Emergency door opening - several proven and effective methods

1. How door opening specialists work 2. Is it possible to unlock a lock with your own hands if you don’t have a key 3. Basic methods for opening lock mechanisms yourself 4. Tools needed when opening a door without a key 5. Types of locking mechanisms 6. Opening locks of different shapes 7 Opening the front door from the inside 8. What to do if the key in the keyhole is broken 9. Rough opening method 10. Alternative options for opening an iron entrance door with a broken lock without damaging it

How do door opening specialists work?

A specialized company knows how to handle “rebellious locks” and has the necessary arsenal of tools. Experienced craftsmen can handle any mechanisms and help you get the lock working properly.

To open the entrance doors, you will need to confirm your right of access to the house or apartment. This may be a passport stamp with registration at the specified address or a document confirming ownership. The operation can be carried out in the presence of two witnesses and a local police officer.

Preventive lock maintenance

In order for any type of lock to serve for a long time, it is necessary to perform a number of simple works:

1. Regularly lubricate mechanisms with special cleaning agents.
2. Do not attempt to open the lock after the handle has been turned on the closed door.
3. Check the condition of the hinges, which may become loose and cause misalignment.

By following all the rules for caring for the lock, correcting all faults in a timely manner and, if necessary, calling technicians, you can avoid large financial costs associated with replacing an expensive locking mechanism or knocking out doors.

Basic methods for opening lock mechanisms yourself

In addition to opening locks with original keys, there are several alternative methods.

• Key selection. Most often used for cylinder mechanisms.
• Door push-up. Allows access to the latch. Press on it with a knife or screwdriver, trying to get it out of the counter.
• Impact with a screwdriver. They insert it into the secret part and try to turn it around.
• Picking the lock. Involves drilling the cylinder and knocking out the levers.
• Using chemicals. Filling the keyhole with acid or liquid nitrogen and rolling up the mechanism.

Locks with electronic mechanism.

Electronic lock

With the help of modern technology, a completely new type of lock has been developed, which has become very popular nowadays. These are electronic mechanisms that are opened not with an ordinary iron key, but with the help of a magnetic card. Other alternatives to opening the lock are:

• using a set of codes that are placed on the built-in keyboard;
• using the control panel.

The most “advanced” models of electronic locks are those that open by reading papillary patterns from the homeowner’s finger or the retina of the eye.

But how to change the lock cylinder in a metal door and how to do all the work yourself, the information at the link will help you understand.

Tools needed when opening a door without a key

The choice of opening tools will depend on the type of lock and the direction of opening, indoors or out. Most of the products are universal and interchangeable. The basic set of “safeguard” includes the following devices:

• pliers;
• jigsaw file;
• Bulgarian;
• metal crowbar;
• steel wire;
• screwdrivers of different sizes with flat and Phillips blades;
• hairpin for pinning hair;
• drill with a set of drills;
• hammer;
• a universal master key from a hardware store.

Level locks.

Level castle

How to open a lever lock without a key? The mechanism of this type of lock is based on levers, thanks to which the locking device received its name. They are steel plates, which, when the lock is opened, are arranged in a certain order, specified by the key.

The safety indicator will depend on the number of such steel plates, the quality characteristics of the manufacturing material, as well as the presence of an armored tab.

These locking structures are not so easy to knock out by force of a push, but an unlocking device can be made for them. Therefore, when choosing a lock, you should take into account all the nuances of the design.

Experts advise installing two locks of different designs on the front door.

You may also be interested in information about how to install a mortise lock on a wooden door.

Types of locking mechanisms

Lever mechanisms, which are activated by a double-bit wrench, are used quite widely, which is explained by their reliability. They are opened with master keys or improvised means. The operation of the lock is based on the fact that one bit of the key lifts the levers, and the second moves the bolts. During emergency opening, the sequence of actions is reversed. First, the crossbars are pressed, then the levers are lifted with a hook.

In the vandal method of opening, a suitable key or blank is placed in the keyhole and the levers are knocked out with strong blows. The method is considered effective, but takes time. Locks with a tongue are opened with a screwdriver or a thin plate. The tool at hand is placed in the gap between the leaf and the door frame. Then, pressing on the instrument, they try to move the tongue.

To open the lock, you need to drill a hole at the location of the secret. Insert a bent hook into it and turn it. If done correctly, all levers will move freely.

To open cylinder locks at home, it is easy to make master keys. They consist of two parts. One is L-shaped with a flat tongue, and the other resembles a hook. The first tool or roll is inserted into the upper part of the cylinder and rotated as it opens. At this time, the second player presses the pins one by one, trying to find a combination. After correctly performed manipulations, the doors will open.

Alternatively, you can try to open the door with a similar key. Worn-out mechanisms sometimes give in to persistent pressure.

