Sometimes, someone can get stuck behind a door on the wrong side, whether it's your five-year-old daughter accidentally locked in the bathroom, or yourself, noticing the garage keys are still inside when you're outside. Before contacting a call locksmith whose services don't come cheap, be aware that most locks can be easily opened only with items that are easy to find at home. This article will guide you through how to open both private doorknobs, the type often used for bedroom and bathroom doors and home entrances that require a key, using simple household items.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Opening the Private Door Knob
Step 1. Identify the type of lock you will be working with
Most private door knobs, otherwise known as “bedroom and bathroom” knobs usually use a pushbutton or a swivel lock mechanism inside the knob. On the front of the doorknob there is a small round hole in the middle that is intentionally made for emergencies.
- If possible, determine what type of locking mechanism (push or rotary button) you are working with.
- If the front of your doorknob has a keyhole instead of a pinhole, go straight to the door opening method.
Step 2. Find the right object to open the lock
You'll need to find something that is long, thin and small enough to fit through the hole, but also strong enough to put pressure on the locking mechanism. An ideal choice is a small screwdriver or Allen key, hair clips, or a sturdy paperclip. You can also use a bamboo skewer, or a cotton swab that has been removed.
- If you're using hair clips or paper clips, the first thing you'll need to do is unfold them into a straight metal bar.
- If you're having trouble finding items like the ones above, it's time to think creatively. You can open a ball pen and use the ink cartridge, or try checking your wallet. Who knew there was a toothpick in there. You're sure to find something you can use!
Step 3. Use the items to unlock
If the lock uses a push-button mechanism, simply insert one of the above items into the hole until you feel resistance, then push. Soon, you will hear a “click” sound which means the lock has been unlocked. If the lock uses a swivel lock mechanism, you will need to insert the tool of your choice, then shake it in all directions in a motion like turning a key until it engages in something. Then, apply a little pressure until you hear a “click” which means the lock is unlocked.
When unlocking the rotary lock, you may have to move the unlock tool clockwise or vice versa until the lock is unlocked
Step 4. Remove the door knob
If the above doesn't work, usually the private doorknob is supported by two screws that are visible from the outside. Use a suitable screwdriver to remove the screw. In a few minutes, both sides of the doorknob will come off. Then, remove the door lock mechanism from the hole and the door will open.
- When unscrewing, it is recommended that you alternate between the two screws.
- You may have to apply a little pressure to the knob by pulling it when the screw is loosened.
- In some types of knobs, the screws are usually hidden behind the neckband decorating the doorknob. If the doorknob has a decoration like this, you will first need to remove it by inserting a paperclip into the small hole (if any) in the decoration neckband until it comes off the handle or gently prying the neckband out with a flat blade screwdriver..
Method 2 of 3: Unlocking a Locked Entry Door Knob with a Credit Card
Step 1. Make sure you have permission to open the door
If the door you are about to open is not yours, ask the owner for permission before opening it. Opening someone else's door and trespassing is a serious crime and can land you in jail.
Step 2. Find the right card
The ideal card is a card made of rigid plastic, but also flexible. Avoid using credit or debit cards that are still in use, as this process may damage the cards. Store membership cards are a good choice, as are laminated library membership cards. In fact, business cards can be used to open several types of locks.
Step 3. Use the card to unlock the door
Take the card and slide it into the gap between the door and the frame. Starting at the top of the door handle, slide the card down and insert it. You may have to wiggle the card a bit, but if you're lucky, it will hit the latch and open the door.
- This technique can only be applied to ordinary door locks, and will not work for deadbolt lock types.
- Several doors will open instantly using this technique. However, other types of doors will require more effort. Try experimenting with different types of cards and from different angles.
- Keep in mind that this technique is to trick a locked door, not actually unlock it. If you leave the door closed, chances are it won't be able to open again!
Method 3 of 3: Opening a Locked Entrance Door with Household Items
Step 1. Make sure you have permission to open the door
If the locked door isn't yours, ask the owner for permission before trying to open it. Opening other people's doors and trespassing is a crime!
Step 2. Create an unlocking tool from household appliances
Hair clips are a good choice, but you can also use strong paper clips, or stiff wire. First, create an unlocking tool by unfolding a hairpin or paperclip until it becomes a straight piece of metal. Then, bend about 1/8 from the end of the bobby pin at a 20-degree angle.
If you're using a bobby pin with plastic on the end, it's a good idea to scrape off the plastic first using pliers, soil, or even your own teeth
Step 3. Make a torque wrench
Take another bobby pin, or straighten the paperclip, and bend the center until it's an L-shaped. The torque wrench needs to be sturdy, so make sure you use a strong paperclip or hairpin. You can also use a small flat-head screwdriver, or something similar that can fit into the bottom of the keyhole as a torque wrench.
Step 4. Start unlocking using your homemade tool
First, insert the torque wrench into the bottom of the lock, and turn it in the direction you normally turn the key to open the door to apply pressure to the lock. Keep this pressure throughout the process. Then, gently rock the wire against the top of the lock in an up and down motion. You will hear several “clicks” indicating that all the needles in the lock are lifted. When you manage to lift all the needles, the torque wrench will turn by itself and the door will open.
- It would be possible to unlock most door locks in a short amount of time. However, it certainly takes practice. If you feel frustrated, take a deep breath, then try again.
- This technique can also be applied to deadbolt locks and padlocks.
- Unlocking in this way certainly looks suspicious. Your neighbors may call the police when they see them. If you're a kid, call your parents before you start, and be prepared to show the police evidence that you're trying to break into the house or garage.
Tips
- Avoid using toothpicks or objects that break easily. The wood may break inside and you'll have to completely remove the door.
- If you have a personal doorknob at home, it's a good idea to always have something that can be used to open the lock on the frame above the door, or it can be placed in an easily accessible place so you don't have to look around in an emergency.
- Pay attention to which locks in your home have the same locking mechanism.
Warning
- The bathroom has many risks such as drowning and other potential life threatening. If a small child is locked from the inside in the bathroom, consider this an emergency situation. If you cannot open the door immediately, call emergency services. Firefighters usually handle things like this, and don't forget, it's better to be safe than sorry!
- Do not use this method to break into other people's homes as it is illegal.
