Opening the lock. Methods and tools for opening door locks

Lever locks can often be found on the doors of apartments, on garage gates, and even on the doors of buildings of various organizations. The prevalence of such locking devices is due to their reliability against burglary and long service life. But what if opening the lever lock is necessary due to the loss of the key. In this case, the security of the lock is not at all beneficial to the owners. Read this article about what actions need to be taken if there is a need to open the lever lock.

Level lock design

Before you try to open a lever lock without a key, you need to understand its structure.

The design includes:

1. Frame. Box made of high-strength steel, equipped with a lid. It allows you to access the mechanism.
2. Bolt. It consists of several pins (crossbars) made of steel. The more there are, the higher the level of security.
3. Toothed comb. This part is located on the shank of the bolt and moves the pins. Old-style locks had a drawback - strong comb teeth. This made it easy to hack them with a master key. Modern models have several weakened teeth that break when attempting to break into them.
4. Shank stand. Necessary to prevent the pins from moving mechanically. To prevent burglars from drilling it, it is protected by an armor plate.
5. Levers. Secret elements of the product, which are several metal plates that differ in shape, configuration, and method of displacement.
6. Key. The location, size, and height of the barbs at the end determine its coding. The disadvantage of the lever wrench is its length. It will not be difficult to unlock the front door with such a key.

Knowing how the product works, it is much easier to open it yourself.

Jagged lifters

It looks like a toothed saw at a certain angle. They come with different numbers and angles of teeth. I prefer long ones, with a protruding tooth at the end. Such a master key can be completely driven into the lock and grasp a couple of pins at once. All that remains is to walk from the end of the lock to the beginning and pick up the remaining pins with a long tooth. Sometimes, after such a comb, the lock still does not budge. The solution here is simple: take a similar saw, but with a smaller angle of the teeth, or take another master key and walk along particularly abutting pins.

Jagged lifters

Tools for breaking the door mechanism

To open a lever lock without a key, you can use two methods:

1. Hacking using available tools. In this case, the element will become unsuitable for further use.
2. Carefully disassemble the mechanism, and after opening, repair it.

Before opening the lever lock mechanism, you need to prepare the following tools:

• knitting needle;
• hammer;
• electric drill;
• manicure file;
• chisel;
• bent crowbar;
• hairpin (paperclip);
• Bulgarian;
• screwdriver.

Depending on the chosen tactics, a different set of devices may be required.

Which side should you approach solving the problem?

Before opening the lever lock with your own hands, you must decide how you will do it. In this case, we are not talking about methods of opening, we will talk about them a little later, about the approach. There are only two approaches to opening locking devices: intelligent and rude. The rude method damages the lock, but the smart method leaves the locking device intact.

The choice of approach is not obvious, since on the one hand, “in the balance” is a difficult to perform manipulation method that does not lead to the need for further repair of the lock. On the other hand, a simpler and faster “rough break-in”, after which not only the lock will have to be changed, but possibly the door as well. When thinking about opening a lock yourself, you must decide for yourself what is more valuable to you and what is easier for you.

Important! Before choosing an approach to opening a specific lever locking device, study all possible information about it. Mainly pay attention to its burglary resistance class and the presence of additional security elements.

We acquire suitable devices and tools

Even super-professional burglars have not yet learned how to open locks without tools and devices. Therefore, you need to think about getting them. We do not suggest you buy expensive sets of master keys, firstly, it is very unprofitable to spend so much money on a set just for one time, and secondly, in most cases, ordinary tools adapted for such purposes are suitable.

1. A curved crowbar nicknamed "crowbar".
   

   Important! “The hammer” is a well-known tool that a real burglar will never part with. It serves as the main tool for brute force breaking; in addition, it can help during intelligent opening, for example, if you need to press the door leaf to facilitate the movement of the bolts.

2. Electric drill.
3. Flat head screwdrivers with different blade lengths and thicknesses.
4. Knitting needle or thick steel wire.
5. Grinder, hammer, chisel.
6. Pliers, pliers, round nose pliers.
7. Tweezers.
8. Gas welding and hydraulic shears (in special cases).

This list of tools is not exhaustive, because with a creative approach to opening the “svaldnik”, even the most unexpected objects can be used for the job. Here are some examples:

• guitar string;
• nail;
• pin;
• clip;
• barrette;
• nail file and others.

However, without special skills, we would not advise you to presumptuously push said objects into the keyhole. Take my word for it, there won’t be any problems later. It’s better to choose more reliable tools and simpler opening methods. Here are just some of them.

Hacking by self-impression

Self-impression is a relatively new method that allows you to hack products of this type. To do this, you must have a self-dialing key.

Attention! To make it, special drawings and equipment are required, so it is impossible to make it at home.

The essence of the key's action is self-impression at the moment of fitting the pins to the code elements of the product: insert the key into the hole and act on the bolt until it opens. The bolt puts pressure on the code parts of the plate. Lever elements that are not extended in accordance with the code will jam without further ability to move them.