How to open the lock of the front door without a key in a radical way. For example, drill 5 mm holes under the keyhole. Instead of a key, insert a screwdriver and turn the mechanism. The cylinder lock can be unlocked by destruction. The outer trim is removed from the door, allowing access to the core. The cylinder is clamped with pliers by the protruding part and rocked until it curls. The other half is pushed inside. Then they feel for the crossbar and move it away. A hacked device will not be restored and will have to be replaced.

Universal method

The easiest and fastest way, if we are not talking about locking mechanisms that can be opened with wire, is to call a locksmith, a housing and communal services representative or a specialist from the relevant service by phone. If we are talking about an electromagnetic or electronic door device, the latter option is, in principle, the only possible one.

However, this solution is not always available - in small towns, for example, you have to rely on your own strength.

Opening locks of different shapes

• Rack type locks are used in premises for various purposes, but how can you open the front door without a key? To do this, it is recommended to arm yourself with a knitting needle or a thin screwdriver. Insert the master key into the keyhole and try to carefully move the bar in the direction of opening. It is important to hold the rack bar at this moment so that the crossbars do not snap back under the action of the spring.
• Locking mechanisms for a cross-shaped key of hinged and mortise design are opened with a special collet-type tool. The design of such locks has 3 groups of pins, and the tool has the same number of hooks. It is placed in the keyhole and passed over the pins several times. After this, the lock should turn. A Phillips screwdriver can also help out in this case. Simply insert it into the hole and turn it clockwise with force. To handle the mechanism, a small hole is drilled above the key hole. The master key is inserted through it, the stopper is lifted and the bolt is pushed back.
• Devices with a latch are opened with a thin and durable tool that matches the shape of the well. For round holes, an awl, knitting needle or paper clip is suitable, and for elongated holes, a knife, screwdriver, nail file or scissors. It is placed in the gap and, when pressed, they try to turn the door handle.

How to open doors with a knife or screwdriver

Most locking mechanisms, despite their complexity, can be opened without damaging the device.
The disadvantages of some locks are frequent breakage of the springs in the latches. This applies to English castles. To remove the latch, you need to try using a knife or a thin screwdriver by inserting it into the gap between the blade and the box.

Opening the front door from the inside

Careless actions or breakdown of the locking mechanism make the owners hostage in their own apartment. First you need to call one of your family members and ask them to open the door with their key from the outside. If there is no help to come from, then you need to try to push the bolt out with smooth movements by placing a flat-head screwdriver, knife or steel plate into the gap between the leaf and the door frame. The next option is to disassemble the lock and move the bolts manually.

It happens that the lock does not open because the key is stuck inside. There is no need to make any effort, much less hit. After lubricating the mechanism with machine oil or WD-40 aerosol, removing the key will not be difficult with careful, rocking movements.

If the cylinder mechanism is faulty, it is drilled out and dismantled, and the bolt is pryed off so that the tongue is hidden in the body. Sometimes the larvae are simply knocked out with a hammer.

If you have a nail file or grinder on hand, and there is sufficient clearance between the frame and the sash, you can try to saw through the tongue. The play in the door structure in this case of problems with the lock will turn out to be a blessing, because after several efforts of the crowbar the door moves to the side along with the tongue and latch. In extreme cases, you have to open the lock or dismantle the door.

Causes of failure

The reliability of metal doors is a well-known fact, unlike wooden ones. Natural material is used only for cladding entrance panels. It is equally important to choose a quality lock that will last for many years and will not jam. Breaking the door will lead to a complete malfunction of the mechanism, so first the reason for the incorrect operation of the locking mechanism is identified, and then the necessary measures are applied. The locking device is a reliable element of the door structure, but the influence of a number of factors leads to its malfunction. Major breakdowns:

• If the lock on an iron door is broken, there may be a problem in the body or bolt elements;
• If the locking element has been in use for a long time, then failure is caused by simple wear of the internal parts;
• Inaccurate use. The homeowner did not take care of the device, did not carry out lubrication measures and preventive repairs.

Periodic cleaning and treatment with special substances can extend the life of the lock several times.

What to do if the key in the keyhole is broken

Owners of cylinder locks sometimes experience such a nuisance as the key breaking when part of it remains in the keyhole. Even in this situation, it is worth trying to open the iron entrance door without destroying the device. It is recommended to lubricate the lock first, because if the mechanism jams, there is a high probability that a piece of the key will break again under load.

• A jigsaw file, which you can ask your neighbors, will help you remove the broken key. It is inserted into the lower part of the keyhole with the teeth up and they begin to turn it slowly, trying to pry off the stuck key. If this is successful, they pull out the nail file with the fragment from the lock.
• When part of the key sticks out of the lock, you will need pliers to open it. Use the sponges to grab the protruding edge and carefully turn it towards opening. When the tongue hides and the door opens, remove the key by moving it towards you.
• You can also get the key using a copper tube. It is selected to have a slightly smaller diameter compared to the fragment. It is heated and put on the part sticking out above the surface. The work area must remain free. After cooling, the tube will hold tightly and you can use it to remove the fragment.

