Drilling out a lock

[JimDRIl]

I lost the key for my pinball machine and want to drill out the lock. Its one of those simple locks with a finger that rotates. Its about a half inch diameter. What size drill bit would you use on this?
 

[Jim in Ma.]

Pretty small - about 3/16" All you need to do is get the pins out and it will open.
 

[Joe W.]

My grandson is a locksmith hobbiest and tells me he probably can help you if you post a photo of the front of the lock. We can't picture your description of a simple lock with a finger that rotates. Normally for a small lock that requires a key with knotches, a 1/8" drill bit drilled into the portion of the lock where the wafers are located will allow the lock to be opened. But the size of the drill bit depends on the type of lock.
 

[Bernie/MA]

I got a free metal desk once, draw was locked, no keys. I took the pilot drill out of a holesaw that would fit over the lock and had the draw open in a few minutes. Nothing in it.
 

[RayP(MI)]

I would try to take off the sheet metal cover off the front of the lock, and probably the rest will be evident.
 

[Steve A W]

Just go get another roll of quarters!
LOL
Steve A W
 

[retired farmer]

I had to drill out a Ford pickup ignition lock this morning. Started with about a three sixteenths bit and kept going up till I hit three eights. Just have to be careful about breaking the bits off inside.
 

[cd1]

can you post a photo of the lock/keyhole? I have made my own picks over the years and simple locks like a master lock or file cabinet you can pick in less than 10 seconds with a little practice.
 

[Pops1532]

The lock the OP has would be similar to the lock on a Craftsman tool box, or a truck tool box.