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How To Drill Out An RV Lock

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

side view of RV motorhome - feature image for How To Drill Out An RV Lock
Learn how to drill out an RV door lock in case you get locked out. Photo: Shutterstock

What To Do When Your RV Lock Breaks

It happens to nearly everyone at some point in their RV life. The RV lock accidentally locks itself or breaks, and there you are, stuck outside of the RV with no way to get in.

This happens so frequently that we recommend upgrading your RV lock as soon as you bring your new RV home. That way, you’ll probably never risk having to drill out your RV door lock.

Installing a new RV door lock is so easy anyone can do it. Click on this link for how to easily upgrade your RV door lock: How To Replace Your RV Door Lock. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how to drill out your RV lock.

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How To Drill Out An RV Lock In 3 Easy Steps

If you are locked out of your RV, and there is no way to get in to open the door from the inside, it will be necessary to drill out the door lock. Sometimes you can get into the RV through an open window or even via a basement area wall to open the lock from the inside. But sometimes the RV door lock will have broken and it will be jammed. Drilling the lock out from the outside will be your only option to get access into your RV so you can install a replacement RV door lock.

Step 1: Assemble your tools

You don’t need much to drill out your RV door lock. Just some eye protection, a drill, and a 3/8-inch metal drill bit. If you don’t happen to have a drill bit that’s rated for metal, just use what you have.

Step 2: Drill a hole

Now it’s time to get to work. Start drilling into the center of the key slot of your door lock.

Step 3: Open the door

Test and see if the door opens. If you can open it, you’re done. If you still can’t open the door, you may need to drill further or even use a bigger drill bit.


Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as RV LIFE Maintenance. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.

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