If you can’t get the key out or the piece is deep in the lock, you will have to unscrew and drill out the mechanism to remove the cylinder. It is better to seek help from professionals.

How can you open the door?

You should not risk your life and health and climb from your neighbors onto the balcony of your apartment. You should realistically assess your capabilities. And if such an attempt is made, you need to seriously take care of insurance.

General opening methods may work if you have a metal or wood structure. For the operation, it is advisable to have with you: a knife, brushes, machine oil in an oil can, a hammer and a wedge.

You can try to replace these items with improvised means. Olive or sunflower oil can replace the lack of machine oil. The oiler can be easily replaced with a syringe or pipette. If you don't have a knife, you can use a screwdriver.

Opening doors without a key, even if you have the necessary tool at hand, is not an easy task.

A possible reason why the lock does not open may be that it is clogged. You need to check if there is any small debris in the castle. In such a situation, it is necessary to clean the lock. Using a knife and brush, we try to remove all debris from the structure.

The design of the lock in some cases becomes an obstacle to entering the apartment. You can lubricate the lock with oil. If the method does not help, there is a possibility of a broken lock spring.

Rough opening method

When the above methods for opening the locks of a metal entrance door do not produce results, all that remains is to resort to hacking.

If the lock does not have protection against drilling, you can use an electric drill. Additionally, you will need a strong metal drill, a flat-head screwdriver and a hammer. It is worth noting that after such a procedure the larva will have to be completely replaced.

First, a screwdriver is inserted into the slot of the cylinder. Lightly hammer it in and try to turn it. When it gives in and starts to turn, you need to pull the screwdriver towards you and remove the cylinder. Access to the premises is open. Otherwise, the larva is drilled out with a drill.

A radical way to open a metal door is to use a strong acid that can dissolve the springs and pins of the lock. The method is suitable if there is damage to the mechanism and when maintaining the integrity of the device is not required. A small amount of concentrated acid is poured into the keyhole. Now you need to wait a certain time until the pins sink to the bottom of the shafts and the lock opens.

Reasons for a jammed door lock

There are many reasons why a door lock gets stuck. Let's look at the most common ones:

• door or lock damage;
• improper use of the door lock or the door itself;
• the door and doorway were installed incorrectly;
• manufacturing defects;
• foreign objects getting into the locking mechanism;
• if a duplicate key made of low-quality material is used.

Each of these reasons brings with it a number of problematic cases that can arise at the most inopportune moment.

Alternative options for opening an iron entrance door with a broken lock without damaging it

Even in an emergency, you should strive to open the lock on an iron door with minimal damage. Various household items will be useful for this.

• Sometimes a hairpin can help out. It is divided into two parts. A lever is formed from one of them, capable of cranking the mechanism. The second one will be needed to recess the pins of the cylinder mechanism.
• To open lever locks, paper clips and pins are used. One master key is inserted into the keyhole until it stops, and the other is used on the levers to move the main pin.
• When the key does not rotate in the lever device, grind off the longitudinal protrusions and press out the mechanism, inserting it with the reverse side.

Adviсe

There are additional recommendations that will help a person in a difficult situation. It is important to understand that any business requires an integrated approach:

• If the lock on the door is broken or the structure is deformed from moisture, then before opening it yourself, you should stock up on a hairdryer. After heating the canvas, there is a greater chance of opening the door;
• If the box is made of metal, the steel group is first determined. Only after this the device for opening is selected;
• If you scratch off the pins, then further hacking is carried out using a screwdriver;
• After removing the handle, you can try to squeeze the mechanism through the manual hole;
• If you use acid, the door will give way more easily;
• An iron master key will help open the canvas. Selecting a new key is only possible if there is a cylindrical locking device inside. The lever version of the lock can be removed by grinding off the longitudinal projections or pressing the hole a little.

Work on replacing the lock on a metal door.

When installing or replacing a lock on a metal door, you must have certain tools and means to ensure safe operation (special eye protection glasses, gloves, an extension cord that matches the load level of electrical appliances).

The following devices will be needed:

• electric drill;
• screwdriver;
• angle grinder;
• drill;
• self-tapping screws for metal surfaces;
• a tool that makes marks;
• files.

You may also be interested in information about how to replace the door frame of an interior door.

When choosing a lock for a metal door, it is necessary to evaluate not only their appearance, quality and reliability, but also measure the thickness of the door leaf and metal layer. With a size of less than 5 mm, a very large and weighted lock can only ruin the design.

For a metal door, the best choice is a mortise lock design. With this device, the locking mechanism is hidden by the door leaf, protecting it from unwanted influences.

You can install the lock yourself, the casing of which will be placed on the end of the door.

For a metal door, it is better not to use rim locks, since the internal tightness is not strong enough for fastening.

You may also be interested in information about what entrance doors exist with good sound insulation

You can see an example of replacing a lock for a metal door in the video: