Best Drill Bit For Drilling Out Locks? Trust The Answer

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Before attempting to drill a lock, remember that you cannot drill locks that have a steel center pin or a ball bearing in the center pin. To start, hammer a center punch into a spike just above the keyhole and take it out. Then, using a 1/8″ drill bit, slowly drill through the spot you made with the center punch. Next, replace the drill with a 1/4-inch bit and repeat the process. Finally, insert a flathead screwdriver into the lock and turn to unlock the door. To learn what type of lock you’re working with, read on!

Locking yourself out of the house is never fun. But don’t despair! There are a few techniques you can use to unlock a deadbolt from the outside without a key.

Deadbolts have fewer weak points than traditional doorknob locks, but they’re still pretty easy to defeat with the right approach.

In this guide, we will discuss several common techniques for unlocking pin tumbler deadbolts, including picking locks, poking locks, and drilling the lock.

With a little patience and practice, you can unlock almost any deadbolt without a key. So next time you’re locked out, keep these tips in mind and you’ll be back in in no time.

Let us begin!

1. Pick the lock

Lockpicking is the first and best way to unlock a deadbolt without a key. It’s a popular choice for those who want to avoid damaging their door or lock.

Lock picking is easy to learn – the basics required to pick a standard pin tumbler bolt can be learned in 10 minutes. All you really need to know is the barebones basics behind how locks work and some of the techniques used to pick them.

In addition to this basic knowledge, you will also need lockpicking tools: a pick and a wrench.

If you’re in a pinch and have the materials on hand, you can make makeshift lock picking tools out of bobby pins, paper clips, or other stiff and thin metal.

However, improvised picks are too large to fit in the keyway. In that case, you’ll need a professional or hobbyist lock pick set designed for use in small or parametric keyways.

Check out our selection of lock picking sets to find a good everyday carry set and don’t be afraid to get locked out again! You can even carry around a wallet-sized lock pick set for emergencies!

If you want to try lock picking, I’ve written several very comprehensive guides on how to pick locks using different tools, complete with animations and step-by-step instructions.

Check out the guides below:

This approach has some disadvantages. If you’re using a high-security deadbolt, or if your lock uses anti-pick features like security pins, you probably won’t be able to pick it without considerable practice.

In addition, the internal components of locks can be fragile and if you are unlucky you may damage something – e.g. B. break a spring.

Only open your lock if:

You own the lock (if you rent it, you don’t own it). You understand that there is a small risk that you will ruin the castle.

Picking locks has its downsides, but it’s still a powerful way to unlock a deadbolt without a key.

2. Hit the lock

Another very effective tactic for bypassing deadbolts without the original key is bumping the lock.

Lock bumping is a technique that uses a ground down key called a “bump key” that has been cut to its maximum depth.

You can buy pre-made bump keys online for your particular latch, or you can make your own.

However, to make your own, you’ll need access to another key that you’d like to destroy that also fits in your latch’s keyway, and a tool to grind that key down. Both items are available at almost any local hardware store.

Watch the video below to create a bump key.

Once you have your bump key, it’s time to get to work!

Insert it all the way into the key, then slowly pull it back until you hear the rearmost pin click into the lock. Then exert a slight twisting pressure on the button.

Hit the back of the key with a rubber mallet or the palm of your hand and push it sharply into the lock. The teeth of the key hit the pins and send them up. With the right amount of force and a bit of luck, the pins will disengage completely from the lock pin and the lock will open.

While this method is effective against most pin tumbler latches, it may not always work. Higher quality deadbolts can use anti-bumping features that prevent bumping the lock from being successful.

If you’d like to learn more about lock bumping or how to prevent it from being used on your locks, be sure to check out my comprehensive guide on lock bumping for a deeper dive.

3. Drill the lock

If you don’t mind completely destroying your deadbolt, you can drill the lock.

There are multiple ways to successfully drill a lock, and many different regions to aim your drill at. You can drill the shear line, the bottom pin stack (key pins), the top pin stack (drive pins), the springs, or even the screws that hold the latch to the door.

The best way to know which method to use in which situation is to understand how a lock works and what common anti-drill countermeasures are typically used. Anti-drill components are typically harder steel or ceramic parts that protect vulnerable areas.

For example: if you look into the keyway and see a steel pin instead of a brass pin, your latch probably uses hardened anti-drill pins, which are more difficult to drill.

