The primary purpose of this article is to teach you how to drill out an ignition lock cylinder in five easy steps. Drilling out the ignition cylinder is difficult because the adjacent parts will likely be damaged. But with proper guidance, you can decrease the risk of damaging the ignition lock cylinder.
Drilling the lock cylinder should be a last resort because separating the ignition switch and lock cylinder can destroy both parts. However, the process is simple if you must drill out the cylinder. First, you need to drill a groove in the bottom part of the cylinder, then speed it up until you can remove it.
Another way is to remove the steering wheel and disconnect the connection to the ignition switch. After that, you can take the cylinder out of the cylinder slot.
LET’S DEFINE WHAT IS AN IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER.
The ignition lock cylinder is an essential part of your car that helps you start the engine. It has electrical components that control the lock function and is commonly found in older car models.
When you insert the key and turn it, the car starts without any additional encryption systems. While new cars have push-to-start systems, manual keys are still popular among many car manufacturers.
If the cylinder malfunctions, it may need to be repaired by drilling, but this can be manageable with an understanding of its basic principles.
IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER LOCKING MECHANISM
Before starting the guide, it is crucial to understand how the ignition lock cylinder works. The whole process depends on this part, so knowing its intricate locking mechanism is essential. Let me explain it in simpler terms.
The ignition lock cylinder has a spring mechanism that must be released precisely to remove the cylinder. Usually, you can do this by turning the key to the ACC (Accessory) position. It’s important to note that the ignition switch has four key positions: LOCK, ACC, ON, and START, and each has a specific function.
However, if the ignition switch is damaged or compromised, the traditional methods to release the locking mechanism may not work. In such cases, you need to use an alternative approach.
In the following guide, I will provide step-by-step instructions on drilling to turn off the locking mechanism. This technique will help you overcome this challenge effectively and safely.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR DRILL OUT THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER
- Power Drill
- protective glasses
- Protective gloves
- Hardened drill bits
- Flat screwdriver
- Philips screwdriver
- WD-40 if lubrication required
5-Step Guide on How to Drill Out Ignition Lock Cylinder
In 5 simple steps, you can drill out the ignition lock cylinder. We thoroughly explained the process that will help you get along.
FIRST STEP: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY / POWER SUPPLY
When working on your car, safety should always come first. A common task that requires caution is drilling. Suppose your vehicle is running on battery power. In that case, it can be dangerous to drill, so the first thing to do is to discount the battery.
To disconnect the battery, open the car hood and locate the battery. Then, carefully remove the negative terminal of the battery. You can do this by loosening the nut with a wrench and pulling the terminal off the battery post. This will prevent any electrical current from running through the car while you work.
SECOND STEP: TAKE OFF THE STEERING WHEEL ALONG ITS PLASTIC CASE
To remove the ignition key, follow a few simple steps. First, remove the plastic cover around the ignition area. Depending on your car model, you may need to remove more than one visor.
You won’t need to remove the steering wheel if the ignition switch is on the dashboard. But if not, you’ll need to use a Philips screwdriver to pull out the steering wheel after unplugging the wires.
Check all the screws thoroughly, as some ignition lock cylinders may have more than two screws. This will ensure that you can remove the ignition key without any difficulty.
THIRD STEP: FINALIZING THE DRILLING POSITION
Knowing where to drill is crucial if you need to access the locking mechanism by drilling at a right angle to the ignition slot. Experts recommend drilling about 8-10 mm from the keyway to avoid damaging the slot while still getting good results.
FOURTH STEP: START TO DRILL
Drilling out cylinder lock can be challenging, but it can be done safely and effectively with the right drill bit and technique.
The first step is to choose a suitable drill bit for the job. A hardened drill bit made of cobalt, a hardened steel, is the most suitable option for drilling out an ignition lock cylinder. Titanium drill bits are best suited for softer metals and wood.
Here are some tips to help you drill a lock safely and effectively:
1. Begin by securely inserting the drill bit into the drill chuck for trouble-free drilling a hole.
2. Tightening the drill bit for stability and safety is essential.
3. Once ready, position the drill bit accurately on the marked location for precision.
4. Start drilling slowly and avoid forcing the drill into the ignition lock cylinder.
5. Gradually increase the drilling speed to high speed maintain control and ensure an effective process.
6. Consider using WD-40 for lubrication if necessary to improve drilling efficiency.
7. Finally, drill patiently and precisely until you successfully break the locking mechanism.
FIFTH STEP: TAKE OUT THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER
If you encounter a faulty locking mechanism, don’t worry; it can be fixed by following these simple steps.
First, insert the key into the lock and turn it to unlock the mechanism. Then, remove the cylinder from its housing using the key or a flat screwdriver if necessary. If it doesn’t come out quickly, try turning the key twice before attempting to remove it.
When installing the replacement component, keep your vehicle running smoothly by following these steps. Additionally, disconnect the rear wire connection lock cylinders before removing them to avoid damaging the wires.
Following these simple instructions, you can quickly fix a faulty locking mechanism and keep your vehicle secure.
SAFETY PROTECTION TIPS FOR THE DRILLING PROCESS
Your safety is the top priority when completing tasks. Here are some valuable safety tips to protect you from potential disasters.
1. Wear sturdy rubber gloves to protect your hands from minor mishaps.
2. Always wear appropriate safety glasses to prevent small metal fragments from entering your eyes.
3. Disconnect the power supply, especially when working with vehicles.
4. Begin drilling at a slow speed and increase gradually.
5. Use hardened drill bits made of cobalt to avoid damage to the surrounding materials.
6. Avoid applying pressure to prevent overheating and burning the rotor within the drill motor.
Conclusion
Drilling out an ignition lock cylinder may seem complicated. Still, with the right approach, it can be done safely and effectively. Here are five simple steps to follow:
1. To stay safe, disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the steering wheel and plastic cover.
3. Carefully identify the drilling position.
4. Use a hardened drill bit and follow safety guidelines when drilling.
5. Remove the ignition switch lock cylinder.
Remember to always put safety first by wearing protective gear and disconnecting the power supply. These steps can help you fix ignition lock issues efficiently and save money on costly repairs.
Hey, I’m Harper Bennett, an electrical engineer who loves power tools. I’ve been using them for years and know how to use them safely and precisely. I write articles to help people make good choices about the tools they use. I combine engineering principles with practical tips to share my knowledge and experience.
