There may come a time when you are locked out of the house or a room in the house, and can't find the key. Luckily, you can pry open a regular door with a knife, even with a regular butter knife. There are several ways to do this. However, be sure not to use this method to enter someone else's house or room without permission.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparation for Gouging the Door
Step 1. Determine the type of lock on the door and its working mechanism
If the door is also locked in addition to being locked on the knob, you're out of luck as a knife alone isn't enough to open it. However, a door with a spring-loaded tongue system lock or button should be able to open this way.
- In a door lock with a spring tongue system, the key tongue will come out of the gap in the door leaf so that it closes the door. However, if you can still turn the knob or doorknob, the tongue spring should be able to retract as long as it's not locked.
- To open this type of door, you can use a butter knife or putty knife to slide the tongue of the lock until the door opens. The easiest door to open is actually a door with a key lock. You just need to slide the inside of the door lock so that the button sticks out again.
Step 2. Prepare the knife to open the door
You may not need to use a very sharp knife or a knife with a very sharp point to unlock the door. Because if the knife falls off, you can get hurt. Meanwhile, a butter knife or putty knife can also be used. So, try using the knife as a start.
- A thin, pointed knife may be needed according to the size of the keyhole in the door. You can use a penknife if the lock you are trying to unlock is very small, such as a bicycle lock.
- If the hole on the outside of the doorknob is a small circle instead of a long slit, you can use paper clips or hair clips, which are safer than a knife. However, if there is a long gap in the door, a knife should work.
Part 2 of 3: Unlocking the Door
Step 1. Insert the blade into the keyhole
Again, to do this step, you may need a small knife. A lock that can be opened this way is a peg system lock. Basically, the knife will be used as a torque wrench or turned like a key.
- Insert the knife into the keyhole as much as possible. Insert the knife in the lower half of the keyhole. Apply pressure, first in one direction, then the other. Basically, you just have to slide the knife around the keyhole.
- You may hear a clicking sound. If so, then the lock should start to open and you did it! However, you may have to try a few more moments until the door actually opens.
Step 2. Place the knife between the door leaf and the metal plate on the door frame
Move the knife until you can feel the tip all the way to the base of the key tongue. Most people understand how. You have to find the point where the tongue lock is on the door.
- Pry the tongue of the lock open by sliding the tip of the knife and pressing it down. Take a butter knife and slide it between the door leaf and the door frame about 6 cm above the doorknob.
- Slide the knife until you find the tongue of the key. Push the knife in until the key tongue manages to come out of the door frame.
Part 3 of 3: Using Other Tools
Step 1. Get a paper clip or straightened hair clip and use it with a knife
This will increase your chances of successfully unlocking with a knife. Place the tongs over the blade, keeping the blade in the keyhole.
- Apply twisting pressure to the lock with the blade at the same time. If you are using a paperclip, use a hammer to flatten the ends before using them to open the door.
- Move the scribe on the keyhole peg. However, be careful not to damage the key or knife. So, slide the knife for a few moments carefully until you hear a click.
- Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole and turn it to the same side as you opened the lock. Continue to maintain tension lock and apply pressure. Insert the flattened paperclip over the tension wrench and press until you feel resistance. Press the lock peg up with a paperclip.
Step 2. Try using another tool such as a credit card or door unlock kit
The most common tool used to pry a door lock is a tension lock. However, if you don't have this tool, a very small L wrench will work as well. In addition, a flat-head screwdriver may also be used.
- You can also try using a credit card if you're trying to open the lever system door. Simply slip the card into the door gap in the key, much like if you were using a knife. However, be aware that your card may be damaged.
- Simultaneously, press the door with your other arm so that the tongue of the lock doesn't come back out. You may have to do this a few times before you can finally open the door.
Tips
- Be careful when using a sharp knife to open the door!
- The wider the gap between the door leaf and the frame, the easier it will be to open the door. Tight doors cannot be opened this way.
- Call a locksmith. Even if it costs money, your door is not at risk of damage.
Warning
- Do not use this method to open the door of someone else's house/room. Remember, trespassing into other people's homes is a crime. Never do it.
- Open the door quickly and do it quietly.
- Be careful not to get hurt!