Inexpensive latches don’t typically use anti-drilling countermeasures, however, so you can probably just aim for the shear line by drilling just above the keyway.

To drill a lock, do the following:

Pick a spot to drill and start with a small drill to drill a short starting hole to guide a larger drill. Start with a 1/8″ drill bit and start drilling until you feel your drill bit go through 5 pins. Upgrade to a 1/4″ drill bit and repeat the process. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the keyway and try to turn the lock.

If it doesn’t open, look in the hole and see if there’s the 6th pin. If there is another pin, drill a little deeper to wipe out that pin as well, then try picking the lock again.

If there isn’t another pin and the lock won’t open, you may need to upgrade to a slightly larger drill to deal a bit more damage!

4. Break the glass

If there is a pane of glass on the door you want to bypass, or if there is a window within range of the deadbolt’s knob, you can break the glass and reach through to dislodge the lock.

Unless it’s an emergency, I really don’t recommend this approach. Reaching through a broken window can leave you in more trouble than you had when you started. Not to mention that replacing glass can be more expensive than simply calling a locksmith.

Speaking of locksmiths!

5. Call a locksmith

If all else fails, you may have to call a locksmith to unlock the door. Most locksmiths have the tools and experience to pick just about any door without damaging the lock.

Also, locksmiths typically charge a lot less than the cost of replacing a broken lock, door, or window. The average lockout cost is around $150, but that depends on your location and the locksmith. Learn more about calling a locksmith and how much it costs here.

If you’re stuck and don’t know what to do or don’t have the tools, your best bet is to contact a locksmith.

Why deadbolts are a little harder to avoid

Most exterior doors use two different types of locks: a deadbolt and a doorknob (also called a “bolt”).

Doorknob locks use a spring that automatically pushes and holds a deadbolt into the door frame when the door is closed.

Because the latch is held in place using a spring, it is vulnerable to any attack that can pull the spring back. A popular attack called loiding involves sliding a thin piece of material (such as a credit card) between the cracks in the door and squeezing the spring latch.

In contrast, latches do not use a spring. Rather, they have to be retracted mechanically using a key or knob. Because of this, they cannot be loosened and it is much more difficult to manipulate the bolt directly.

This will prevent you from locking yourself out again

Getting locked out really sucks, but there are a few ways you can minimize the chances of it ever happening again.

1. Make sure you have hidden a key in a safe place outside of your home

Your best option is to hide a key outside in a safe place. This could be in a flower pot on your porch, under a rock in your yard, or anywhere else that is unobtrusive and secluded.

If you have hidden a key outside, you can simply retrieve it and let yourself back into your home. No need to call a locksmith or fiddle with the lock!

2. Have a copy of your key made and give it to a friend or family member

If you don’t want to hide a key outside, another option is to give a trusted friend or neighbor a spare key. That way, if you’ve ever locked yourself out, you can simply ask to let you into your home.

3. Replace your deadbolt with a keyless lock

A third option is to use a keyless entry system, such as B. a key lock or an intelligent lock. Keyless entry systems do not require a physical key, so you never have to worry about being locked out again.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. Whether you’re locked out of your house or just want to be prepared in case of an emergency, now you know how to unlock a deadbolt from the outside without a key.

We have discussed four methods including picking locks, picking locks, drilling the lock or breaking a nearby window. If all else fails, you can always call a locksmith.

Avoid future lockouts by hiding a key outside, giving a spare key to a friend or neighbor, or upgrading to a keyless entry system.

We hope you never need this information, but it’s always good to be prepared!

Thank you for reading!

The difference between HSS and cobalt drills

Tough, hard-wearing and robust, modern metal drill bits effortlessly cut through the toughest materials. When drilling, choosing the right tool for the job is critical. In this article, we describe the difference between high-speed steel (HSS) and cobalt drill bits, their strengths and weaknesses, and when you should use them.

What are HSS drills?

HSS bits are durable and heat resistant. The high concentrations of chromium and nickel in stainless steel ensure that HSS bits are super strong and durable. HSS drill bits can safely drill through hardwood, some metals and plastics. They are reliable at high speeds (RPM) and offer long-lasting performance – as long as they are serviced.

Over time, HSS drill bits can become dull and need sharpening, which requires specialized tools that aren’t always available. If you use HSS drills for long periods of time or at high speeds, you may need to use cutting fluid to keep the drill cool.

What are cobalt drills?

