Skip to content
GET THE #LOCKBOSS OLD SCHOOL PATCH HAT WITH ORDERS $393.24 AND UP (ADD TO CART FOR OFFER)
GET THE #LOCKBOSS OLD SCHOOL PATCH HAT WITH ORDERS $393.24 AND UP (ADD TO CART FOR OFFER)

Things You Should Do Before Drilling a Lock

Things You Should Do Before Drilling a Lock

For those locks that are impervious to your skills with lock picks, you may have no choice but to turn to a customer and inform him or her that you have to drill into the lock. Doing so results in a complete loss of the lock, much to the customer’s horror. To keep from being the bearer of bad news, and to save your customer the cost of a new lock, CLK Supplies is here to share a few steps to complete before resorting to brass and drilling tacks.

Know the Type of Lock You’re Working With

Even if you drill into a lock, there’s still no guarantee that it will open. For instance, locks with anti-drill pins will remain just as clamped up after you drill into them as they were when you were using a lock pick. There are also special cylinders that will render a lock inoperable if they’re drilled into. By knowing the specifics and features of a lock, you’ll know whether you’re wasting your time trying to drill into it. This may be the last thing the customer wants to hear, but it’s better than wasting time and resources on a fruitless venture.

Pick the Lock

Knowing how to use both electric and mechanical lock picks is sure to come in handy here, as will knowing various methods for opening different types of locks. Going back to the tip mentioned above, it’s best to start with the raking picking option if you’re unsure of the type of lock you’re working on. Once you’ve exhausted your knowledge of picking methods, it’s time to use a pick gun. We recommend that you not waste time if you’re unable to feel the inner workings of the lock, or if the picking technique you’re using is ineffective.

Keep Replacement Locks on Hand

Before breaking out a drill, it’s best that you first have replacements handy in order that the customer can have a new lock installed immediately after the current one is disposed of. Quickly replacing the faulty lock with a new one helps the customer retain his or her peace of mind and sense of security. In the event that the customer doesn’t like any of the locks you have, or if you’re unable to provide locks, everyone is better off if the current lock remains intact. Having a lock that doesn’t unlock is preferable to one that doesn’t even live up to its name.

Bump the Lock

When you first attempt to open the lock, starting with a bump key is often the best course of action, right after picking the lock. The reason for this is the bump key method is one that quickly lets you know how effective the technique is, or isn’t, as the case may be. Generally, you’ll know after about a minute whether you’ll be able to get the lock open. After that, it’s simply a matter of good fortune, which you and the customer might not have time for.

Make Sure the Customer Agrees to Have the Lock Drilled

You don’t want to drill into a lock without the customer’s permission. What’s more is that you don’t want to make the individual feel pressured into having the lock drilled in the first place. Simply inform him or her that your normal methods aren’t working and that drilling is a measure of last resort. The customer may hate the fact that you have to ruin the lock, but at least you both can say the decision is well-informed.

Leave no lock-picking technique unused before you consider drilling. The above steps can help you maintain your quality of services as well as your professional reputation.   

Previous article JMA Berna Simply - The Best NEW Key Machine for Locksmiths?