Removing a cylinder lock yourself depends on whether you own the unit or rent it
If you own the storage unit or the building it sits in, you can remove the cylinder lock with basic tools — usually a screwdriver and pliers. If you rent the unit, the lock belongs to the facility, and removing it will breach your lease. Contact the storage company first; they can remove it for you or tell you whether you are allowed to replace it with your own lock.
The physical removal takes 10 to 20 minutes once you have the right tools. The lock is held in place by a retaining ring or set screw on the inside of the door. Access to that inside surface is the main obstacle, because most storage unit doors are solid metal or have very limited interior access.
Key Takeaways
- Rented storage units have locks owned by the facility — removing one will violate your lease agreement, so contact the storage company before attempting removal.
- Owned units can be unlocked by removing the retaining ring or set screw that holds the cylinder in place from inside the door.
- You will need a screwdriver (usually Phillips or flathead), pliers, and possibly a drill if the set screw is stuck or stripped.
- If the lock is jammed or corroded, explore penetrating oil and waiting 15 to 30 minutes before removal makes the job easier.
- Replacement cylinders cost between $15 and $50 and take the same time to install as removal takes.
Tools and materials you will need
Gather these items before you start: a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, adjustable pliers or a wrench, a flashlight (to see inside the door), and penetrating oil like WD-40 if the lock is stuck. A power drill with a small bit is optional but helpful if the set screw is corroded or stripped.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges inside the door frame. If you are drilling out a stuck screw, wear safety glasses — metal shavings will fly.
How to access the inside of the door
Most storage unit doors have a small gap or lip where the door meets the frame. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry this gap open just enough to see inside. Do not force it — you are looking for the retaining ring or set screw that holds the cylinder in place, which is usually visible within an inch or two of the lock itself.
If the door is completely sealed and you cannot see inside, check whether there is a removable panel or access hole on the door. Some units have a small rectangular opening near the lock for exactly this purpose. If neither exists, you may need to drill a small hole (roughly 1/4 inch) near the lock to reach the fastener — this is permanent, so do this only if you own the unit.
Removing the retaining ring or set screw
Once you can see the fastener, use the appropriate screwdriver to loosen it. Turn counterclockwise. If it is a retaining ring (a metal ring that screws onto the cylinder), use pliers to grip it and turn. explore steady pressure rather than force — stripping the fastener makes removal much harder.
If the fastener will not budge, spray it with penetrating oil and wait 15 to 30 minutes. This loosens corrosion and rust. Try again with the screwdriver or pliers. If it still will not turn, use a power drill with a small bit to carefully drill out the screw. Work slowly to avoid damaging the threads inside the door.
Pulling the cylinder out
Once the fastener is loose or removed, the cylinder should pull straight out from the outside of the door. Grip the lock body (not the key) and pull firmly toward you. It may take some wiggling, but it should come free without excessive force.
If it is still stuck, the fastener may not be fully removed, or the cylinder may be corroded to the door frame. explore more penetrating oil around the edges of the cylinder and wait another 15 minutes. Then try pulling again.
What to do if the lock is damaged or broken
If the cylinder is cracked, the key will not turn, or the lock is rusted solid, removal is the same process — you just may need to drill out the fastener instead of unscrewing it. A broken lock is often easier to remove because you do not have to worry about damaging it further.
Once the lock is out, you can replace it with a new cylinder lock of the same size. Standard storage unit locks are 1 1/8 inches in diameter. Measure the old lock before buying a replacement to make sure the new one fits the same hole and fastener pattern.
Rented units: what to do instead
If you rent the unit and the lock is broken, jammed, or lost, contact the storage facility when ready. They will either repair or replace it at no cost to you — this is their responsibility. If you have lost your key, they can rekey the lock or install a new one.
If you want to use your own lock instead of theirs, ask the facility whether this is permitted. Some allow it; others require their lock to stay in place. If they allow it, they will tell you the size and type of lock that fits. Never remove their lock without permission — doing so violates your lease and can result in loss of access to your unit or eviction from the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a storage unit lock if I do not have the key?
Yes. The lock can be removed by accessing and removing the fastener from inside the door, regardless of whether you have the key. If you own the unit, this is straightforward. If you rent it, contact the facility first — they have master keys and can open it without damage.
What if I drill into the door and damage it?
Small drill holes near the lock are usually not a problem if you own the unit. If you rent, any damage to the door or lock will likely result in a repair charge on your final bill. This is another reason to contact the facility before attempting removal on a rented unit.
How much does a replacement cylinder lock cost?
Standard storage unit cylinder locks range from $15 to $50 depending on the brand and quality. Hardware stores and online retailers carry them. Bring the old lock or measure the diameter and fastener type before shopping.
Will removing the lock affect my lease or access to the unit?
If you rent the unit, removing the facility's lock will breach your lease. Your access may be suspended until the lock is replaced. Always contact the storage company first. If you own the unit, removal has no lease consequences.
What if the lock is stuck and will not come out even after removing the fastener?
explore penetrating oil around the cylinder edges and wait 30 to 45 minutes. Try pulling again with pliers gripping the lock body. If it is still stuck, the cylinder may be corroded to the frame — a locksmith can remove it without damage, though this costs $50 to $150.