Cobalt drill bits are a combination of steel (or other alloy) mixed with a small percentage of cobalt, typically between 5-7%. Cobalt has a melting point of 1495°C and a boiling point of 2927°C, making it perfect for use at high temperatures. By combining a small amount of cobalt with another alloy, the results are incredible.

Cobalt Drills are incredibly powerful. They can be run at much higher speeds than a standard HSS drill bit. The ability to withstand heat means cobalt bits will perform for long periods of time without refrigeration or cutting fluid.

They are most commonly used to cut through hardened and abrasive materials. Cobalt bits are capable of cutting through the toughest metals including bronze, cast iron, stainless steel and titanium. They are also capable of cutting through welds.

The cutting edge of a good quality cobalt drill bit should last longer than a standard HSS drill bit. Like other HSS bits, they are corrosion resistant, which means they should maintain their condition under any storage and use conditions they are likely to be subjected to. However, cobalt can be brittle. If your cobalt drill bits are not cared for properly or are dropped, they can break – which can prove costly.

Why choose a cobalt drill?

Using the right bit for the job is critical to the safety of your tools and yourself. Cobalt drill bits can be found alongside other popular options including titanium coated, titanium nitride, and tungsten carbide bits. Each of these has its strengths and weaknesses that you should know before you buy.

Cobalt’s strength means drill bits are better suited to the tough challenge of cutting steel. Cobalt bits are not for general purpose use. For less intensive work, such as drilling through wood, plastic or light metals, an HSS drill bit is perfect.

HSS and cobalt drill bits require care and maintenance to ensure they perform consistently. Even the toughest materials can become dull or dull after a period of hard work. Using proper drilling technique will extend the life of any drill bit.

If you’re not sure what equipment you need, talk to us. At R.D. Barrett we have been supplying the public and trade with quality tools since 1975. We’re happy to answer any of your questions and put our experience at your disposal to make sure you have the right tools to do the best job.

Download infographic

Drill bits come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are available in a variety of materials and coatings. Most tool and machining shops have a drill that is specifically designed for the job. Here is a brief overview of different types of drill bits, materials and types of construction.

DRILL MATERIALS

High-speed steel (HSS) is a popular material for drilling in mild steels, as well as wood and plastic. IT is an economical solution for most maintenance drilling applications.

Cobalt (HSCO) is considered an upgrade of HSS as it contains 5-8% cobalt mixed into the base material. This is a great option for drilling tougher steels as well as stainless steels.

Carbide is the hardest and most brittle of the drill materials. It is mainly used for production drilling where a high quality tool holder and equipment is used. It should not be used in hand drills or even power drills. These drills are designed for the most demanding and toughest materials.

DESIGN FEATURES

DRILL POINT ANGLE

118° Standard — Found on most common drill types.

135° Self Centering – This type starts drilling faster, especially in stainless steel materials.

DRILL TIP LENGTHS

If a shorter drill bit can get the job done, this is a good option. Shorter drills are more accurate and don’t break as often because they are stiffer. This helps keep people’s work and the project on schedule. Shorter drill bits are also better in tighter, tighter areas.

Screw machine length mechanic length

jobber length

cone length

taper shank

FLUTE DESIGN

Standard — This is the most common with 30° angles

Parabolic Design – The open design helps to remove the chips from the hole. These are particularly effective on very soft materials such as plastics and aluminum.

DRILL TIP COATINGS

Black Oxide (Surface Treatment) Helps reduce friction and increase chip flow. Not for non-ferrous materials.

Blank Not true finish but polished for increased chip flow. For use in plastics, wood and aluminium.

TiN (Titanium Nitride, gold colored) Machines faster than uncoated drills and increases tool life.

TiCN (Titanium Carbonitride, blue-grey color) Ideal for stainless steel, cast iron and aluminum. Harder and more wear resistant than other coatings. TiALN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride, violet color) For use in high-alloy carbon steels, nickel-based materials and titanium. Not used for aluminum.

Choosing the right drill bit for the job is an important part of any project or application. Whether it’s matching the appropriate drill bit to the substrate material, finding the right match for the depth and diameter of the hole, or even finding the working volume required, making the right choice can extend the life of your drill bits. This, in turn, helps increase productivity as you get more done with each drill bit.

Information and expertise related to this material is provided with permission from Greenfield, Industries, Inc.

The simple screwdriver is one of the most versatile tools man has ever known.

It can twist and poke things like no other!

But is the screwdriver handy enough to open a door without a key? Believe it or not, it is!

In this guide, we’re going to look at six unique and fairly easy methods of unlocking a door with a screwdriver, including non-destructive techniques like lockpicking and loiding.

A small flathead screwdriver works best for most of these methods.

Let us begin!

How to pick a lock with a screwdriver

You’ve probably seen a movie or video game where the wily protagonist pulls out a screwdriver, sticks it in the keyway, and unlocks the door with nothing but a jiggle.

But how realistic is that? Can you actually pick a lock with a screwdriver?

Unfortunately, you can’t pick a lock with a single screwdriver. Screwdrivers are too large to fit in most keyways and will not do a good job of manipulating the lock’s internal components.

HOWEVER!

Two different types of tools are required to pick locks – a pick and a turning tool.

The lockpick is used to manipulate the pins within the lock, while the turning tool is used to apply a turning force to the lock, similar to turning a key.

While a screwdriver is pretty much worthless as a lock pick, it can be used as a turning tool! However, you will need a screwdriver small enough to leave room to insert a pick in the keyway. It must also be a Flathead profile.

Okay, so we know we can use a screwdriver as a turning tool, but what can we use for a lock pick?

For simple locks with wide-open keyways, you may be able to use bobby pins or paperclips. To craft these tools see the instructions below.

However, hairpins and paper clips do not fit into all grooves, in this case you will have to buy lockpicks or make your own tools.

If you need to buy tools, I recommend picking up a rake-type lock pick – like the Bogota or Snake Rake.

Or if you just want to pick up a complete lockpick set, I recommend the Peterson GSP Ghost set. I also have a review of this set here if you want to know more.

Don’t worry, in most places it’s not illegal to have lock picking tools.

Once you’ve got a lockpick and your screwdriver, you’re good to go.

Follow these four steps to pick a lock with a screwdriver.

Step 1: Insert your screwdriver into the bottom of the keyway and apply a very slight turning force in the direction you would normally turn the key (usually clockwise).

Step 2: Insert your rake over the screwdriver and push it all the way to the back of the keyway.

Step 3: While maintaining the torque of your screwdriver, begin scrubbing the pins with your rake – just like brushing your teeth.

Step 4: Continue scrubbing while slightly adjusting the angle of your pick. After some time, all the pins will settle and the lock will open!

That’s it, you just picked a lock with a screwdriver!

If you want to dive deeper into lockpicking, check out my very comprehensive beginner’s guide to lockpicking here.

Note: If the lock does not open within 10-15 seconds, remove your pick and loosen torque on the lock to reset the pins and try steps 1 through 4 again. Play around with the torque you apply to the screwdriver – usually, less force is better than more.

Unlock the privacy screen locks with a screwdriver

When you’re trying to unlock a door in your house, you’re probably dealing with a privacy lock—those doorknobs with the tiny hole on the outside.

If your door knob looks like the picture below, you can easily unlock it with a small screwdriver.

However, if the door doesn’t look like the picture above and needs a key to unlock it, then this method won’t work for you.

To unlock a privacy screen lock, you need a flathead screwdriver small enough to fit the hole on the doorknob.

Insert your screwdriver into the hole and push forward. If your doorknob uses a privacy push button lock, you should hear a loud click and the door will open.

If the door doesn’t unlock when you push it, it’s probably a rotary lock. To bypass these types of locks, turn the screwdriver until you feel it drop into a slot. Then continue to turn the screwdriver until the latch opens.

Easy enough right?

Remove hinges

If the door swings outward and the hinges are on your side of the door, then you’re in luck.

Using your screwdriver and maybe a hammer, you can remove the hinge pins and completely remove the door.

If you don’t have a hammer and you’re outside, try to find a nice rock, 2×4, or other hard object to knock the bolt out.

Note: If your hinges are on the outside of your door for exterior doors that you rely on for your security, you should consider reinstalling the door.

Remove rosette and latch

If the screws on the escutcheon (the fancy cover behind the doorknob) and latch are on your side of the door, you may be able to access the locking mechanism.

To unlock the latch, remove the screws. Once removed, a stick will stick out. Push this rod all the way through the door until it comes out the other side. Using your screwdriver, retract the bolt by turning the cam slot – usually a square hole in the center of the lock.

To unlock the doorknob, remove the screws in the escutcheon and then remove the doorknob completely. Push the rod out the other side again and pull back the bolt with your screwdriver.

