Locks offer safekeeping for items that you value. If you are locked out of your home because you've forgotten, lost or broken your key, and the nearby locksmith is closed, knowing how to unlock locks in various types of ways is a handy skill will prove useful in a time of need. Here are some tips on how to open a locked door that will save you time and money.
You probably wouldn't think that a butter knife would have much use outside of slathering jam and butter atop your favorite bread, but it is actually a very handy tool that will help you get into a room that has been locked. A sharp knife isn't necessary and it's actually best to use a blunt knife so you don't increase the chances of injuring yourself. All you'll need is a butter knife and the lock that needs opening. If a lock is accompanied by a deadbolt in addition to a lock, then a butter knife won't necessarily work. However, you should be able to unlock any basic door lock with ease.
Screwdrivers are a type of tool that you would normally use around your house to screw in nails and fix various items around the home. However, they can also be utilized for opening up locked doors. Flat-head screwdrivers are especially useful because the flat end can easily fit into a keyhole or door jamb, particularly for privacy handles. If your door has a button lock, then a screwdriver will be perfect to get the job done. However, it is important that you use a very thin screwdriver to fit into the hold from the outside. To successfully unlock a door with a flathead screwdriver, keep the following tips in mind:
Credit cards are a great last resort tool to help unlock any door. Any other similar object, such as a store or gift card also works for unlocking jammed doors. Because opening a door with a card can potentially cause it to break, it's important to use a card that is no longer in use or that you don't really care much about. The object of using a card to unlock a door is so that you are pushing the lock back so that it slides out of the jamb. Once it does, you're in! Here's how to do it:
A paperclip is a bent piece of wire or metal that is used for attaching paper together. For locks, paper clips offer an easy solution for picking a lock. By contorting its shape, you can easily maneuver the clip to help unlock a door if other methods do not seemingly work. Although this method can be a bit time-consuming, with a hint of finesse, you'll be on your way to walking through the threshold of your home, bedroom, or office in no time. All you'll need to do is get the paper clip in deep enough to apply force to the pressure plates so that you can finally open the door.
If all other attempts at picking a lock fall through, then the utilizing a power drill can be your last resort. Drilling the lock will ultimately destroy the lock plug but will ultimately keep the rest of the lock intact. It's important to examine your lock before drilling because while some locks have a center pin made of steel, other locks have center pins that prevent the use of a drill. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you have a lock that is easy to disassemble and not one that will make it difficult to get through. If you are unsure, contact your local locksmith with as much information as possible, or you may contact the hardware company that made the lock. If the coast is clear and you are ready to proceed, here are some simple steps to follow: