How to Get a Self-Interlocking Deadbolt Off

A self-interlocking dealbolt, also known as a vertical deadbolt or a surface-mounted deadbolt, is one of the strongest, most secure locks for the home. A regular deadbolt is easily defeated by spreading the door and jamb apart until the bolt slips out of the jamb. With the self-interlocking bolt going vertical instead of horizontal, this typical method of defeating a lock will not work. A homeowner wanting to remove a self-interlocking deadbolt from a door can do so, though, with just one tool.

Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Unlock the door.
- 2
  Prop the door open so you have access to the inside and outside of the deadbolt lock. Have someone securely hold the outside cylinder of the lock.
- 3
  Unscrew the four long screws on the inside faceplate of the lock. They hold the inside lock mechanism to the door. With the screws removed, the inner portion of the lock slips off with a tug of the fingers, exposing the door plate underneath and the cylinder tailpiece.
- 4
  Unscrew the two screws holding the door plate to the back of the outside cylinder. Once this is done, the cylinder is removed by pushing against the back of it with your fingers. The person outside catches it as it falls from the front of the door. The door plate slides off the door with pressure from your fingers.
- 5
  Remove the lock strike plate on the door jamb by unscrewing the screws holding it to the wood.

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