If you don’t see any screws on the doorknob or latch, they are probably on the other side of the door.

loiding

If there is enough space (or slop) between the door and the door frame, you may be able to use a method called loiding – also known as “shimming”.

You’ll probably need a thin flathead screwdriver, but if the gap between the doors is really wide you might get away with something thicker.

To disengage the lock with a screwdriver, insert the tip of your screwdriver between the door and the doorknob until you feel the spring latch. Keep pushing to pull the latch back until the door pushes open.

For clarification, check out my guide to learn more about the spring latch and other parts of a doorknob.

This method does not work with latches.

Destructive entry

Let’s say it’s an emergency and you don’t care about destroying your door, door frame or lock, you can always resort to destructive intrusion.

One method you can use on weaker doors is to try using your screwdriver as a pry bar and pry open the door.

If you have two screwdrivers, you can pry the door away from the door frame and create a gap wide enough to disengage the latch (previous method).

If the door is hollow and made of wood, you can always try drilling holes in it with your screwdriver as a last resort!

On stronger doors, you can brute force into the locking mechanism of your doorknob and deadbolt and manually retract the deadbolt.

However, this method is not sufficient for doorknobs or latches with shrouded covers.

If all else fails, you might be able to kick it down.

Alternative: Call a locksmith

Bolting with currently used locks can have expensive consequences.

If you want to be on the safe side and it’s not an emergency, you should call a locksmith. This can be significantly cheaper than accidentally breaking something.

Final Thoughts

The desired take-away from this guide is not only how to pick a lock with a screwdriver, but more so that security is never really that secure. With a little creativity and patience, you can find your way around most safety precautions with very few resources.

A screwdriver is not ideal, but it will do in many situations!

I hope this guide has helped you in every way, and if you have any suggestions for improvement, please contact us!

If you are interested in learning more about lock picking and security, be sure to visit my academy for more free guides as well as my lock pick shop for your first beginner lock picking kit.

As always, happy collecting!

What are bump keys and how can you protect your home from them?

The practice of lock bumping has become a major concern for homeowners and businesses in recent years, and with good reason: Recent industry studies estimate that more than 95 percent of traditional locks on homes and businesses are vulnerable to being compromised by lock bumping will. For the uninitiated, lock bumping is a type of lock picking technique commonly used on traditional pin tumbler locks. Lock picking is accomplished through the use of a device known as a “bump key”.

What are bump keys?

Bump keys are specially cut keys that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks. Bump keys are also known as “999 keys” because all of their burrs are cut to the maximum depth (999) in a key making machine. These keys are relatively easy to make (it usually takes less than five minutes to cut a bump key) and not very difficult to obtain.

How does a bump key work?

Impact keys exploit a weakness in pin and tumbler locks related to the pin stacks, which are spring-loaded pin stacks that prevent the lock’s cylinder from being rotated without the use of a suitable key. In a typical pin and tumbler lock, there are two sets of pins known as driver pins and key pins. Each pin stack within the lock is studded with a driver pin and a key pin, both of which are held firmly against each other by a small spring attached to the driver pin. The point at which each set of pins meet is different for each pin stack, which is why a typical key is cut at different depths to accommodate this intentional misalignment. Once the correct key is inserted, all meeting points of each pin stack are aligned, creating what is known as a “shear line”. Once the shear line has been formed, the lock is free to rotate within the cylinder, allowing the door to be opened.

A bump wrench is cut in such a way that it will not align properly with the pins, but instead will simply destroy the pins if the bump wrench is hit by an object such as a screwdriver or small hammer. Using a physical principle similar to that of “Newton’s Cradle”, the energy generated when the bump key is struck is transferred to the pins inside the lock, causing them to bounce and create a transient shear line, giving the intruder just enough time to break through Turn the lock quickly and open the door. When done correctly, lock bumping is effective in nearly 90 percent of all cylinder locks produced today. Perhaps one of the most disconcerting aspects of lock picking is that it often goes undetected, meaning your home can be broken into with no evidence of forced entry.

How to protect your home from lock bumping

Lock picking has been used by professional locksmiths for legal purposes for several decades, but thanks to the internet, virtually anyone with an internet connection can easily find out how to make or obtain pad keys and how to pick locks. Amazingly, there are entire websites and YouTube channels dedicated to lockpicking and lock bumping tutorials and methods that can send shivers down the spine of anyone worried about this kind of information falling into the wrong hands. This flood of information online about lock bumping has raised public concerns about how to protect against this attack vector.

