master. For this method you need to use a chisel and a hammer. The chisel is inserted into the cylinder and strong blows are applied to it.
Under the influence of force, the pin bends the metal case and the secret mechanism pops out. Afterwards the bolt can be moved aside and the door can be opened.
There are also methods by which the secret mechanism remains in good working order. One of them is the use of master keys.
Pick-tensioner
A master key tensioner is a thin object 15-20 cm that does not break when the cylinder is tensioned and easily fits into the keyhole
This is a thin object 15-20 cm, which does not break when the cylinder is pulled and easily fits into the keyhole without falling through it completely. A hex wrench or flathead screwdriver may be suitable for this purpose. You should use the master key carefully: the slightest force and it will break and remain in the lock cylinder.
Pick-hook
A pin or paperclip can replace it. To make a master key from a paper clip, straighten it and bend one of the ends 90 degrees. You can also bend one end into a small loop. Pliers will help you quickly cope with the task. The object must be made of strong metal that does not bend when pressure is applied to the pins. Picks made from a hacksaw blade work best. Hair bobby pins are also a good material for a lockpick. Cut off the rounded ends of the bobby pin and make a right angle out of it, and then bend the edge 3-5 mm at an angle of 90 degrees.
If you correctly and consistently open the larva, the method using master keys allows you to avoid damaging the locking mechanism and ensure opening within 2-5 minutes. But if there is a strong tension on the cylinder or a lot of pressure on the pins, there is a risk of damage to the cylinder.
If there is no key
If the key has been preserved, then removing the lock cylinder is a matter of unscrewing a few bolts. Another question is if there is no key - in this case the lock pin will remain engaged with the bolt and without physically destroying the lock, it is simply impossible to remove it.
There are several ways to turn or break a pin - which one to use depends on the desire to maintain the integrity of the door lock and the lock itself.
This method should not be seriously considered, since it does not correspond to the task at hand - leaving the lock intact to work with another secret.
This method of opening is akin to the banal breaking of doors, only here it is not the door leaf that is damaged, but the lock.
In any case, it is used in the most extreme cases, when the door needs to be opened urgently, but there is no time to prepare.
To get the result, you need to hit the lock cylinder with a chisel and hammer. The pin will simply bend the metal of its body, and the secret will pop out, after which it will be possible to move the bolt and open the doors.
The hammer should be quite heavy, and the chisel blade should be no wider than the socket. If you take a light hammer, it will not be able to overcome the force of elasticity and will simply bounce off after impacts. If you take a chisel that is not the right size, it will ruin the door leaf.
The lock, and possibly part of the door leaf, will have to be completely replaced.
Breaking out
When using this method, the door remains intact, but the lock will also have to be completely changed. The essence of the method is to hook the secret and turn it sharply. An adjustable (gas) wrench or similar device is suitable for this.
As a result, all fasteners break off and the lock cylinder can be pulled out of its mechanism.
Everything is clearly shown in the video:
Reaming
Compared to knocking out the door, this is an order of magnitude more humane to the lock way of removing the secret without a key, but if for some reason the secret needs to be kept (when there is a key, but it has been forgotten), then it is absolutely not suitable.
If there is no hope of opening this lock again with a key, then drilling will be the easiest and fastest way to open the door, and you can do without calling repairmen.
Drilling out the cylinder is quite simple - the drill is attached to the key hole, which is drilled out at least to the middle, where there is a fastening pin that clings to the bolt. The mount no longer clings to the locking mechanism and rotates inside the cylinder under its own weight.
Sometimes it may happen that when drilling, the metal will bend and in this case the pin must be pushed into the cylinder manually. A steel knitting needle is suitable for this.
Master key or bumper key
The safest option for a lock is to use a master key. True, this requires certain skills and because of this, preference is often given to the previous method of opening the lock (especially if the door needs to be opened urgently).
If there is nowhere to rush, and you want to keep the lock mechanism intact, then you can try yourself as a burglar and use a master key. To do this, you need to understand how the secret mechanism works.
