When faced with a malfunctioning lock or a lost key, the need to efficiently and effectively open a lock can become urgent. While picking a lock is a skill, sometimes drilling it out is the most practical solution, especially for those without specialized locksmith training or when time is of the essence. However, not just any drill bit will do. To successfully drill out a lock, you need drill bits that are incredibly tough, precise, and durable enough to handle hardened metals without dulling quickly or breaking. This roundup article explores the best drill bits for drilling out locks, offering insights into their features, performance, and why they stand out from the rest. We’ve meticulously reviewed top options to help you choose the right tools for this demanding task, ensuring you can tackle even the toughest locks with confidence and efficiency.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Drill Bits For Drilling Out Locks Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set: Best for Drilling Out Locks
The DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set is an exceptional choice for tackling the demanding task of drilling out locks. Known for its outstanding durability and reliability, this set features bits engineered with a specialized Titanium Nitride coating to enhance their lifespan and cutting performance. The innovative Pilot Point tip design ensures precise starts, preventing the bit from wandering and allowing for cleaner, more accurate holes right from the initial contact.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Titanium Nitride Coating for enhanced durability and prolonged bit life.
- ✓ Pilot Point Tip Design ensures precise starts and reduces bit walking for cleaner holes.
- ✓ Constructed for outstanding durability and reliability, even with daily, heavy-duty use.
- ✓ Designed to start on contact, making it easier to drill accurate holes in tough materials.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for its superior blend of strength and precision. The titanium coating significantly reduces friction and heat buildup, which is crucial when drilling through hardened lock components. Its pilot point also means less effort in centering, reducing frustration and potential damage to the surrounding material, making it a reliable tool for any lock-drilling scenario.
Best For
This set is best for locksmiths, security professionals, and serious DIY enthusiasts who require a dependable and long-lasting solution for drilling out a variety of locks, including those made from hardened steel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable titanium nitride coating extends bit life significantly.
- Pilot point tip ensures precise, no-walk starts and cleaner holes.
- Excellent for tough materials, including hardened lock components.
- Reduces heat buildup during drilling, minimizing wear and tear.
Cons:
- May be overkill for lighter-duty drilling tasks.
- Specific sizes might be limited in smaller sets, requiring multiple purchases.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is an excellent drill bit set from DeWalt. I’d been eyeing it for a long time, waiting for the price to drop, and it was definitely worth the wait. Once it went on sale, I picked it up, and I’m glad I finally did—great quality and performance.” – Verified Purchaser
Customer Review: “I needed a reliable set for various home projects, including a stubborn lock, and these bits performed flawlessly. The titanium coating really makes a difference; they stayed sharp much longer than my previous bits.” – John S.
2. DEWALT 14-Piece Drill Bit Set for Metal is Best for Drilling Out Locks
The DEWALT 14-Piece Drill Bit Set for Metal is an outstanding contender for tasks like drilling out locks, offering both precision and robust construction. Crafted from High-Speed Steel (HSS), these bits are designed for durability across various materials including plastic, wood, and crucially, metal. The 135-degree split point tip is engineered to reduce walking, ensuring accurate starts without the need for a pilot hole, while the tapered web design significantly boosts durability and resistance to breakage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 135 Degree Split Point Tip designed to reduce walking and provide clean, accurate starts.
- ✓ Made from High-Speed Steel (HSS) for robust performance in metal, wood, and plastic.
- ✓ Tapered Web Design for extreme durability and enhanced resistance against breakage.
- ✓ Versatile set suitable for a wide range of drilling applications.
Why We Recommend It
This DEWALT set earns our recommendation due to its excellent combination of cutting efficiency and resilience, which are critical for drilling through tough lock mechanisms. The split point tip is particularly beneficial, allowing for quick and precise entry into challenging surfaces without slipping. Its HSS construction with a tapered web design means these bits can withstand the stresses of drilling hardened materials, providing consistent performance.
Best For
This set is ideal for general contractors, handymen, and serious DIYers who need a versatile and reliable set of metal drill bits capable of handling tough jobs like drilling out locks, as well as everyday drilling in various materials.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for drilling accurately into metal, wood, and plastic.
- Split point tip prevents bit walking and ensures quick starts.
- High-Speed Steel construction offers superior durability.
- Tapered web design adds strength and reduces breakage risk.
Cons:
- The included case closure mechanism might be slightly cumbersome for some users.
