If you're locked out of your house again, you can try using a credit card to open the door. Please note that this technique only works on doors with a simple knob lock using a spring latch or an angled latch. To open the door, wiggle the card in the gap between the door and the frame. If you can't, find another way.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Performing Basic Techniques
Step 1. Slide the card into the vertical gap between the door and the door frame
Insert the card into the gap between the knob and the door frame, then slide it until it is next to the doorknob. Push as far as possible at a 90 degree angle to the door.
Tip:
To make it easier to see the location of the door frame, push the door as far as possible with your other hand.
Step 2. Tilt the card toward the doorknob
Tilt the side of the credit card facing you toward the doorknob until it almost touches. You'll be able to push the credit card further into the gap between the door and the door frame.
Step 3. Bend the card in the opposite direction
Bending the card the other way will make it slip under the bevelled end of the slanted latch, and force it open. Quickly open the door and unlock the other side.
Step 4. Lean against the door and shake the card back and forth until it opens
If the door doesn't open easily, try leaning against the door while bending the card back and forth a few times. This will add pressure to the latch so it can open.
Method 2 of 2: Finding Alternative Solutions
Step 1. Check for unlocked doors
Walk around the house and look for first-floor windows that don't lock or look like they can be opened. If so, remove the curtains and open the window as wide as possible. After that, climb inside.
Climbing through windows can be dangerous. This method should only be attempted if you are sure that you can climb inside safely
Tip:
Also check the back or side doors, if any. You or a fellow householder may have forgotten to lock it.
Step 2. Call the roommate
If you live with a friend or partner, call or text them. If he's near the house, ask him to stop by for a moment and open the door. While you may need to wait a while, your doors and property will not be damaged by trying to force open the door.
Also, consider visiting a nearby cafe to pass the time if possible
Step 3. Contact the building owner
This method is great if your landlord lives in the same building. Call him and ask if he can open your door. Even if he doesn't live in the same building, he may be nearby and generous enough to help you.
Step 4. Call a locksmith as a last resort
If you don't have roommates and the landlord isn't around to help, try using a locksmith. Call him to your house and ask him to change the lock so you can come in. While effective, these solutions can be expensive so it's best to keep them as a last resort.
Notes:
Keep in mind that building owners may charge fees to replace locks and/or damage doors.
Tips
- To prevent this from happening again, create several spare keys and keep one with you always, and/or hide one near the house.
- There are doors that are easy to open, and others that must be opened by pushing the card into the door frame at the level of the handle without tilting or bending the card.
