How to Open a Locked Door Without a Key?

I hope you’re not asking this question because you want to sneak around. Because that would be creepy and not to mention illegal. I once panicked when I went to the weekly market locking my kids at home after tucking them in bed. I somehow lost the key and it was 10 PM and no way that I could have called a locksmith. I was panicking and didn’t know what to do. I desperately needed to know how to open a locked door without a key. My neighbours were really helpful. They took up the task on themselves and finally after 2.5 hours of trial and error, I was able to get in. I can share a few tricks that I recall.

• Use two bobby pins and bend them in such a manner that it clicks the lock open without breaking up. Honestly, it didn’t work for us as it requires precision and careful manoeuvring

• If your lock is a simple one hanging on the handle, you can simply unscrew every bolt on the handle and dismantle the whole lock. It worked for the first door on the main gate. 

• If you have simply latched the door, you can jamb the door a few times and the latch will come off. This worked for me in case of the wooden door which was just latched.

• If you are really in a desperate situation, you can simply remove the door hinges. That’s the best you can do when you want to know how to unlock a locked door without a key by yourself.

If the situation permits, I would advise you to call a locksmith to do this job. This will result in way less damage and will save you the time and trouble. 

I hope you never get into a situation again where you need to know how to open a locked door without a key. Keep a spare key either at your neighbour’s place or somewhere hidden around your house.

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Are you wondering

how to open lock door without key?

Finding yourself locked out of your house or apartment can be a scary and stressful experience. While calling a locksmith is often the quickest and most reliable solution, there are a few methods you can try to open the door yourself, especially if you're in a hurry or want to avoid the expense of a locksmith.

How to Open Door Lock Without Key?

Method 1: Credit Card or Paperclip

1. For simple door latches with a small hole, a credit card or a straightened paperclip can be effective.

2. Carefully insert the credit card or a paperclip into the hole at the top of the latch mechanism.

3. Gently jiggle and manipulate the tool to push the latch mechanism back, allowing the door to open.

How to Open Main Door Lock Without Key?

Method 2: Bobby Pins

1. Unbend two bobby pins and shape one into an "L" and the other into a straight line.

2. Insert the straight pin into the lock and try to locate the binding pin. Once you find it, insert the "L"-shaped pin behind it.

3. Gently lift the "L"-shaped pin while turning the straight pin to unlock the door.

How to Open Door Knob Lock Without Key?

Method 3: Screwdriver (Interior Doors)

1. Locate the latch mechanism on the interior side of the door near the handle.

2. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the gap between the door and the frame, aiming to reach the latch mechanism.

3. Pry the latch mechanism with the screwdriver while simultaneously turning the doorknob to unlock the door.

Hello, Lucky! I was recently in a situation where my door had been locked and I misplaced my key somewhere in the market. Then, I asked my father how to open door without a key. He mentioned a few different tactics I could attempt, such as using your foot or a cardboard or wire clothes hanger. Continue reading to learn how to apply these hacks in detail.

How Do You Unlock a Door Without a Key?

My father instructed me that although it can be difficult to open a closed door without a key, you may attempt the following strategies to get inside.

• In this hack, my father informed me to first locate the doorknob and position the foot at the base of the door where the latch is located.

• Then start kicking the door at the point where the latch is to apply pressure and force the latch to retract.

• Continue kicking the door with gradual force until the latch releases and the door swings open.

I didn’t try this technique, as I thought it may damage my door or frame.

Let’s see how can you unlock a door without a key by piece of cardboard. 

• Here, you have to slide the piece of cardboard between the frame and the door. 

• Apply pressure on the cardboard until it passes between the bolt and the jamb. 

• Then, turn the knob to release the door lock. I have tried this hack to open my door.

In addition, my father informed me how to open door lock when key is lost using wire clothing hanger. He told me to pay particular attention to the latch bolt if the door locking system has it. He said if it has, then follow the below instructions:

• Try opening it using a wire cut off of a clothes hanger if its angled end is pointing away from you.

• After the wire has been straightened, bend a tiny hook onto one end.

• Insert it into the space left between the door's edge and jamb.

• Loop the wire around the latch bolt.

• Now, grasp the doorknob with one hand while holding the wire in the other. 

• Finally, pull the wire in your direction while simultaneously turning the knob to open the door.

If all this fails for your door and you are still thinking about how to open door lock if key is lost, then you may require professional help.

I hope you get an idea about how to open door without a key.