Before opening the lever lock, you will need to lower and raise the key inside the mechanism several times. Those plates that are clamped will put pressure on the key pins, while the free ones will remain in place. Such actions will help open the door within a few minutes.

To protect the lock from burglary using self-impression, it is worth additionally installing a cylinder lock on the door. This will increase the time of illegal entry into the apartment.

Tension wrench

Yes, that’s where I’ll start my review. You can’t do without this tool in almost any case. Of course, you can use a screwdriver, but it can damage the lock, and it’s not always convenient to hold it. Plus the locks are different, some you simply can’t fit it into. Wrenches come in different lengths, shapes and sizes. The ones that are longer are better. As a last resort, they can be trimmed, but this is rarely necessary. But it’s easier to handle them. As already mentioned, the metal must be good so that it does not bend in the lock.

Tension wrench

Extreme measures

If the lock installed in the iron door of a private house is jammed and it cannot be opened in any way, then you will have to remove the door leaf from the hinges. If the door block is made of metal, this will be much more difficult to do. Such designs have increased protection against burglary.

You will need a grinder; it is used to cut the crossbar hinges. Then, after removing the canvas, the broken locking mechanism is removed, new hinges are mounted and a new lock is installed.

Another option is to saw the tongue of the locking mechanism. But this method can only be used if there is sufficient clearance between the door frame and the leaf to complete this procedure.

If there is play in the door metal block, you can use a regular crowbar to open it. This tool is inserted into a suitable gap between the door leaf and the floor base so that the door can be lifted.

If none of the listed methods helped to open a jammed metal front door, and there is no desire to spoil the integrity of the door structure, then it is recommended to contact specialists.

Causes of problems

The most common difficulties:

• The tongue cannot close. The source of the problem is the small size of the response hole. It needs to be enlarged or the plate moved a little. Another reason could be a door that is warped due to frequent use. The mechanism wears out and needs to be adjusted.
• Difficulty opening the door when it is blocked due to a misaligned lock or door frame. In this case, the problematic part is adjusted.
• The key gets stuck, is difficult to turn, or cannot be inserted. This is more common on metal doors. This happens due to debris getting into the lock or some of its parts shifting. To get rid of the problem, it is disassembled, cleaned and lubricated.
• The lock is jammed - there is a problem with the condition of the cylinder. The seal needs to be repaired or replaced. In some cases, it is better to install a new lock if the old one is worn out and ancient.

Other reasons for problems with the lock:

• factory defects in the mechanism;
• rare washing and lubrication;
• using the key for other purposes (opening a bottle, packaging);
• frequent opening of the door with force;
• worn parts in the lock;
• duplicate key of poor quality;
• incorrect initial installation of the lock;
• a wooden door can become damp and swell.

The door lock is jammed: how to open it yourself?

Quite often, wanting to save on calling professionals or not being able to contact the emergency service, owners of apartments and private houses try to open a lock or door on their own. As a rule, this leads to aggravation of the problem, which our specialists then have to fix. Therefore, we have developed a small guide on how to open a door or lock with the least damage.

If the key does not turn in the cylinder or is difficult to insert into it, try treating the key hole with universal WD-40 liquid. Then wait a few minutes and try again

If the door faces the street and the lock is frozen due to condensation accumulated in it, special defrosting agents, which can be purchased at any hardware store, will help. If a key is stuck or broken in the mechanism, it must be carefully pulled out with pliers. When this fails, you will have to drill it out along with the core

Then only the secret part will have to be changed, and not the entire mechanism. A skewed door that has blocked the locking device can be lifted with a wooden wedge or pry bar by inserting it between the bottom of the leaf and the threshold. After opening, the door structure will need to be leveled.

When starting to open it yourself, remember that unprofessional actions usually lead to complete breakdown of the locking mechanism, damage to the coating or deformation of the door leaf, followed by repair or replacement.

Lock and key jammed in it

You should equip yourself with WD-40 liquid, which is sold at auto parts stores or hardware stores. You need to process the lock, carefully turning the key from side to side, and try to open it. Is there a larva blockage? The lock is treated with liquid, and the key is inserted into the lock cylinder several times and pulled out until the dirt is completely removed.

The key is broken and stuck - this situation is more complicated. There are several options:

• A piece of the key sticks out. You should take pliers and use them to turn the key rod to the desired position. Then carefully remove.
• The wreck is inside. Here you can try with a sharp object (knitting needle, paper clip, etc.) to push out or pull the stuck end out. And then pick it up and pull it out with tweezers.

If these methods do not help, contact specialized services. They will help you get out of the situation with the least damage.

Preventative measures - how to protect the lock from jamming

What to do when purchasing:

• before purchasing a door, check what type of lock it will be and whether there is a guarantee;
• ask about the country of production - high-quality locks are made in Austria and Germany, you can also take Polish, Turkish or Ukrainian;
• In the store, check the ease of movement of the tongue;
• There should be no rust, scuffs or scratches on the lock.