Inside the cylinder, on springs, there are so-called pins, which consist of two halves. If the center of the pin does not fall on the circumference of the cylinder, then the rotation of the latter will be blocked. The more complex the lock, the more pins it uses, which must be simultaneously positioned at the required height.
To open the lock, you need 2 wires - one straight to try to turn the cylinder, and the second, with a curved tip, you need to tap on the pins until they line up one by one in the desired combination. Time for such manipulations can be spent from ten minutes.
In addition to the wire, you can use a piece of metal file blade
Tips for choosing and installing a new larva
- When replacing a larva, you need to know its parameters. It depends on the thickness of your door, because now there is a large selection of doors, and they are all different in thickness. Also, the diameters may differ, especially if the larvae are from foreign manufacturers. If it is not possible to take your larva with you, then take a photo of it, write down its length and diameter, and you can go to the store.
- Pay attention to the fastening system, it is necessary that the length from the end to the hole of the cylinder coincides with the new sample being purchased, this is very important, and it is allowed if this length is a little longer, but not less.
- Buy a larva with a certain number of keys. Because there are different sets, consider all the options with the number of keys you need and make a choice in favor of one candidate. But first, read all the tips to the end.
- Grooves. The larva can be with one groove and a turntable, or with grooves on both sides.
- You also have the opportunity to choose the shape of the key. It can be flat, laser, perforated or any other.
- The choice of the color of the larva can be matched to the color of the castle, or any other shade, this is at the discretion of the owner.
Application
The main function of the security devices under consideration is to guarantee the safety of objects and premises: protecting them from theft or unwanted influence.
In the recent past, similar locks were used in column-type slot machines. They could be found in almost every store.
Today, tubular locks have become more popular. They are used in coin-operated machines (coffee machines, vending machines), in payment terminals, in bicycle locks, in the external doors of some safes and cash registers, like.
How to properly drill out a lock cylinder yourself
To start drilling out the lock cylinders, you need to determine the type of locking mechanism:
- cross cylinder mechanism
- cylinder pin mechanism
- level rim lock
- lock with armored lining
Cylinder locks are the most common option. The larva hides the locking mechanism itself. After drilling, you can later replace it with another one (they are sold in stores) with a corresponding replacement of the set of keys.
The cheaper the lock, the easier it is to drill out its cylinder. Expensive locks made of hardened steel and with a secret will be difficult to open without a key.
Cross cylinder mechanism
To open this type of lock, you need to drill a hole and then use a thin screwdriver or wire to pry up the stopper. The lock is removed using a hook. The entire door opening procedure will take a few minutes.
To open this type of lock, you need to drill a hole in the cylinder and turn it using a wire or screwdriver
Cylinder pin mechanism
To open this type of lock, you need to drill a hole in the cylinder and turn it using a wire or screwdriver.
Level pad lock
To open it, you need to drill a hole where the post attaches to the tip of the deadbolt. After this, the hook is inserted through the keyhole and used to open it.
Lock with armored lining
You will need a heavy-duty carbide-tipped drill bit. But they are not cheap and sometimes it is easier to call a specialist than to open this type of lock yourself.
Is it worth changing the core yourself?
The main criterion when choosing a cylinder security mechanism is the degree of burglary resistance. To ensure the secrecy of the cylinder mechanism, spring-loaded or floating steel pins are used. Conventionally, according to the degree of burglary resistance, they are divided into:
- Simple. They have a low level of privacy, all pins are located in the same plane in one or two rows. Such larvae can be opened with a bump key in a couple of minutes. The door can be opened with a key from any side.
- Combined. The presence of secret elements in the form of holes significantly complicates a hacking attempt. In common parlance, the combined devices are called “spinner keys.” This is due to the fact that the door can only be opened from the outside with a key. From the inside - with a rotary turntable.
- Semi-cylindrical. The keyhole is located only on the outside, so such locks are practically not used in private households.