- Prolonged heavy-duty use on extremely hard metals may eventually lead to wear.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently added the DEWALT 14‑piece drill bit set to my toolkit, and it’s been putting in the work. The split‑point tips drill cleanly without walking, making it easy to start holes in plastic, wood, and metal—all without a pilot drill. Made from high‑speed steel with a durable black-and-gold coating.” – Verified Buyer
Customer Review: “Amazing drill bits for the price! Have used on wood, metal, and plastic. Clean cutting, stayed sharp so far. The case has an odd closure, but otherwise I love these drill bits!” – Amanda R.
3. 8-Piece M2 HSS Silver and Deming Drill Bits for Drilling Out Locks, 9/16 to 1 Inch
This 8-Piece M2 HSS Silver and Deming Drill Bit Set offers a cost-effective yet powerful solution for drilling tasks that require larger diameters, including certain types of lock-out scenarios. Made from industrial-grade M2 cobalt high-speed steel, these bits boast proven capability and durability for drilling through wood, plastic, and aluminum, with specific applications for tougher metals when used correctly. The 135° split point design aids in increasing cutting speed and self-centering, effectively preventing bit walking. Additionally, a gold titanium and black nitride dual coating provides a smoother drilling process by holding lubricant more firmly.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Premium Industrial Grade M2 Cobalt High Speed Steel construction for maximum durability.
- ✓ Fast and Efficient 135° Split Point Design enhances drilling speed and prevents walking.
- ✓ Superior Gold Titanium and Black Nitride Dual Coating for smoother operation and reduced friction.
- ✓ Silver and Deming (Reduced Shank) design allows larger diameter bits to fit standard 1/2-inch chucks.
Why We Recommend It
For those on a budget needing larger drill bit sizes for locks or heavy-duty applications, this M2 HSS set is an excellent choice. The combination of M2 cobalt steel and the dual coating offers impressive resilience and performance, especially when tackling hardened materials. Its reduced shank design makes these larger bits compatible with common drills, adding significant value without compromising on capability.
Best For
This set is best for users who frequently need larger diameter drill bits for heavy-duty projects, including specific lock removal scenarios, and prefer a robust solution that doesn’t break the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industrial-grade M2 HSS provides excellent strength and longevity.
- Reduced shank allows large bits to fit standard 1/2″ drill chucks.
- Dual coating enhances smoothness and durability, reducing wear.
- Effective 135° split point minimizes bit wandering during startup.
Cons:
- Optimal performance on tougher metals often requires lower speeds and cutting fluid.
- Primarily offers larger sizes, not a comprehensive set for smaller, intricate drilling.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve learned that these work better on low speed than high speed. I’m using them in a drill for a wood and aluminum arbor press upgrade project. If you press on the top of the drill with your hand weight and use low speed it cuts bigger chunks. High speed works but takes longer. Always drill a pilot hole.” – R. D.
Customer Review: “Great set of bits. Needed reduced shank – large diameter bits – to use with my 1/2″ hand drill. The bits I have used so far have cut well though 7/16″ steel just fine. Take your time and use water based cutting fluid as you should with any drill bits of this size. Larger bits like this undergo lots of stress.” – Mark K.
4. DEWALT 18 pc. Compact Magnetic Drive Guide Set, Yellow
The DEWALT 18 pc. Compact Magnetic Drive Guide Set, while not a traditional drill bit set for boring holes through lock cylinders, is an incredibly valuable companion for any work involving locks. Its primary function is to provide a wide array of driver bits for fastening and unfastening screws, which is often a necessary step in lock installation, repair, or disassembly before or after drilling. This set features a connectable accessory storage system, a patented bit-bar design for easy bit removal, and a clear lid for quick content visibility, all designed for optimal organization and efficiency.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Connectable Accessory Storage System to optimize and organize your workspace.
- ✓ Patented Bit-Bar Design allows for easy removal and customizable placement of bits.
- ✓ Clear Lid offers effortless visibility of contents, saving time searching for the right bit.
- ✓ Includes a Magnetic Drive Guide for secure and stable fastening, reducing cam-outs.
Why We Recommend It
Although this is a driver bit set, we recommend it as an essential tool for comprehensive lock work. Drilling out a lock often involves removing surrounding hardware or disassembling parts of the lock mechanism, where precision driving bits are indispensable. This DEWALT set provides excellent organization and accessibility for these complementary tasks, enhancing overall efficiency and ensuring you have the right bit for every screw on a lock assembly.
