Getting locked out happens to the best of us. Maybe your lock rusted shut, or youve lost your keys. You might have just bought a storage locker from an auction and need to remove the old lock.
In any event, the question of how to cut off a lock is fairly easy to answer, and today well cover a bunch of different ways you can get the job done, quickly and easily.
What Youll Need
You have many tools that you can use to accomplish your task. You probably already have at least one of the tools mentioned above. If thats the case, stick with what you have. You can learn how to cut off a lock using any of the tools below:
- Bolt cutters
- Angle Grinder w/ cutoff wheel
- Dremel w/ cutoff wheel
- Cutting torch or plasma cutter
- Hacksaw & propane torch
You don’t need any of the above tools. All you need is safety equipment to protect against metal shavings and sparks.
- Safety goggles
Using Bolt Cutters
Bolt cutters are a popular and effective way to cut through locks. Essentially, bolt cutters are just a bit pair of scissors that are equipped with a fulcrum joint which allows them to transfer much more power to the blades, allowing you to cut through thick metals.
Long-handled bolt cutters provide greater leverage and are easier to use for cutting through thicker, more difficult metals. Bolt cutters with shorter handles might not be able cut through heavy-duty locks. If you dont have a heavy-duty pair, move on to one of our other methods.
Using An Angle Grinder
A metal cutoff wheel and angle grinder can be used to quickly remove locks.
As you will be working with metal sparks and shavings, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. You may also want to consider wearing earplugs as well.
The angle grinder should be held so that the blade is parallel to the lock. Next, begin slowly and carefully cutting. Dont apply too much pressure; the tool will do all the work for you.
Once youve cut through that side of the lock, you should be able to work the lock free. If this is not possible, you can also cut the lock’s other side.
Use A Dremel
A Dremel with a cutoff wheel follows the same premise as an angle grinder does. Since a Dremel is smaller, they can be particularly helpful for use in tight quarters since theyre easier to maneuver.
Take extra care when cutting with a Dremel and use a reinforced cutoff wheel wherever possible to limit the chance of the wheel breaking as you cut.
Use A Cutting Torch
The fastest way to break through locks is with an A/O torch. Because the torch’s power is unmatched, the lock will not be able to withstand the heat of the torch. This method may be overkill, but if you happen to have a torch handy, this is a great way to make use of it!
Open your oxygen tank completely and turn your acetylene tanks a quarter turn. The PSI of the oxygen tank should be approximately 45-50 PSI, and that for the acetylene should be around 5-6 PSI. Next, turn the oxygen valve of your torch all the the way up and slightly turn the acetylene hose.
You can now light your torch. You can now adjust the acetylene valve so that the torch produces no thick, black smoke. Now, adjust the oxygen valve until the flame becomes a focused, white cone of heat. Youre ready to cut the lock.
Before you begin your actual cutting motion, it can be helpful to preheat the lock. Move the flame slowly and carefully across the lock’s shackle until the flame cuts all the way.
Using A Hacksaw & Propane Torch
This method is a bit more time consuming and impractical. This method is a good option if you don’t have bolt cutters and other cutting tools.
The shackle of most locks is made from hardened steel, and a hacksaw blade is no match for it. But, if you heat the shackle up before cutting it with the hacksaw, youre able to weaken the steel to the point where its easy to cut.
Turn on your propane torch and heat the area you want to cut. Continue to heat that area until it begins to glow from the heat. Once its glowing, shut your torch off and allow the lock to cool.
After it cools, you’ll be able cut through the shackle using a simple hacksaw within a matter of minutes.
Final Word
When it comes to how to cut off a lock, there are multiple routes we can take that will all lead us to the same destination. Whether youre using bolt cutters, an angle grinder or Dremel, a cutting torch or even a hacksaw, be sure to work slowly, carefully and safely. Follow these tips, and youll have your lock cut off in no time!