In order to replace the core yourself, you need to have certain practical skills
It is important to determine the type and size of the core. Having dismantled the old lock core, measure the dimensions of the mechanism: L, B, Ø
A cylinder of suitable size is inserted into the door, turning the cam to the “closed” position. Next, fix it with a special fastening bolt. Despite the apparent simplicity of the operation, it is better to entrust core replacement to specialists. Unprofessional installation leads to jamming of the lock, and the lack of specialized tools and replacement skills significantly increases the labor intensity of the process.
Sequence of work on drilling lock cylinders
- Before you begin removing the cylinder, after determining the type of locking mechanism, do not forget to turn off the alarm.
- Insert a 3mm (diameter) drill bit into the drill. This diameter will allow you to drill out the pins, which may be sufficient to solve the problem.
- Using a center punch and hammer, mark the drilling point. It should be located above the keyhole under the line dividing the outer and inner cylinder of the lock.
- With the drill positioned at the intended point, drill through the cylinder. The lock pins will be destroyed. Usually there are 5 or 6, but sometimes there are more.
- Insert a drill of a larger diameter (6.5 mm) into the drill and repeat the procedure to ensure the destruction of the pins.
- Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver into the lock cylinder and turn it like a regular key. The lock should open if you did everything sequentially.
Instructions for drilling the lock
The design of door locks is different, both simple and complex. The castle can have a very thoughtful design. There are locks with protection from moisture, fire, and strong impacts. But more often locks have a lever or cylindrical design. Perhaps the easiest way is to drill out the locks. You only need to know 2-3 points where to drill, and then use a screwdriver to open the lock. Most locks are easily amenable to this procedure.
If the lock is mortise and has a cross-shaped cylinder mechanism, then you need to make a hole, lift the stopper and use a hook to move the bolt. If your door has a lock with a cylinder pin mechanism, then you need to drill a hole in the cylinder itself and turn it with wire.
The lever lock is drilled where the post is attached to the tip of the bolt. The stand must be drilled out, then use a hook to open the lock through the keyhole. But this will work provided that a cheap cylinder is installed in the lock. When you buy a door, pay attention to the sticking cylinder. If there is one, then such a door will be easy to open. But if there is an armor plate, then the drilling process becomes more complicated. Here you already need a special carbide drill. It's not cheap. It will cost you less to call a professional.
If you care about the reliability of your door, then when choosing a lock, look at its passport. Locks come in four security classes. Locks of class 3-4 are more resistant to burglary. It is better to install two locks of different designs on your door. Do not show the keys in public, because an experienced burglar will not make a cast; he only needs to look at the key and he will understand how the door opens.
Preliminary preparation
Inspect the locking mechanism
Determine what?
- Presence/absence of armor plate.
- The degree of protection of the larva, including from unauthorized removal. Many models of cylinder locks provide for this, and therefore special inclusions made of hard alloys are placed in the borehole. When you try to open the door in this way, the drill quickly breaks.
Based on visual diagnostics, you can understand:
- how to drill out the lock cylinder correctly and what needs to be prepared;
- is it worth doing? This statement may seem strange to some, and therefore something needs to be clarified. To remove the core in some models of locks installed in doors, it is not necessary to drill it; the larva can simply be knocked out with a hammer and a fairly strong screwdriver (or a piece of metal rod).
- And this will take much less time, and the technology itself is so primitive that even a teenager can handle this work.
Prepare everything you need
- electric/drill. It is desirable that it has a speed control function, and that the tool runs on mains power rather than battery power. In the absence of one, a screwdriver will also help;
- extension cord (carrying);
- drill. There is a rule - its diameter should slightly exceed the width of the slot into which the key is inserted (for most cylinder lock cylinders it should be 3 mm); quite enough for accurate drilling. But this is the main working tool. For primary drilling, smaller analogues will be needed. For example, at 0.5 and 1.2.
- punch, hammer, screwdriver with a narrow blade;
- machine oil.
Tool for drilling the cylinder
Before work, it is better to prepare everything in advance so that during the process you do not have to interrupt and look for missing equipment. The main tool is an electric drill with a sufficient level of power and adjustable rotation speed. It is better to take a tool that operates from the mains, so that the battery does not unexpectedly run out during operation.
A thin metal drill is selected for the drill, slightly thicker than the bore hole, usually 3-5 mm is enough. For convenience, it is also recommended to take a center punch, with which you can mark the entry point of the drill; in this case, the drill will not jump off the relief surface of the core and will not damage the lock body or the surface of the door leaf. Instead of a punch, you can use a thin awl.
In some cases, 6 and 19 mm drills are selected for greater effect. The first drill is used for additional boring of the hole in order to accurately drill all the pins and pick up the lock. A thick drill corresponds to the diameter of the entire cylinder and is used if it is impossible to pick up the stopper through a small recess. But you need to understand that after such a hack it will not be possible to replace only the core, since the entire lock is damaged, so you will have to buy a new one.
To open a broken lock, you will also need a thin flat-head screwdriver, which will tighten the stopper, hook, or bent wire to latch the lock.
Preparation of the work area
Before you start directly drilling the lock, you must prevent the possibility of the tip of the tool sliding on the metal. Therefore, the “entry point” is marked with a center punch, otherwise there is a high probability of damage to the cladding, insulation and door leaf material.
Definition of the "working" point
Everything is clear about how to drill out the larva - with an electric drill. But where exactly to install the drill is an important question. Regardless of the modification of the cylinder lock (pin, plate, disk), the “channel” must pass near the installation of the security elements. Then the larva will come out quite easily.
There is one more rule for this - the optimal drilling point is ¼ of the length of the slot above its lower edge. That is, the well is conventionally divided in half, twice; there will be no error.
Other opening methods used for cylinder locks
Bumping
Bumping is an effective lock picking technology that is used to open pin locking systems with cylinder mechanisms.
Bumping is an effective lock picking technology that is used to open pin locking systems with cylinder mechanisms. If successful, the locksmith is often able to maintain the functionality of the lock. The principle of the technique is to tap on a special key while simultaneously turning the rod in the locking hole. To protect the entrance system from this method of opening, you can use other types of locks or special linings that block access to the cylindrical device.
Methods for opening cylinder locks
Opening using a “Pick-gun”. This unlocking tool is a pistol with a set of shaped attachments, which produces jolting vibrations that turn the pins of the lock cylinder one by one. You can protect yourself from this method only by using non-cylinder type locking systems or innovative locks with additional security contours. In some cases, installation of magnetic or coded overlays that protect access to the lock cylinder may be considered as anti-burglary protection.
Cylinder body rupture
This hacking technique is carried out using force on a cylindrical mechanism, which leads to the formation of a crack in the area of the screw fastening. As a result, the cylinder is destroyed and the lock loses functionality. You can resist such actions using armored plates or locks, the protrusion of the cylinder does not exceed a distance of 2-3mm.
Pulling out the cylinder core
This type of hacking involves removing the central part of the cylinder mechanism using a special device. To reduce the risk of using such technology, special armored linings should be installed to protect the area in which the cylindrical locking system is located.
Drilling out the cylinder body
The most common method of breaking a door, which is implemented using a drill with special diamond bits. To deactivate the lock, a horizontal channel is drilled in the body of the cylindrical mechanism, which leads to the destruction of the pins and springs that determine the protective functions of the lock.
Once drilling is complete, the lock can be easily opened with any screwdriver. To prevent the use of such hacking technology, special locks should be installed, equipped with protective inserts made of heat-resistant metal alloys.
Another method of protection is the installation of protective pads of various types (magnetic, coded) that protect access to the cylindrical mechanism.
Malfunctions
When using the security systems under consideration, breakdowns sometimes occur that do not directly lead to the failure of the system and the purchase of a new one, but do not allow its further use.