How to care for the mechanism:

• periodically clean from dust and dirt, lubricate;
• turn the key only after it is fully inserted;
• do not use keys of poor quality or damaged;
• You can use machine oil for lubrication;
• the best lubricant is silicone, it has a long-lasting effect and also repels water, preventing the mechanism from rusting;
• correct the distortion of the door leaf or frame, even if the lock is still functioning normally;
• open the door by the handle, no need to pull the key, which is still inside;
• Do not slam the door sharply or forcefully.

Important: do not lubricate the lock with edible vegetable oil. It absorbs all the dirt and dust and can ruin the mechanism.

When the oil thickens, you can open the door with almost any key - this is the method used by thieves.

In order not to waste time and money (on repairing the lock or a new one, on calling a locksmith), you need to handle the lock carefully. If you open it with careful smooth movements and do not apply force, it will last a long time

Do you have any questions?

We are always happy to welcome new customers and are ready to advise you on any questions regarding our wide range of steel doors and other additional products.

What to do if the door lock is jammed?

It is necessary to determine further actions based on the nature of the breakdown. It can be determined by excluding available versions. If the key is missing, you can open the door with improvised means - a hairpin, a needle.

Step-by-step instruction

A sequence of actions that helps to open the sash in half the cases of jamming:

• clean the keyhole with a stiff brush to prevent the entry of foreign objects - shavings, peeling paint, trim;
• use magnetic attraction to remove metal shavings;
• lubricate the mechanism with oil and try to carefully, slowly turn the key;
• If you can't scroll, try to get it out with pliers.

• if the door lock does not open after working with pliers, the mask is pulled out and replaced;
• To avoid damage to the hinges, a thorough inspection should be carried out.

The lock on the door is jammed - what to do if the device is in English:

1. Drill out the mechanism with a screwdriver, pull out the cylinder with a small piece of metal wire, hook up the drive mechanism, and push in the bolts.
2. Knock out the cylinder with a stop by tapping it with a hammer.

To prevent distortion, you will need a wedge. If you can’t find the item you need, you can use a flat-head screwdriver or chisel. A wedge-shaped object is inserted into the hole between the leaf and the door frame. With a slight pressure, you can return the warped canvas to its original position, while at the same time trying to open it.

If the interior door is not locked with a key, and the door does not open when you press the handle, it means the tongue is jammed.

To solve the problem, it is recommended to perform a few simple steps:

1. Insert a flat object (knife, ruler) into the gap between the entrance flap and the frame in the area where the tongue is located.
2. Tilt the knife so that it slides along the steel cut.
3. When the ruler reaches the end, push away from you to push the tab into place.
4. If there is no cut on this side of the sash, then you need to get it out by inserting a ruler diagonally from above.

If you don’t have a hairpin, you need to ask your neighbors for any thin, long object. Then you should replace the lock, because there is no point in repairing it.

Recommendations

A few simple tips to help you cope if your door is jammed:

1. If a wooden door is deformed from moisture, a hairdryer will help correct the situation. In the absence of the latter, you can use a heating device.
2. If the fault is in the iron frame of the door, then the opening must be carried out based on the belonging of the locking mechanism to a certain group.
3. If the door lock is jammed and the security system is cylinder-type, only a master can save you. Among the breakdowns: the key cannot be pulled out, it turns poorly, creaks, the cylinder gets jammed when opening, or the key gets stuck.
4. If the lock on the door is broken and the security system is of the lever type, then in order for the key to be inserted correctly, you can grind off the longitudinal protrusions or press the hole a little.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_-E7TgNTwnk

A careful inspection of the door leaf can help identify the problem. Visually you can notice cracks in the hinges, shrinkage and other damage.

Rake picks

The next type is rake, translated as rake or scraper. The name fully justifies itself. As you have already guessed, it has a bunch of different shapes, angles and lengths for all occasions. You can try to match it to a specific lock or use it in conjunction with other master keys. The trick with rake is that it is double-sided. Yes, yes, you didn’t think so. All other master keys can only be used on one side. Rake is not like that. Moreover, it most often combines a semicircle, a saw and a hook. Like a Swiss Army knife, all in one. Whether it is convenient or not is a matter of taste. If only this type is available, then even if you spend a fair amount of time poking around, you will definitely get a profit.

Rake picks

Ball picks

Has the shape of one or more balls. Hence, as you already understood, the name. Despite its unpresentable appearance, it is a very effective thing. It was with her that I opened my first three-pin lock. The main thing here is to rotate the master key to maximum deflection angles in order to reach all the pins and turn them with a screw. Many people like similar picks with one large ball, but this is a matter of taste. Personally, I find it more convenient to use two balls, one larger and one smaller. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that this type of master key simply will not fit into some particularly small locks and will be of no use.

Ball picks

How to open it? Methods

When a person does this for the first time, one should not hope for a positive outcome. Before opening the lever lock, you must first decide how this work will be carried out. There are only two such ways:

• rough - at a minimum, it leads to the need to replace the lock, and sometimes the entire door;
• intelligent - leaves the lock intact, but still leads to its repair.

Any of these methods requires special tools and a certain skill. Which one to choose depends on the person’s preferences and capabilities.