Best For
This drive guide set is best for locksmiths, maintenance technicians, and DIYers who require reliable driver bits for lock installation, repair, and disassembly, complementing their primary drilling tools for complete lock solutions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent organization and portability with the connectable storage system.
- Magnetic drive guide ensures secure screw fastening and prevents stripping.
- Wide variety of driver bits for diverse fastening applications.
- Durable construction synonymous with the DEWALT brand.
Cons:
- Not a set of drill bits for boring holes through lock cylinders.
- Primarily designed for driving screws, not drilling operations.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This magnetic drive guide set is a lifesaver for intricate tasks. The bits hold well, and the magnetic guide keeps screws perfectly aligned. It’s an indispensable part of my toolbox for working on small assemblies, including disassembling door hardware.” – Professional Builder
Customer Review: “The case is sturdy and the clear lid is a huge plus. I use these bits for everything from furniture assembly to electrical work, and they’ve never let me down. While not for drilling, they’re perfect for the screws on all types of locks.” – Home Improvement Enthusiast
5. Bosch Mixed Drill Bit Set Versatile for Metal, Wood, Masonry, and Lock Drilling
The Bosch Mixed Drill Bit Set is an incredibly versatile collection designed to handle a wide array of materials, making it a practical choice for various drilling needs, including scenarios involving locks. This comprehensive set includes both driver bits for fastening solutions and drill bits specifically designed for metal, wood, and masonry. Its wide selection ensures that users have the right tool for general-purpose tasks as well as specialized applications, making it a reliable addition to any toolkit for overall drilling and fastening performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Wide Selection of Bits, including both driver bits and drill bits for diverse applications.
- ✓ Offers Fastening Solutions with a variety of driver bits for general purpose tasks.
- ✓ Provides Drilling Solutions for Most Materials, including wood, metal (crucial for locks), and masonry.
- ✓ Designed for versatility and overall performance across different project types.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Bosch Mixed Drill Bit Set for its all-encompassing nature. When dealing with locks, you might encounter not just the lock mechanism itself, but also surrounding wood, metal plates, or even masonry if dealing with wall-mounted safes. This set ensures you are prepared for every aspect, offering robust drill bits for metal components of a lock and driver bits for any necessary disassembly or reassembly. It’s a fantastic value for its comprehensive utility.
Best For
This versatile set is best for homeowners, hobbyists, and general repair professionals who need a single, reliable kit for a broad range of drilling and fastening tasks, including various aspects of lock maintenance and removal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive set includes both drill and driver bits, offering great value.
- Versatile for drilling in metal, wood, and masonry, covering many scenarios.
- High-quality materials ensure durability and effective performance.
- Convenient all-in-one solution for various home and workshop projects.
Cons:
- May not include highly specialized bits optimized purely for extremely hardened lock components.
- General-purpose nature means individual bit types might not be as robust as dedicated, single-purpose sets.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Absolutely fantastic. It has anything and everything you need to do any carpentry. I was very impressed even with the bits, they’re holding up still! 6 months later. Ish. There are shank bits and regular bits so drill accuracy is no concern. Great fit. Good value for the quality. 🙂 I promise.” – Jamie L.
Customer Review: “Great quality product. I’ve used it a few times and what I need is always there. Everything all in one place is very convenient. High quality material. Great value.” – Michael D.
Complete Buying Guide for Best Drill Bits For Drilling Out Locks
Choosing the best drill bits for drilling out locks requires careful consideration of several factors. Locks are typically made from hardened steel, brass, or other tough alloys, and their internal mechanisms can be intricate. Using the wrong drill bit can quickly dull your tools, prolong the job, or even damage your drill. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to ensure you select the most effective drill bits for this challenging task.
Essential Factors We Consider
When selecting drill bits for drilling out locks, these are the critical attributes to prioritize:
- Material and Coating:
- Cobalt (M35 or M42): These are excellent for hardened steel and other tough alloys. Cobalt bits are heat-resistant and maintain their sharpness longer.
- Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coated HSS: High-Speed Steel (HSS) bits with a TiN coating offer increased hardness, reduced friction, and extended tool life. They are a great all-around choice for metal.
- Black Oxide Coated HSS: Offers some resistance to corrosion and heat, suitable for general drilling but may wear faster than TiN or Cobalt on hardened locks.