The best way to prevent lock picking is to replace your traditional lock with an impact resistant keyless lock such as the Lockey 2835 mechanical keyless lock. This robust cylindrical latch bolt lock requires no batteries or cables to operate and is both shock and pick resistant. Backed by more than 30 years of functional testing, the Lockey 2835 is completely immune to lock buffering and lock picking techniques. With traditional locks, the best thing you can do is hope your home isn’t a target for lock picking. The Lockey 2835 features the latest innovative door hardware to ensure your home, family and valuables remain secure.

One frustrating experience is practically walking out the front door only to find you’ve locked the handle and left your keys on the entry table. Worse still, locking your keys in your car far from home can quickly turn a day trip into an unforgettable overnight adventure. Have you had similar experiences? If so, then worry no more! Henderson and Las Vegas NV locksmiths provide a quick and effective solution in just minutes. However, there are some good techniques you can use to save you time, as well as a check made out at your local locksmith.

In this article we describe the easiest ways to open a locked door. If you want to open the door, read more about each method and watch a useful video at the end of the article.

1. Pick locks

Locksmiths in Las Vegas and Henderson NV

The most popular and well-known method of picking a lock is lock picking. This technique usually requires a set of lock picks, but can be done with a few paper clips.

The steps to picking locks may seem simple, but they take time and practice to truly master. If you find yourself getting locked out frequently, this can be a handy skill. Several locksmiths use this technique before anything else. You only need two tools – a wrench and a rake.

The first step is to insert the tension key into the lock and place it on the opposite side where the key’s teeth would normally rest. If you don’t know which direction the lock is turning, turn the wrench to find the most likely direction. This will be the direction to turn when the time comes.

Keep the wrench turned the right way and insert the rake into the lock where the teeth of the wrench would go. Slide and pull the rake from the latch, rotate and work by feel.

As you rake in the lock, you should feel the key pin reach the shear line (where the teeth would push it).

Turn the tension wrench in the right direction and the lock should pop open!

As I said before, this sounds a lot easier than it is in practice. You can use paperclips in a pinch, but they’re not as easy to use as real lockpicks.

2. Drilling

Locksmiths in Las Vegas and Henderson NV

Drilling a lock should only be done when pressed for time and as a last resort. The drill destroys the internal components of the lock, rendering it unusable. After the fact, you will need to replace the lock and possibly other parts of the door. However, if someone is in danger or needs immediate help, this may be your only option. In this case, find the right size drill bit and drill the top part of the keyway (where the pins are). Don’t push too hard and slowly go through each pin (there are 5-6 pins in most locks). Eye protection can be a good idea to protect yourself from flying metal.

3. “Screw and rod” technique.

This technique is specifically designed to open car doors. Be warned, this technique can damage your car door and should only be performed if deemed necessary. All you need is a screwdriver and a long, thin rod made of metal or some other sturdy material.

Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the crease between the door and the “B” pillar, or the part of the frame that separates the front and rear seats. Once you’ve cracked the door open, you can slide your rod through and press the unlock button on the door panel, which electronically unlocks the vehicle. Again, this technique is intrusive and can cause damage to the vehicle.

4. Shoelace technique

Locksmiths in Las Vegas and Henderson NV

Everyone walks around with a shoelace (actually two of them) in their possession. If you find yourself locked out of your car, the shoelace method of opening your car door is reportedly the easiest way to get the job done. However, this only works on cars that have vertical locks on the windowsill. If your car has the physical lock inside the handle, check out another method on this list.

To do this, simply pull your shoelace out of your shoe and tie a slipknot in the middle. Carefully thread the knotted end between the door and the frame of the car. Use both sides of the lace to slide the knot down. It may take a few tries, but you should be able to loop the knot over the locking mechanism and pull on one side to tighten the knot. While applying reasonable pressure but not tearing, pull up on both sides of the lace to release the latch.

5. With a knife

Locksmiths in Las Vegas and Henderson NV

While using a knife may sound overkill or potentially destructive, a carefully used butter knife can achieve the end goal in a number of ways. Different types of locks can be worked on with a knife in different ways. Domestic bathroom doors typically have only a simple flat keyhole. Inserting the knife tip and twisting gets the job done instantly (a coin can do the job too).

