If you lost your key to a Tubular Round Key Lock in a machine, this is the way to replace it. Moreover, most machines should be kept locked for security. To be more specific, they all have different locks and keys, making it nearly impossible to find a key to fit. Consequently, you will have to drill out the old lock and replace it with a new one. If this is not the type of lock you have check out How To Drill Out and Replace a Machine Lock for other options.
Tools needed are an electric drill with a drill bit (1/8″ – 3/16″ bit), a flat screwdriver, a center punch and a hammer, and a good, sturdy, pair of pliers, or vice grips. Most locks are one of two styles. To explain, they are either a standard flat key or a tubular key lock. So, If this is not the type of lock you have check out How To Drill Out and Replace a Machine Lock for other options.
Replacing A Tubular Round Key Lock
- Centerpunch a mark on the lock to guide the drill bit.
Tubular round key type of lock. Next, using a center punch and hammer make a starting indention. In other words, you place the center punch in the center of the lock and strike it with a hammer several times. Consequently, the drill bit will stay in place much easier.
- Drill the lock.
Using a 1/4″ drill bit, place the bit in the indention you just made. Now, drill out the center tab of the lock. In other words, drill to a depth of 1/4″ near the outside edge of one side of the key slot. Drill a hole 1/4″ deep straight into the slot. Most importantly, don’t drill too deeply or you could damage something behind the lock.
- After the lock is drilled
When you have drilled out the entire center of the lock you should have a lock that looks like this.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the lock.
Firstly, insert the flat screwdriver into the hole and lean at an angle to get a bite on the inside edges of the lock. Next, unscrew the lock by twisting it counterclockwise with the screwdriver. To further explain, twisting the screwdriver back and forth will usually remove the lock. In addition, you can use vice grips or pliers on the shank of the screwdriver for more leverage.
Now, if you can’t get the lock out
Drill the hole bigger and deeper. Above all, be careful not to remove so much that you damage the surrounding area.