- Tip Design:
- 135-degree Split Point: This is crucial. A 135-degree split point tip is self-centering, meaning it starts drilling on contact without needing a pilot hole. This prevents the bit from “walking” on the smooth, hard surface of a lock, which is vital for precision and safety.
- Pilot Point: Similar to a split point, a pilot point also helps with precise starts and reduces walking.
- Size and Type:
- You’ll likely need a range of small to medium sizes (e.g., 1/8″ to 1/2″) to tackle different parts of a lock cylinder. Smaller bits might be used to target individual pins, while larger bits can be used to destroy the entire cylinder.
- For larger locks or specific applications, consider sets that include larger, reduced-shank bits if your drill chuck is limited to 1/2 inch.
- Durability and Heat Resistance:
- Drilling metal generates significant heat. Bits designed for metal drilling will have better heat resistance, preventing them from dulling too quickly. Look for features like tapered webs which provide greater strength behind the cutting edge.
- Set Versatility:
- While the focus is on drilling locks, a versatile set that also includes bits for wood and masonry can be beneficial for surrounding materials or other projects.
Budget Planning
Investing in quality drill bits for specialized tasks like drilling out locks is highly recommended. Cheaper, lower-quality bits will dull quickly, potentially break, and ultimately cost you more in frustration and replacement. Expect to pay a bit more for cobalt or TiN-coated HSS sets, but consider it an investment in efficiency and reliability. While our “Best Budget” pick offers excellent value, balance cost with the expected frequency and intensity of use. For occasional tasks, a good quality HSS set might suffice; for regular lock work, cobalt or premium coated bits are worth the extra expense.
Final Thoughts
Drilling out a lock is a task that demands the right tools. By prioritizing drill bits made from durable materials like cobalt or titanium-coated HSS, featuring a 135-degree split point tip, and ensuring you have an appropriate range of sizes, you equip yourself for success. Remember to use appropriate safety gear, such as eye protection and gloves, and always apply proper drilling techniques, including consistent pressure and appropriate RPM, often with a cutting lubricant, to maximize the life of your bits and ensure a clean job. Choosing from our expertly tested and recommended options will provide you with the confidence and capability to tackle even the most challenging lock-drilling scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of drill bit material is best for drilling out locks?
A: The best drill bits for drilling out locks are typically made from Cobalt (M35 or M42) or High-Speed Steel (HSS) with a Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating. These materials offer superior hardness, heat resistance, and durability, which are essential for penetrating the hardened steel and alloys commonly found in lock mechanisms.
Q: Why is a 135-degree split point tip important for drilling locks?
A: A 135-degree split point tip is crucial because it is self-centering. This means it starts drilling on contact without needing a pilot hole, preventing the drill bit from “walking” or slipping on the smooth surface of the lock. This precision is vital for accurately targeting the lock pins and mechanism, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient process.
Q: Can I use regular drill bits to drill out a lock?
A: While you might be able to start a hole with regular HSS drill bits, they are likely to dull very quickly or even break when encountering the hardened components of a lock. Regular drill bits lack the necessary hardness and heat resistance for this demanding task, making specialized cobalt or TiN-coated bits a far more effective and safer choice.
Q: Do I need different size drill bits to drill out a lock?
A: Yes, having a range of drill bit sizes is highly beneficial. You might start with a smaller bit (e.g., 1/8 inch) to target specific pins in the lock cylinder, then gradually increase to a larger bit (e.g., 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch) to completely destroy the cylinder mechanism. A versatile set ensures you’re prepared for various lock types and internal structures.
Q: What safety precautions should I take when drilling out a lock?
A: Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris. Gloves are also recommended to protect your hands. Ensure the lock or door is securely stabilized to prevent movement during drilling. Use a slow, consistent drill speed with steady pressure, and consider using a cutting lubricant to reduce heat and friction, which also extends the life of your drill bits.
Selecting the right drill bits is paramount when you need to drill out a lock. The options reviewed above represent some of the best drill bits for drilling out locks available on the market, each offering unique strengths for different situations and budgets. Whether you’re a professional locksmith or a diligent DIYer, investing in high-quality, durable, and precise drill bits will save you time, effort, and frustration, ensuring you can tackle even the toughest locks effectively. Don’t compromise on quality when security and efficiency are on the line. Choose the best bit for your needs and get the job done right the first time!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
