Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal
Short answer: With the key, it’s easy: insert the key, put a needle/paper clip in the pinhole, go to the Accessory position, then turn counterclockwise and the cylinder comes out.
Without a key (last resort — this destroys the tumbler, ~$25 to replace): only the face of the tumbler is steel; the rest is soft aluminum. With the key slot vertical, drill (a 3/8″ TiN bit lubed with shortening as cutting oil) just inside the outer perimeter at about the “10 o’clock” position, dead perpendicular to the face, no more than ~3/4″ deep — checking with a penlight until a spring appears. Tap with a screwdriver handle to knock out the locking mechanism; the switch then turns like it has a key. Put a flat screwdriver in the slot, turn left to Accessory, push the pinhole button with a paper clip, and turn further left to release the cylinder.
Reinstall the new tumbler with the key inserted (the Briggs & Stratton name facing roughly 7 o’clock), then turn right to click into place. While you’re at it, have a locksmith match your glovebox, trunk, and door-lock tumblers to the ignition key so you carry fewer keys (~$18).
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Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
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