Getting locked out of either your house, car, or office is probably one of the most frustrating things. We have all been there at least once in our lives, standing outside and helplessly looking through a locked door without a key in hand. That is why you need to rekey locks and make sure you have alternative keys to open the doors.
But if you do not have any alternative keys, here are 7 practical tips on how to unlock a door without a key. Remember that some methods are lighter and quicker than others, while some require a lot of patience and a steady hand. Always be careful and make sure you try those methods and techniques on only your own property or it is legal to do so.
1. Credit Card
One of the most popular tricks around is using a credit card to unlock a door. It best works for simple spring latch locks, which normally feature on internal doors. It will not work for deadbolts or high-security locks.
What to do
- Select a Card: This will need to be one that is flexible, yet strong. An old credit card or loyalty card for something or even a laminated piece of plastic will work. Make sure it’s a card you don’t mind destroying.
- Slide the Card in the Gap: Insert the card between the door frame and the door, exactly at the place where the latch is located. Hold the card perpendicular to the door to begin with.
- Pull Card Down: Bend card back towards frame, pressing to allow the edge of card to push against the latch.
- Push the Latch In: Wiggle and maneuver the card until the latch withdraws, enabling you to push the door open.
Important Note: This does not work for deadbolts, using a card will break it, and you will definitely not want to use your main credit or debit card.
2. Bobby Pin
For most of the old pin-and-tumbler locks, one can go for a bobby pin. Well, this might require, at least to some point, patience and practice; however, if you apply the proper procedure, you can actually unlock a basic lock.
Materials Needed:
- Two bobby pins; one bent to a 90-degree angle, serving for tension, and the other straightened to serve as a pick.
Steps to follow
- Make a Tension Wrench: One of the bobby pins should be bent into an “L” shape to serve as your tension wrench.
- Insert the Tension Wrench: Place your bent bobby pin at the bottom of the lock to apply mild pressure.
- Setting the Pick: Take the straightened bobby pin to feel the inner pins inside the lock. For each pin, in turn, push it upwards until you hear an audible click when the pin has set in place.
- Turn and Unlock: While applying tension to the first pin, pick each pin. After all the pins were set, the tension wrench would turn to unlock the door.
Tip: This skill involves a bit of finesse, and it may take some practice to get it right. If you’ve never done this before, you’re better off trying it out with a non-essential lock than on some critical door.
3. Screwdriver
Most interior doors with either a privacy handle or a push-button lock should yield to a small flathead screwdriver.
Steps to follow
- Find the Slot of the Lock: Find the small hole or slot on the outside knob of the door.
- Place the Screwdriver: Put the flathead screwdriver into the provided slot.
- Turn to Unlock: Almost with a twist, and then a turn, the screwdriver does it until one hears the click of the lock opening.
When to Use: This works quite well in the case of bathroom doors or even bedroom locks, but does not apply when it comes to high-security exterior doors.
4. Coat Hanger to Open Car Doors
This is primarily useful in the event you would like to open an older model car that has a button-style locking mechanism. Be careful because this is a method that can easily damage the interior of a car if it is not done properly.
Steps to follow
- Straighten the Hanger: Unfold a wire coat hanger into a straight line, leaving only a small hook at the end.
- Create an Opening: You will need to carefully lever the top of the door frame open with a wedge. A rubber wedge or better yet, an inflatable wedge will prevent scratches.
- Insert the Hanger: Place the wire hanger through the opening until it reaches the lock mechanism.
- Manipulate the Lock: Pull the locking button to open the door or push it using the hook.
Caution: This should be done with care, and only if one is fairly acquainted with the operating mechanism in one’s car. On the newer cars, perhaps those equipped with electronic locks, it is best to call a locksmith.
5. Bumping the Lock
Using a bump key is a specialised technique that locksmiths frequently employ, but you can try it if you have the necessary tools and knowledge.
What is a bump key?
A bump key is a special key cut in such a way that it can actuate the pin-and-tumbler locks.
Steps to follow
- Insert the Bump Key: Insert the bump key into the lock until it is nearly fully inside.
- Light Touch Tap: The end of the key should be lightly tapped with a screwdriver or hammer while the bump key is slightly turned in this process.
- Opening the Door: Within this very short time, the pins will be at an aligning position, and you can easily open the lock by turning it.
Legal Caution: It is generally illegal to possess bump keys in most places, so again, check your local regulations before trying this technique.
6. Lock Picking Set
Having a professional lock-picking set-that is where all the luck comes in. This definitely works best among methods when it comes to complicated locks. However, using a lock-picking set does necessitate practice.
Steps to follow
- Insert the Tension Wrench: Place the tension wrench at the bottom of the lock and apply gentle pressure.
- Insert the Pick Tool: The idea is to have a pick lift each pin in the lock.
- Rotate the Wrench: After all the pins have been setup, turn the tension wrench to unlock the door.
7. Removing the Door Hinges
The removal of door hinges can be a last-resort method when all else fails. If the other non-destruction methods do not work, then this is advised.
Steps to follow
- Place the Hinges: Completely open the door so that the door hinges become visible.
- Removing the Pins Using a Screwdriver: Place the screwdriver at the bottom of each hinge pin. Tap upwards until loose.
- Remove the Door: Once the pins are out, carefully lift the door out of the frame. Care should be taken not to cause any damage to the frame or the door itself, as it may lead to costly repairs.
Conclusion
These 7 tips will help you unlock most types of doors without a key. However, remember to always be cautious and choose the least invasive method first. If those techniques fail, or if it’s a high-security lock, the best thing you can do is call a professional locksmith.
