How do I drill out a crawl space lock (no key)?

Question

I moved into my house and did not get a key for the crawl space door. It is approximately 18"x24" metal door with a simple metal bar that turns away from frame to drop open.
I am trying not to call a locksmith, but need in crawl space for repair. Thanks!!

I looked for the serial numbers early on (have locksmith at work who can use codes to make a new key) and there are none - would've been an easy fix. Checking on costs of locksmith... still $$

$40 an hour plus labor, ouch!

Answer 1

You can use a 1/4 inch drill bit and drill directly into the keyhole. This will remove the tumblers and when youre through use a small flat head screwdriver to turn the actual locking mechanism inside. Youll know when you get through the tumblers so dont worry. It'll sort of give.

Answer 2

You might consider the locksmith. By the time you spend on the tools and replacement lock, plus the possiblity of damaging the door frame, the locksmith might be within $20 of drilling out the key. Look at the face of the lock, there might be a serial number stamped into the lock. provide this number and the shape of the key to a locksmith store and he might be able to fashion the key without the mobile time.

Answer 3

Drill into the key itself. THe drill should be a good quality drill about 1/2 inch in diameter. This will drill out the core. Once the core is out, you can use something to turn the bolt so as to unlock the door. Once the door is open, you, the lock can then be easily replaced with a duplicate.

Answer 4

try getting locking plyers around the whole cylinder and turn counterclockwise, some times the lock will unscrew from the box,
buy a car dent puller and follow the dirction ( basicly you srew a srew into the cylinder and attched the screqw to the puller and slame back the weight) out comes the lock

Answer 5

you may not have to drill at all.check to see if the hinges are on your side of the door.if they are you can usually knock these out with a straight steel punch.many times there are caps on the hinges which are easily removed with a slight hit with a hammer and screwdriver.then you can access the hinge pin and just tap it out gradually with a punch and hammer.

Answer 6

dont drill it use a bump key, they are $3 and will save you the hassel of drilling