7 Simple Hacks to Open Your Door Lock When You’re Locked Out
Forgetting your room key can be a frustrating experience, and your immediate thought might be to break the lock or call a locksmith. However, before resorting to these measures, why not try these simple tricks to easily gain entry when locked out?
We’ve all been there – that awkward moment when you realize you’ve locked yourself out. Instead of calling a locksmith, try these handy tips to get back into your room with ease.
1Unlocking a Door with an ATM or SIM Card
Take a rectangular piece of plastic, like an ATM card, and bend one end.
Step 1: Bend the card to fit the gap between the door and the lock.
Step 2: Insert the card into the gap and apply strong downward force to pull the card towards you, pushing the latch inward. Simultaneously, use your foot to push the door hard in the same direction.
With enough force, the latch will retract and the door will open.
This method works for round doorknob locks.
2Unlocking a Door with Hairpins
You’ll need two hairpins: one straight and one bent into an L-shape.
Step 1:Insert the straight pin into the keyhole and use force to lift all the lock pins inside.
Step 2:Insert the L-shaped pin and rotate it in the direction of unlocking until you hear a click.
This method works for both lever and doorknob locks.
3Unlocking a Door with Super Glue
Apply super glue directly to the lock and latch. Wait for it to dry, then use force to pull the lock downward, causing the latch to pop out.
This method is for lever locks only and will damage the lock, so use it as a last resort.
4Unlocking a Door with Zinc
Step 1: Cut a 10cm piece of zinc with wire cutters.
Step 2: Use pliers to bend the zinc into three sections, resembling the shape of a key.
Step 3: Insert the zinc into the lock and manipulate the lock pins to open the door.
This method works for lever locks.
5Unlocking a Door with a Clothes Hanger
Unlocking a Door with a Clothes Hanger
Unlike the ATM card method, this technique requires a wide enough gap between the door and the frame to insert the hanger. If there’s a strip covering the gap, remove it.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Find a spot where you can easily insert the hanger between the door frame and the door.
Step 2: Slide the hanger’s hook through the gap and pull hard on the round doorknob. Then, use your hand or foot to push the door open.
When you apply a magnet to a lock, both the pins and the spring are attracted to it, making it easier to open.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: To generate enough force to attract the pins and spring, use 7-12 large magnets.
Step 2: Place the magnets on one side of the lock (either right or left). Keep doing this until the lock pops open.
7Unlocking a Door with Special Tools
Unlocking a Door with Special Tools
You’ll need:
A thin, slightly curved metal bar with a small end.
A long, flat bar with any shape.
Here’s how to pick the lock:
Step 1: Use the thin, curved bar to push the pins into place. The flat bar will be used to rotate the lock during the process.
Step 2:Rotate the pick in the direction of unlocking. If you’re turning it correctly, the lock will move; if not, it will stay still.
Step 3: Push the pins up and feel the spring tension in your hand. Reduce the rotational force if you feel the pins are hard to push up.
Step 4: Start picking at the pin that’s hardest to push up while simultaneously rotating the lock with the other bar.
Step 5: Repeat the process with the remaining pins until you can rotate and open the lock.
With these methods, you’ll be back in your room in no time!
Frequently asked questions
There are several simple hacks you can try to open your door lock when you’re locked out. You can try using a credit card or a thin piece of metal to manipulate the lock, or you can try to pick the lock with a paper clip or a small screwdriver. If your door has a doorknob, you can also try to remove the doorknob and use a screwdriver to release the latch.
Take a credit card (or any similar type of card) and insert it between the door frame and the door, right where the lock is located. Then, bend the card away from the door frame and towards the knob. This will cause the locking mechanism to unlock. It may take a few tries, but with patience and the right technique, you can get the door open.
Another common item that can be useful in this situation is a paper clip. Unbend the paper clip so that it is straight, and then bend one end to create a small hook. Insert the straight end into the lock and use the hook to try to catch the locking mechanism and pull it out. It may take some maneuvering and a gentle touch, but it is possible to pick a lock with a paper clip.
If your door has a doorknob, you can remove it by locating the small hole or slot on the doorknob’s neck, typically found on the side or front. Insert a small flat-head screwdriver or similar tool into this hole and apply pressure while turning the doorknob. This should release the doorknob from the spindle, allowing you to remove it. Once the doorknob is removed, you can use a screwdriver to release the latch and open the door.
Yes, another useful trick is to try knocking on the door frame near the lock. Sometimes, the vibration caused by knocking can cause the lock to disengage. Additionally, if your door has a mail slot, you can try using a wire coat hanger to reach inside and manipulate the lock or pull on the door handle from the inside.
Rather than just locking the door, it’s much more beneficial to develop the habit of inserting the key into the lock before going to bed, as this will definitely bring about more practical advantages.
Unlocking a Door with a Clothes Hanger
Unlocking a Door with a Magnet
Unlocking a Door with Special Tools
