There’s nothing quite like the feeling of popping outside to run a quick errand—perhaps taking out the kitchen trash, or maybe taking the dog for a short walk—and then coming home to find yourself locked out. The immediate panic of being locked out of your home is only heightened by the fear of having to call, then wait, then to paylocksmith.
Here’s the good news: There are some tricks you can try to unlock your door without a key that might get you in before the pro gets there—that way you can at least wait in comfort (or, you know, use the bathroom).
Remember: Use these methods only to enter your home, and use them only as a last resort. It is also important to note that these methods will not work for every locked door, and forcing them may cause additional damage.
Here’s what to do if you lose access, as well as tips on when to call a professional locksmith or handyman, when to consider replacing old or broken locks, and when to consider upgrading to a newer, more secure option.
What reasons might you have to unlock your home door without a key?
Even the most responsible homeowners and tenants sometimes find themselves locked out of their homes or may not be able to access a room in their home. Reasons range from the simple (lost key) to the urgent (children or pets trapped inside) to the critical or life-threatening (house fire). You could also be accidentally locked out due to a faulty lock or key.
Do the methods for entering a locked door differ depending on the age of the house or the type of lock?
Yes, says Daniel Cabrera, a Texas-based real estate expert and property manager. “Unlocking methods vary depending on the age of the lock and the type,” he explains. “An older lock can be more easily manipulated with typical lockpicking techniques, while newer locks are more complex and may require sophisticated tools or strategies.”
In other words, newer locks are great for security, but less good if you find yourself locked out.
How does the method differ for exterior front doors from interior front doors?
“Interior doors tend to have much simpler locking mechanisms and can be unlocked mostly using hobby tools like staples or small screwdrivers,” says Cabrera. “Exterior doors, on the other hand, have advanced security requirements that may require pick-picking or professional lock-picking techniques.”
What tools do you need to unlock the door and how to use them?
If you’re locked out, make sure you have one of the following tools handy:
Depending on what is available, you can try the following methods.
How to use a paper clip or paper clip
This method might work for basic latch locks that are equipped with pins.
First, find two thin pins that you can bend, then remove the round tips from the ends of the pins (skip this step for paper clips). Straighten one of the pins and shape the other into an “L”. Then insert your unfolded pin into the lock and try to find the first pin inside. Once you find it, take your L-shaped pin and insert it into the lock to try to lift the first binding pin.
Repeat until all the pins are aligned to rotate the lock and open the door.
For most types of locks, a plastic card or credit card can go a long way in opening an older home’s door without causing havoc, Cabrera says. “Because locking mechanisms have only gotten more complex over time, more advanced lock sets may require lock picking kits or a real locksmith to unlock without causing damage,” he says.
Although this may be the easiest to find or borrow for opening doors, the knife should be used with care to avoid injury to yourself or the door. To try to open the door, you will need to insert a knife between the door and the jamb and carefully slide the knife through it. Try to press the door gently as you do this. Experts recommend consulting with professional help before attempting this.
This method can work for both interior and exterior doors with a twist lock. Insert a screwdriver into the space between the frame and the door itself where the handle is. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise and then clockwise until you hear a “click”.
When to remove door hinges
Removing the door from its hinges is often a last resort and should only be used in an emergency or if the above methods do not work.
When should you call an expert or change the locks?
A locksmith can help you avoid damage to the door or lock by unlocking the door with professional tools or techniques. Additionally, you may want to consider replacing older locks or faulty locks to make your home more secure in the event of a key loss or emergency – especially if the lock is rusted, difficult to open or close, or appears to be misplaced.
Newer smart lock technology options, like Lockly, offer more secure ways to quickly lock and unlock doors without a key (i.e., a no-peep PIN pad, revocable eKeys, and 3-D biometric fingerprint sensors), says Steve Gibson from Lockly, an experienced strategic advisor with extensive experience in smart locks and asset management.
This can be especially useful if you realize someone is locked out while you’re away.
“As connectivity becomes an integral part of our lives, the demand for secure and smart access to the home is growing,” he explains. “Traditional keys are being replaced by IoT innovations such as biometric recognition, app control, digital keys and facial recognition. This evolution ensures increased security, remote monitoring and integration with wider smart home ecosystems.”