How to remove a round tumbler lock on the basement door?

The lock to my outdoor kitchen froze. I first tried spraying the tumbler with a couple different varieties of penetrating fluid over a couple of days, but the lock wouldn't budge. Tried pushing on the door and turning. Then sticking the key in and giving it a few taps. The lock must have been installed very well because the screwdriver trick didn't work either. I eventually just drilled out the lock. I wish I had done it sooner.

It's pretty easy to do. Just take something like a 3/16" drill bit and drill straight through the middle of the tumbler. If your drill has a hammer mode, turn it on and you'll get through it really quickly. There's a screw on the backside of the lock that holds the latch in place. Once you hit that screw, it will fall off along with the latch. You'll then be able to open the door and remove the lock.

Just a thought as you replace that lock.

I replaced all my locks with Ace Key locks.Just makes it a little bit harder for a misguided individual to access my storage with the same key everyone else has for their camper.

I got mine on Ebay

push it in hard, it might be binding on the frame when turning.
bumpy

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
I had a tool box I got locked out of when the lock/latch mechanism seized up. It used the same lock cylinder as RV compartment doors use.

I pounded a flat tipped hex chisel into the key opening, then put a crescent wrench on the chisel and turned it until the lock broke.

Drilling is a waste of time. Do it the way the thieves do it, the easy way.

Thanks for the response. Your idea sounds like a winner:):)

I had a tool box I got locked out of when the lock/latch mechanism seized up. It used the same lock cylinder as RV compartment doors use.

I pounded a flat tipped hex chisel into the key opening, then put a crescent wrench on the chisel and turned it until the lock broke.

Drilling is a waste of time. Do it the way the thieves do it, the easy way.

I'm pretty sure a large screw driver into the key slot and turn will either break the lock or spin the whole assy.

That's what I would try first.

How about a locksmith?

After some drilling an easy out (right or left) could turn the lock.

You might be able to use a screwdriver and wrench to turn the entire lock even though it is not suppose to turn. Do you have another lock to pull and maybe get some ideas?

wireman wrote:
If the key worked before, spray silicone into the opening first. If that doesn't work you will have to drill out the center.

hello and thanks for your response. Can you give me a step by step details on how to drill out the center of the lock?

RoyB wrote:
All the locks I have ever seen look like this...



If this is what you are referring to then you have to get access behind them and remove the large nut.

Perhaps you can open the other side of the pass thru compartment and craw over to this door that is locked...

Roy Ken

Thanks Roy,
The basement door is the one in the front and there is no way to access it without opening the lock.

Try some anti corrosion spray.