An ignition lock cylinder is essential to your vehicle’s security system. It’s the part that prevents the engine from starting if the correct set of keys isn’t inserted. However, as time goes by, the lock cylinder may wear down or malfunction, which can make it difficult or impossible to start your car.
One way to fix this issue is by drilling out the ignition lock cylinder. This blog post will guide you through the steps on how to drill out ignition lock cylinder. Keep reading to learn more!
Can You Drill out The Ignition Lock Cylinder?
If you’ve lost your car keys or a criminal has attempted to steal your vehicle, you may be wondering if it’s possible to drill out the ignition lock cylinder. The answer is both yes and no. While drilling out the cylinder is certainly a viable option for gaining access to your vehicle, it’s not always the best course of action.
Drilling can cause damage to the surrounding components and may end up costing you more in repairs in the long run. Additionally, if your vehicle has a transponder key system, drilling out the cylinder will not fix the issue of accessing the car without the proper key. It’s important to consider all options and consult with a professional locksmith before attempting any drastic measures.
Why Should You Drill out The Ignition Lock Cylinder?
When it comes to security, your vehicle’s ignition lock cylinder plays a vital role in keeping your car safe from theft. However, this small but critical component can start to wear down over time, making it easier for thieves to bypass. This is where drilling out the ignition lock cylinder comes in.
By doing this, you’ll be able to remove the damaged or worn component and replace it with a new one, ensuring that your car is once again protected from potential theft. So, whether you’ve noticed that your key is not turning smoothly or you just want to give your car an extra layer of security, drilling out the ignition lock cylinder is a worthwhile investment that will keep you and your vehicle safe on the road.
7 Steps to Follow on How to Drill Out Ignition Lock Cylinder
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
D disconnecting the battery is the first step to drilling out your ignition lock cylinder. Doing this ensures that no electrical current runs through the vehicle during the process. You don’t want any electrical equipment to accidentally turn on because it can cause significant damage or even lead to a fire.
Step 2: Remove the Steering Column Covers
The next step is to remove the steering column covers. Depending on your car model, you may need different tools. In most cases, a screwdriver should be sufficient. Once you have removed the covers, you should be able to see the ignition lock cylinder.
Step 3: Drill the Cylinder
The next step is to drill into the ignition lock cylinder, just below the keyhole. You have to drill at an angle toward the driver’s side. You can use a drill bit of around 3/8 to 1/2 inches, but you should make sure that it’s sharp enough to cut through metal. Once you have drilled a hole, you can insert a screwdriver or chisel to break it apart.
Step 4: Remove the Cylinder
Use a pair of pliers to remove the remaining part of the cylinder. You should be able to pull it out quickly. If it doesn’t come out, you may need to drill a larger hole to give it more room. Once you have removed the ignition lock cylinder, you can replace it with a new one.
Step 5: Reassemble the Steering Column
The final step is to reassemble the steering column. Place the new ignition lock cylinder in the same position as the old one and screw back the column covers. Once you have reconnected the battery, you should test the engine to ensure that it starts without any issues.
Step 6: Replacing the Lock Cylinder
If you are having difficulty starting your engine, then it may be time to replace the lock cylinder. You can either buy a new one from a local store or order one online. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing it, as this is important for ensuring optimal performance.
Step 7: Test the Engine
Once you have replaced the lock cylinder, it’s time to test the engine. Start up your car and make sure that everything is working properly. If there are any issues, then it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic for further inspection.
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to drill out ignition lock cylinder. With these steps, you can easily do this job yourself and save yourself the trouble of taking it to a mechanic. Just remember to be careful and follow all safety precautions when working with tools or power drills. Good luck!
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Drill Out Ignition Lock Cylinder
1. The Type of Drill Bit You Need
The first thing you need to consider when drilling out an ignition lock cylinder is the type of drill bit you need. There are two main types of drill bits that can be used for this task: a standard drill bit and a carbide-tipped drill bit. A standard drill bit will work fine for most applications, but a carbide-tipped drill bit will be able to withstand the high temperatures that are generated when drilling into metal.
2. The Size of the Drill Bit
The next thing you need to consider is the size of the drill bit. The size of the drill bit will be determined by the size of the hole that needs to be drilled. If you are unsure what size drill bit you need, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a drill bit slightly larger than the hole that needs to be drilled.
3. The Speed of the Drill
Another thing to consider is the speed of the drill. When drilling into metal, it is important to use a slow speed so that the drill bit does not overheat and damage the metal. If you are using a standard drill bit, a good rule of thumb is to use a speed about half of the maximum speed your drill can achieve. If you are using a carbide-tipped drill bit, you can use a higher speed, but it is still important to avoid overheating the drill bit.
4. The Direction of the Drill Bit
When drilling into metal, keeping the drillbit moving in a straight line is important. This can be accomplished by using a guide or clamp to keep the drill bit from wandering off course. If you do not have a guide or clamp, you can try using tape to keep the drill bit in place.
5. Cooling the Drill Bit
As mentioned earlier, avoiding overheating the drill bit when drilling into metal is important. One way to help with this is to cool the drill bit regularly with water or oil. This will help to dissipate some of the heat that is generated and will also help to extend the life of your drill bit
5 Benefits of Drill Out Ignition Lock Cylinder
1. More Affordable
The first benefit of a drill-out ignition lock cylinder is that it is more affordable than other types of ignition lock cylinders. This type of cylinder is less likely to break or become damaged, which means that you will not have to replace it as often. Additionally, a drill-out ignition lock cylinder is less likely to require professional installation, which can further reduce the cost.
2. More Secure
Another benefit of a drill-out ignition lock cylinder is that it is more secure than other types of cylinders. This type of cylinder uses a pin tumbler mechanism, which makes it more difficult for thieves to pick the lock. Additionally, the drill-out feature makes it more difficult for thieves to force the lock open.
3. More Durable
A drill-out ignition lock cylinder is also more durable than other types of cylinders. This type of cylinder is less likely to break or become damaged, which means that it will last longer. Additionally, the drill-out feature makes the cylinder more resistant to tampering.
4. Easier to Install
Another benefit of a drill-out ignition lock cylinder is that it is easier to install than other types of cylinders. This type of cylinder does not require professional installation, which means that you can save time and money. Additionally, the drill-out feature makes the cylinder easier to install yourself.
5. Better for the Environment
Finally, a drill-out ignition lock cylinder is better for the environment than other types of cylinders. This type of cylinder does not use harmful chemicals or materials, which means that it will not pollute the environment. Additionally, the drill-out feature makes the cylinder more recyclable.
Conclusion
Drilling out an ignition lock cylinder can be intimidating, but it’s a pretty straightforward process if you follow the right steps. In summary, you need to disconnect the battery, remove the steering column covers, drill the cylinder, remove it, replace it with a new one, and reassemble the steering column.
If you’re still not confident about doing this yourself, it’s best to call a professional to avoid any further damage to your vehicle. Otherwise, you can save yourself some money by following these simple steps. Thanks for reading our post about how to drill out ignition lock cylinder.
