How to Cut a Circular Lock

One of the most common locks that you’ll see on a door is the circular lock. This type of lock can be opened with a key or with a special tool called a “lock pick.” Detectives and security professionals have long used circular locks as a way to secure valuable items. Unfortunately, these locks are notoriously difficult to cut because of their design.

how to cut a circular lock

However, it is possible to cut through a circular lock quickly and safely with the right tools and techniques. This blog post will discuss how to cut a circular lock and provide some tips for doing so effectively. Keep in mind that this approach should only be used as a last resort, as it can damage the lock and render it unusable. Let’s get started!

10 Ways on How to Cut a Circular Lock:

1. Use a Hacksaw:

A hacksaw is a great way to cut through a circular lock. If the blade is sharp, it will make easy work of the lock. Be sure to use a sturdy saw blade so that it doesn’t snap while you’re trying to cut through the lock.

Hold the saw blade against the circular lock and saw back and forth to use a hacksaw. Apply pressure as you saw to ensure that the blade cuts through the lock. Be careful not to cut yourself in the process!

2. Use an Angle Grinder:

An angle grinder is a powerful tool that can cut through a circular lock. It has a grinding wheel that spins at high speeds, making it easy to cut through metal. Hold the angle grinder against the circular lock and turn it on to use an angle grinder. Move the angle grinder back and forth as you grind away at the lock.

Use a Hacksaw

Be careful not to touch the spinning grinding wheel, as it can cause serious injuries. Once the lock is cut through, remove the screws that hold the cover in place and take off the cover. You can now access the lock’s the inside mechanism and unlock the door.

3. Use a Reciprocating Saw:

A reciprocating saw is a great tool for cutting a circular lock. It has a thin, sharp blade that can easily cut through the lock’s metal. Make sure to adjust the saw blade to be as thin as possible before beginning to cut. This will make the process go faster and easier.

To use a reciprocating saw, hold it firmly in your hand and slowly move it around the perimeter of the lock. Ensure to keep the blade as close to the lock as possible, so you don’t damage the surrounding metal. Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp blade! When you are finished cutting, use a wrench to remove the lock from the door.

4. Use a Jigsaw:

A jigsaw is another great way to cut a circular lock. Clamp the lock in place and start cutting. Again, make sure to use a specifically designed blade for cutting metal. This will ensure that the blade can cut through the lock quickly and easily.

When you are finished cutting, use a wrench to remove the lock from the door. Whichever method you choose, be careful and take your time. Cutting through a circular lock can be tricky, but with a little patience, you can do it!

An Angle Grinder  Is a Powerful Tool

5. Use a Hammer and Chisel:

If you don’t have access to power tools, you can also cut a circular lock using a hammer and chisel. Begin by drilling a hole in the center of the lock. Then use the hammer and chisel to cut around the outside of the lock. This method is a little more difficult and takes longer, but it can be done without any special tools.

6. Use a Bolt Cutter:

You can try using a bolt cutter to cut through the circular lock. Just be sure to have a good grip on the lock, so it doesn’t spin while trying to cut it. This is a quick and easy way to cut through the lock, but it can also be quite dangerous. Make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves when using a bolt cutter.

7. Use a Sawzall:

If you have a sawzall, you can use that to cut through the circular lock. Be careful not to cut through the door or the frame while cutting the lock. This is a quick and easy way to cut through the lock, but it can also be quite dangerous. Make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves when using a sawzall.

8. Use a Drill:

You can use a drill to cut through the circular lock. Just be sure to use a drill bit specifically designed for cutting metal. This will ensure that the bit can cut through the lock quickly and easily. When you are finished cutting, use a wrench to remove the lock from the door. Whichever method you choose, be careful and take your time. Cutting through a circular lock can be tricky, but with a little patience, you can do it!

You Can Try Using a Bolt Cutter

9. Use a Dremel:

If you have a Dremel, it can be a great tool for cutting a circular lock. First, use the saw blade to cut through the center of the lock. Then, use the grinding bit to smooth out the edges. This will make it easier to open the lock without damaging the door.

10. Use Lockpick:

If you don’t have any tools, you can try to pick the lock. However, there are many different types of lockpicks available, so you may need to do some research before picking the right one. Start by inserting the pick into the keyhole and turning it until you feel a change in resistance. Then, apply pressure and wiggle the pick until the lock pops open.

If you have difficulty opening the lock, you may need to use a lubricant. A small amount of WD-40 or graphite powder will help loosen the mechanism. However, be careful not to get the lubricant on the pins, as this will make it more difficult to pick the lock.

Some Tips and Advice:

Here are some tips on how to cut a circular lock.

  1. Cut the circular lock perpendicular to its width. This will create a more stable cut.
  2. Use a fine-toothed saw blade for a neater cut.
  3. Make sure the blade is sharp and in good condition. Dull blades can cause jagged cuts, which may not open the lock.
  4. Take your time and be careful. Cutting a circular lock can be tricky, so make sure you are precise with your cuts.
  5. If the lock is particularly stubborn, use a lubricant to help loosen it up. WD-40 or penetrating oil work well for this.
  6. Practice on a spare circular lock before attempting to cut the real thing. This will help you to get a feel for the saw and the technique.

Things to Consider Before Cutting a Circular Lock:

1. Proper Blade Depth:

Blade depth is extremely important when cutting a circular lock. If the blade is too shallow, it will not cut through the entire circumference of the lock and the lock will remain intact. However, if the blade is too deep, it can damage or even break the lock. Therefore, finding the perfect balance between blade depth and circumference is essential for a successful cut.

Use a Wrench to  Remove the Lock

2. Proper Blade Angle:

The blade angle is also important when cutting a circular lock. If the blade is angled too steeply, it will likely damage or break the lock. If the blade is angled too shallowly, it may not cut through the circumference of the lock. Finding the perfect blade angle is key to a successful cut.

3. Appropriate Cutting Tool:

There are various tools that can be used to cut a circular lock, but not all tools are created equal. Some tools are better suited for shallow cuts, while others are better for deep cuts. It is important to use the right tool for the job to achieve the best results.

4. Proper Technique:

Even with the right tools and perfect measurements, it is still important to use the correct technique when cutting a circular lock. Improper technique can lead to inaccurate cuts and a damaged or broken lock. On the other hand, following these simple steps can help ensure a successful cut every time.

5. Avoid Binding:

Binding is another common problem when cutting a circular lock. If the blade binds or catches on the lock, it can cause damage to both the blade and the lock. Therefore, it is important to keep the blade moving smoothly and consistently when cutting to avoid any binding.

You can check it out to Cut a Round Lock Off a Storage Unit

Conclusion:

In this blog post, we have discussed how to cut a circular lock. This is an important skill to have if you find yourself locked out of your home or car. It is also a useful skill to know in case you lose your key or it breaks off in the lock. 

Several methods can be used to cut a circular lock, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. We have discussed the few most popular methods, including using a hacksaw, bolt cutters, and Dremel tool. We hope this blog post has been informative. If you have any questions or want to know more, then feel free to comment below!

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Michael Ortis

Michael has always been interested in security and safety. When he was younger, he loved reading books about espionage and crime. This led him to develop a fascination with surveillance systems and home security systems. He has 8 years of expertise installing, fixing camera problems and door locks. He also gained knowledge by helping homeowners to stay safe and secure in their homes. Over the years, Michael has gained a great deal of experience in this field. He is responsible for the content development on this blog.

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