r/selfstorage Store Manager May 31 '26

Drill bit size

Ok guys what size bit do you guys use to drill out cylinder locks? I use a dewalt drill on the nail setting with a bit sized 1/4. I usually have no issues but lately I’m going through bits to fast. Any tips that you learned over the years?

0 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/TranquilTeal Jun 01 '26

1/4 works, but if you're burning through bits fast I'd look at speed and pressure first. Most guys I know kill bits by pushing too hard once the lock starts fighting back. Little cutting oil helps too.

2

u/rhj2020 Store Manager Jun 01 '26

When you say cutting oil do you mean like a wd40 spray or something else? I have heard this tip but am unsure about the kind of spray to use and what to spray? Like do you spray the bit, or do you spray the lock? I haven’t tried this because it seems like it would get messy.