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Breaking a lock is fundamentally different from lockpicking. While lockpicking is about opening without damage, breaking a lock is about destructively removing a cylinder from a lock. This is the method that locksmiths use for emergency openings when other options fail.
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You are standing in front of a door with a broken cylinder lock. Or the key has broken off in the lock. Perhaps the cylinder lock is jammed and the key no longer turns. In all these situations, a lockpick set is useless; you need tools to actually break the lock open.
There are various situations where breaking a lock is the only practical solution. I often see these scenarios:
In these cases, you need tools designed to pull or break cylinders from locks.
The most professional method is using specialized pull screws. These self-tapping screws are screwed into the cylinder, after which the cylinder is pulled from the lock with a pulling device. The great advantage of this method is that you leave the door and door frame intact. Only the cylinder itself is removed.
This technique does require the right materials. Cheap pull screws often break, which can complicate the situation. Our pull screws have a special coating that reduces friction and are made of hardened steel.
In urgent emergency openings, such as when there is a fire or medical assistance is needed, lever pullers are often used. These devices use mechanical advantage to break the cylinder with great force. The process often takes less than 20 seconds but does cause more damage to the lock.
Another commonly used method is drilling through the cylinder. A hole is drilled at the location of the driver pins, breaking the shear line. This method works well on cheaper locks, but high-quality locks often have anti-drill pins specifically designed to prevent this.
Locksmiths use these techniques daily for emergency openings. As a private individual, you can purchase the same tools for use on your own locks.
I often see people experiencing problems with cheap imported tools. Pull screws that break, pulling devices that bend under pressure, or materials that are not hard enough to penetrate modern secured cylinders. This not only leads to frustration but can also cause further damage to the door.
Professional tools from brands like Multipick are specifically designed for repeated use and can even penetrate hardened cylinders. The investment costs are higher, but one failed attempt with cheap tools often costs you more time and money than the difference in purchase price.
Although it is technically possible to break locks yourself, there are situations where it is better to call a professional locksmith:
A professional locksmith not only has the right tools but also the experience to minimize damage to the door and frame. The cost of a locksmith usually ranges between 100 and 200 euros. This depends on the time of day and the complexity of the lock.
Experienced locksmiths often combine different techniques. First, they try to open the lock in a non-destructive way using lockpicking techniques. If that fails, they proceed to carefully pull the cylinder. Only as a last resort do they drill or break the cylinder with brute force.
This layered approach minimizes damage and saves costs for replacing parts. It does require knowledge of multiple techniques and the right tools for each situation.
Do you have questions about which method or tool is suitable for your specific situation? Feel free to contact me. I am happy to assist you with tailored advice.