However, some doors with more complex keyholes can also be opened by bypassing the keyhole entirely. If there is enough space between the door and the door jam, a thin knife blade can be inserted between them. Once there, slide the blade up and down where the striker plate should be until you find the bolt. Push the knife in and try to run it around the bolt and finally push the bolt out of the unlocked position.

Instead of paper clips or a lock pick set, a butter knife can be used to pick the lock. By inserting the knife blade all the way into the latch and applying pressure in different directions, you may be able to open the latch. This is by no means a science, and you may have to play with the lock for a while before you succeed.

6. Use of a Credit Card

Locksmiths in Las Vegas and Henderson NV

This method is sometimes used by a locksmith, but instead of a credit card, they use a thicker plastic washer. Similar to using a knife, the credit card must be inserted between a door and a strike plate (the part that attaches to the door frame and has a hole for the deadbolt to go in) and the deadbolt pushed out. It has to be done several times before you are able to get a lock properly, so try changing an angle and direction of the map. The problem with this technique is that most of the new locks have some type of deadbolt that offers resistance, but it’s still worth a try.

How to open a locked door video

With this video it will be much easier to understand how to open a locked door. If you still have questions, please write to us or order our professional locksmith services in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV. Need more helpful tips? Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Hire the Services of a Professional Locksmith in Las Vegas, NV Today!

In summary, the key is the best item to open a lock. Locking yourself out can feel like the end of the world at this point, but there are many solutions. If none of these techniques for picking your lock work, you may still need to call a locksmith. Always try not to damage the lock or door and remember a professional is only a phone call away.

Contact Protecht’s professional locksmiths today for the best keyless lock picking solutions and to ensure your lock doesn’t get damaged!

The difference between HSS and cobalt drills

Tough, hard-wearing and robust, modern metal drill bits effortlessly cut through the toughest materials. When drilling, choosing the right tool for the job is critical. In this article, we describe the difference between high-speed steel (HSS) and cobalt drill bits, their strengths and weaknesses, and when you should use them.

What are HSS drills?

HSS bits are durable and heat resistant. The high concentrations of chromium and nickel in stainless steel ensure that HSS bits are super strong and durable. HSS drill bits can safely drill through hardwood, some metals and plastics. They are reliable at high speeds (RPM) and offer long-lasting performance – as long as they are serviced.

Over time, HSS drill bits can become dull and need sharpening, which requires specialized tools that aren’t always available. If you use HSS drills for long periods of time or at high speeds, you may need to use cutting fluid to keep the drill cool.

What are cobalt drills?

Cobalt drill bits are a combination of steel (or other alloy) mixed with a small percentage of cobalt, typically between 5-7%. Cobalt has a melting point of 1495°C and a boiling point of 2927°C, making it perfect for use at high temperatures. By combining a small amount of cobalt with another alloy, the results are incredible.

Cobalt Drills are incredibly powerful. They can be run at much higher speeds than a standard HSS drill bit. The ability to withstand heat means cobalt bits will perform for long periods of time without refrigeration or cutting fluid.

They are most commonly used to cut through hardened and abrasive materials. Cobalt bits are capable of cutting through the toughest metals including bronze, cast iron, stainless steel and titanium. They are also capable of cutting through welds.

The cutting edge of a good quality cobalt drill bit should last longer than a standard HSS drill bit. Like other HSS bits, they are corrosion resistant, which means they should maintain their condition under any storage and use conditions they are likely to be subjected to. However, cobalt can be brittle. If your cobalt drill bits are not cared for properly or are dropped, they can break – which can prove costly.

Why choose a cobalt drill?

Using the right bit for the job is critical to the safety of your tools and yourself. Cobalt drill bits can be found alongside other popular options including titanium coated, titanium nitride, and tungsten carbide bits. Each of these has its strengths and weaknesses that you should know before you buy.

Cobalt’s strength means drill bits are better suited to the tough challenge of cutting steel. Cobalt bits are not for general purpose use. For less intensive work, such as drilling through wood, plastic or light metals, an HSS drill bit is perfect.

HSS and cobalt drill bits require care and maintenance to ensure they perform consistently. Even the toughest materials can become dull or dull after a period of hard work. Using proper drilling technique will extend the life of any drill bit.

If you’re not sure what equipment you need, talk to us. At R.D. Barrett we have been supplying the public and trade with quality tools since 1975. We’re happy to answer any of your questions and put our experience at your disposal to make sure you have the right tools to do the best job.