Among these problems is a broken opening tube. This malfunction can be eliminated independently; to do this, just follow the following scheme.
First of all, you need to check in what position the tube is installed. Its direction must correspond to the “open” or “closed” positions. Only in this case will all the security elements be located in a manner suitable for retrieving the key.
Make a turn. To rotate the mechanism to its initial position, you will need pliers. Then the fragment can be pulled out with their help.
In addition, long-term or careless use will wear out the slots made at the end of the tube.
In this case, you will have to use a duplicate and check the locking mechanism to see if there are any debris or metal shavings in it.
Replacing a mortise lock on a door
Dismantling occurs quickly if it is not jammed by a broken mechanism
Dismantling occurs quickly if it is not jammed by a broken mechanism. Let's hope that nothing interferes with the larvae. Then unscrew the screws from the end of the door and remove the bar, then remove the back cover. In the center of the lock there is a bolt that is difficult to miss; most often it is large. We unscrew it, remove the “flag” of the lock inside the mechanism and pull the cylinder towards us.
How to replace the cylinder if the key does not turn in it, roughly speaking, the mechanism is “stuck”, the answer is simple, it will have to be drilled out with a drill.
Installation of a new larva occurs in the opposite direction. We install it in the same grooves and secure it with the same screws. The process is not complicated, but patience will be useful, because it is not so easy to get a screw into a hole on the mechanism. After you hit it, tighten it and proceed to further assembly, after these manipulations the larva will fall into place by itself, all that remains is to fasten it and that’s it.
Feel like a bugbear
“Bugcrackers” were originally called attackers who specialized in opening safes; later this concept acquired a broader meaning and today this category of criminals also includes those who skillfully open locks on entrance doors using a master key.
Using this opening method, you will again have to think about how to knock out the lock
. Because the most common way to break a lock is to use a “roll up”. In appearance, it resembles a cylinder locking mechanism, but instead of a head there is a lever, and the burglary product itself is made of high-strength steel. The “roll” is carefully driven into the keyhole, after which it’s time to use pliers to clamp the handle and turn it with force. After such force, it will no longer be possible to repair the lock and, in addition to the cylinder, the entire locking mechanism will have to be replaced.
The following method will make you temporarily forget about how to knock out a lock.
, more intelligent and civilized, if the latter definition is generally applicable to breaking locking devices. This method involves the use of a master key. However, she still needs to be found. And not everyone knows how to use it. Without the necessary experience, you will have to spend a lot of time picking a lock with a master key.
Moreover, if it provides protection against hacking with a master key. For example, the fragile shank, which is the most important part of the locking device. This design element works only if the lock is opened with the “original” key, but if you use a master key, it will break, which will lead to the lock being blocked.
Tips for working on opening a door lock
- When drilling, keep the drill level so as not to damage the entire lock;
- If the drill is stuck, turn it in reverse to remove it and clear it of metal filings. To make it more convenient to move the drill into the cylinder, lubricate it with oil or water;
- While drilling out pins, you will feel periodic resistance, which will go away after the pin is overcome. This will mean that you are doing everything right;
- Do not drill at high speed and do not press hard on the drill. This may cause it to break.
And the most important advice is to avoid the need to drill out the cylinders, have a set of spare keys in the future.
Sources:
- https://zamokzamkov.ru/sposoby-vskrytija-cilindrovyh-zamkov-shast-1.html
- https://www.potrebitel.net/potrebitelu-na-zametku/kak-vskryt-lichinku-zamka.html
- https://faqgurupro.ru/kvartira-i-dacha/sistemy-bezopasnosti/173568-kak-vysverlit-zamok.html
- https://stroitelstvo21.ru/obzori/5822-kak-pomenyat-lichinku-zamka-vkhodnoj-dveri.html
- https://masterstroy-info.ru/1060-kak-vysverlit-lichinku-zamka-vkhodnoy-dveri-poshagovaya-instruktsiya.html
