A properly closed door makes you feel secure when you are inside the house. Still, it can become a source of irritation when you’ve forgotten your keys on the office table, or the lock isn’t working properly.
Before using force, first, find another way to how to open a locked door. Probably, one of the methods listed below could help you.
Choose a percussion wrench
The impact wrench is a quick and easy way to unlock a locked door. It is mainly used for doors that have been locked for a while, such as in abandoned houses or an uninhabited building.
However, the use of this tool is not given to everyone since a wrong operation can damage the lock. It will help if you think twice before adopting this method.
Where to get a percussion key?
Any key that goes into the lock can become an impact key. You can have your own made by going to a locksmith. Some people place an order online. Also, you can make it yourself as long as you have the right tools to work and shape the metal.
How to use it?
When you have your key in hand, do not hesitate to insert it into the lock until the last pin. The majority of keying and pin locks have a rounded segment.
Once all the pins are properly aligned, turn, and you’re done. The clicks you hear come from the lifting of the nail by a tooth. When the stopper falls into one of the spaces in the key bit, it makes a noise.
Then, strongly press the key and turn it. You can use a rubber mallet or other similar object. Give a sharp bang on the percussion key then turn instantly.
The impact of the mallet will act on the lower part of the lock at the level of the cylinder and is transmitted to the upper parts preventing the pin from moving. When the pins are all up, your door will open. However, it is not easy to chain the gestures once. You have to persevere; you will eventually get there.
Pick the lock
Burglars prefer this technique. It would help if you had a little bit of material such as a paper clip or hairpin, a turnbuckle, and a small L-shaped steel piece, a hook kit, etc.
Adopt a crochet kit with your tools
It is a precise practice and sometimes difficult to master. This is why it is mainly taught to bona fide locksmiths. The necessary materials are difficult to find and limited to professionals, but if you are a little creative, you will be able to make your own without any problem.
Simple paper clips should be able to unlock weak locks. On the other hand, for more difficult locks, you will need bobby pins and wire cutters.
The best material is spring steel; you will find it on the blades of hacksaws.
Use a hex key for the secondary doors
The hex key is used to open secondary doors in the house if they are accidentally locked. These are the doors that feature a special handle with a small circular hole in the middle. This tiny entrance is the lock. You can find hex keys or an “Allen wrench” at home improvement stores.
They are easy to distinguish since they have a metal end in the shape of an “L.” There is a multitude of sizes and widths. You’ll be spoiled for choice.
Open the door with a bank card
The use of a bank card is a very common method when it comes to unlocking a locked door. Although it works very little on modern doors, this trick is approved.
It is the best choice for getting into your home quickly. Be aware that once you use the card, it will be damaged. So, choose one that you no longer use. However, it only works if the door is completely slammed. Laminated and flexible cards are more suitable.
Then tilt the card down, trying to insert it behind the door lock. Make sure that the latter is perpendicular to the door.
Pull it straight out at you while squeezing the handle firmly. If luck is with you, the card should slide between the beveled part of the lock and the door jamb.
As long as the card remains between the hole and the lock, the door will open. This method is not recommended if the entry has been locked with the safety lock. This kind of mechanism is not beveled.
Make a hole in the door
This method is recommended for doors that have closed suddenly, without you being able to open it. Easy to make, it consists of making a small hole on the main entrance at the level of the handle.
However, you will need a drill. Don’t hesitate to ask your neighbors. The goal is to be able to pass a wire through the hole so that he can grab the handle and lift it.
After the operation, it suffices to fill the hole with a suitable material such as putty, for example.
Insert a small screwdriver
The screwdriver only opens doors that have an open button in the middle. To do this, opt for a fairly thin screwdriver. This tool slides easily into the lock.
Once he’s inside, he can turn the lock. You have to be persistent; your door will eventually open sooner or later. The screwdriver will also be useful for removing the hinges from the door. But, you have to have a hammer handy.
Use pliers and turn the nut to open the door. However, this trick will not allow you to open all the locks.
Use brute force
As the name suggests, this technique is more violent. It is not recommended except in an emergency. Be aware that this will not only damage the lock, the jamb, and the door itself. Also, it is quite dangerous and may get you into trouble. If you still want to give it a try, here’s how:
Adopt a solid posture. Face the door, putting a few feet between your feet. Place your hands on a wall to maintain balance. Bend your knees slightly and raise one of your legs to knee height. Then kick the door raw and flat at the lock.
Continue to knock until the lock unlocks from the door jamb. If it remains armored after a few minutes, take a break before repeating the gesture.
Using a ram
The use of the ram is recommended for really stubborn doors. You can make one using a two-inch to three-inch jackhammer with long grips on both sides. Fill it with cement and make sure it is completely dry before using a new ram.
Hit the door with the ram at the lock, making swinging movements. Hold it securely with both hands. First, stand perpendicular to the door.
Lean on the tool and swing it towards the door. In principle, a few strokes should be enough, and you’re done. Be aware that your entry will be destroyed and that it will have to be replaced and a new one purchased.
Contact a locksmith
If none of the above attempts have worked, you should call a professional locksmith. In any case, it is the most appropriate, simple, and immediate solution, but you can also request a locksmith quotes.