How to Unlock Door Lock

Whether you’re looking to uncover a mysterious closet or are unfortunately stuck in a public bathroom, this is the way out for you. Keep calm and continue reading the following article.

Table of Contents

Open a locked door without a key

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Use a credit card/ATM to open a spring-loaded lock. Although this method does not work for lever locks, you can apply it to spring-loaded locks (locks with slanted levers inside the handle). You should choose a card that is less important – so that if it breaks, there is no impact or damage. A card that is thin, soft, and malleable is best.

Insert the card into the gap between the lock and the door frame so that it is along the door frame. Break the card to push the lock lever inside the door and open it.
If there is no gap between the door frame and the lock, you can insert the card into the part between the door and the frame above the lock, then, quickly swipe down, while swiping, you tilt the card towards the door frame. In this case, a thick and stiff card will be more useful.

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Use a small screwdriver or other thin tool to poke into the structure inside the lock. This method is suitable for doors with “manual-operated safety pins” that are locked by pressing a button located on the handle. If the door is locked from the inside, look for a round hole in the handle. Next, use a mini screwdriver, straightener, or small butter knife to poke this hole. Poke as deep as possible, then rotate or twist the tool until it hits a groove and the lock pops out. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Pry the lock. This method is quite complicated, so you should read the instructions carefully. First, insert the short end of the hex key into the bottom edge of the keyhole. Then, very gently, use the hex key to turn the lock in the direction of unlocking. Maintain a steady force, and use a straight paper clip with a small beak to pry open the lock: ^{[2] X Source of Research}

Scrubbing method (using friction): slowly poke the paper clip into the bottom edge of the keyhole, then, shake the paper clip up and down. Repeat this cyclic motion, increasing the force on the hex key a little at a time until you feel the lock change. At this point, maintain a steady force and repeat the operation until the door opens.
Pin by pin method (using a push pin): if you are unsuccessful with the above method, continue to maintain a light and steady force on the hex key, while slowly pushing the paperclip deep. When the paper clip makes contact with a certain pin end, try to pry the curved end of the paper clip up until it pushes the spring-loaded latch into place. Do the same with the other spring latches until the lock opens.

Unhinge. Insert a standard size flathead screwdriver between the hinge shaft and the pin. Use a hammer to tap the screwdriver handle towards the bottom. When the pin is loose enough, remove it from the shaft.

Do the same with the entire hinge. If the pin seems stiff, you can use a crosshead screwdriver to unscrew it.

Break the lock with a hammer. This step is in the last order for a good reason – this should be your last attempt. In most cases, it may be better to call a locksmith or the fire department’s non-emergency line. If you are in a hurry, you need to break the door immediately, use a hammer to bang it until the doorknob or the door lock falls off.

For the stuck door

Push or pull the door while turning the key. For most old doors, we need to use an impact wrench while inserting the key because the deformed doors are bending the locks at an angle making them difficult to open. Try applying force in different directions: up, down, towards you or away from you. Use as much as you can, as long as you don’t lose your balance when the door opens.

If you are opening the door of a friend’s house, you should call to ask his opinion about this. They should be aware of the condition of the door.

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Turn the key in all directions. There is no standard key rotation direction to open the lock. Even if you know which direction to turn the key to “unlock”, turning the key in the “lock” direction can sometimes help clear the jam. If you can turn the key in the direction of the lock for a short distance, then, with a quick and flexible movement, immediately turn it in the opposite direction, it is likely that the jam will be released.

Lubricate the lock. Unless you plan to replace the lock as well, use a grease-free lubricant (such as graphite powder) and avoid grease because after the oil dries, the lock can become stuck. even more serious. Just a light spray once, or apply directly to the keyhole is enough; Too much lubricant will backfire.

In case you get stuck in a room, use whatever oil you have or sharpen the tip of a charcoal pencil over the edge of the key.

Check the key. The problem can be caused by a bent key or some broken teeth on the key. Placing the key on a flat surface to bend it can also sometimes work as a temporary solution, especially if you have a hand-held vise (clamp tool) handy. However, after solving the problem, you should bring the key to the shop to have it replaced.

Know when to use force. If you hear a “click” sound when turning the key, the lock may have been opened but still stuck, at this point, you just need to punch the door a few times and the door will open. If the lock is stuck, after oiling, you should tap the lock a few times to change the position of the stuck lock lever.

Try multiple methods. When the key becomes useless, you can try to apply the method of unlocking the lock described above. If it still doesn’t work, call a locksmith.

Advice

If you can pry open your door lock, a thief can do it too. Therefore, you should consider installing a lever lock or changing to a more secure type of lock.
If you hear or feel the lock is open but won’t open the door, there may be another lock on the other side of the door (handle lock or handle lock).

Warning

Your behavior will look very suspicious. So you should be prepared if someone asks and has permission from the owner before proceeding to open the lock.

Things you need

For stuck locks

Key
Grease-free lubricants or charcoal pencils

When there’s no key

Flat head screwdriver (slotted type) or butter knife
ATM card (or plastic card)
Hexagon wrench
Staple
Hammer
Crosshead screwdriver

Steps