We’ve all had those moments at home where we forget or misplace our keys. Don’t worry, there are plenty of DIY alternatives for open a locked door without having to hire a professional. They are, however, subject to the sort of door lock you have. A classic slanted-latch lock, for example, is easier to open than a deadbolt lock.
Simple door locks are far easier to defeat than deadbolt locks, as previously stated. You can also use a card to open a locked door with a slanted latch. However, you cannot use a card to bypass a lock since it uses a rod that can only be withdrawn with a key.
If the slant of the latch faces you, using a card to open a locked door will be easy. If the door hinges are on the opposite side of the door, you’ll know. Otherwise, removing the hinges to open the door may be faster.
Steps To Use A Credit Card To Open A Locked Door
You might be able to use your credit card to get into your residence if you misplace your key again. This method is only applicable to doors that have a simple knob lock with only a spring latch or a slanted latch. To open the door, wiggle a card between the gate and the door frame. If this does not work, try another approach. For an easy and smooth process, you may also contact Lockout service in Chicago.
Step 1
Firstly, place the card vertically between the door and the frame. Afterward, slide the card down next to the doorknob into the gap between the doorknob and the door frame. Push the door in as far as it could go at a 90 angle to the door. Moving further, push the door back as far as it will go with your other hand to see the placement of the door frame more clearly.
Step 2
Secondly, tilt the card in the direction of the doorknob. Tilt your credit card so that the side facing you is almost touching the doorknob. Furthermore, you’ll be able to press the credit card farther into the space between the door and the doorframe.
Step 3
Thirdly, bend the card in the opposite direction. Bending the card backward will cause it to slip under the angled end of the slant-latch and back into the door. Open the door quickly and lock it on the other side.
Step 4
Lastly, to open the door, lean against it and wriggle the card back and forth. However, if your door doesn’t open easily, try leaning against it and bending your card back and forth many times. As a result, this will increase the pressure on the latch, causing it to open a locked door.
Search For Alternatives
Look For Open Windows
Walk around your house and try to open all of the ground-level windows. If you discover one that is open, remove the screen and open the window as wide as possible. Then, to go inside, climb through.
Climbing through a window is a risky business. Only attempt this if you are certain you can safely climb inside. Check any rear or side doors you may have as well.
Contact Your Housemates
Either you live with friends or you live with a significant other, phone or text them to check if they ‘re nearby. For professional services, search for Lock repair and replacement in Schiller Park.
Ask one of them to come over and let you in. While you may have to wait a few minutes on your front porch steps, you won’t risk damage to your property or have to pay hefty service fees.
If you live somewhere where this is possible, consider heading to a neighboring coffee shop to kill time.
Contact Your Landlord
This is a fantastic option if your landlord lives on-site. Call them to see if they’re home and politely request that they let you in. Even if they don’t live on the premises, they may work nearby and be eager to assist you.
Hire A Locksmith
If you really don’t have any housemates and your landowner is unavailable to assist you, it may be necessary to call a locksmith. They can come to your house and change the locks so you can get in. While this will efficiently cure the problem, it may be costly, so only use it if you have no other options.
Keep in mind that if you change the locks or damage the door, your landlord may charge you.
HOW TO PREVENT A CREDIT CARD FROM OPENING A LOCKED DOOR
Now that you know how to break into and gain entrance to your home using a credit card to bypass a simple door lock, there are things you can do to prevent criminals from utilizing the same method.
Door Latch Guard Installation
A door latch guard is a metal plate that protects exposed latches from being inserted between the door and the frame with a credit card. This will keep someone from tampering with your door lock if you install it.
Electronic Door Lock Installation
An electronic door lock has the advantage of simply requiring a code to gain admission, as opposed to a standard door lock that requires a key to open.
Your doors can only be opened by those who know the code.
Sliding Door Latch Installation
A sliding door latch is made up of a long metal bar that cannot be readily moved or pushed aside with a credit card, unlike a normal lock.
Deadbolt Lock Installation
A deadbolt, unlike a regular lock, is more secure and cannot be unlocked with a credit card. A lengthy piece of metal is put into the door frame for this lock. If you currently have a door lock installed, adding a deadbolt will improve your home’s security.
Conclusion:
Learning how to unlock a simple door lock with a card is a basic skill you can use in an emergency when you don’t have your keys and need to get into your house. This method will not work if the door has a deadbolt lock or if the door lock’s slanted latch is not easily accessible.
It’s critical to understand what kind of door locks you have in your home and whether they’re adequate to keep intruders out at all times. We hope you found this information to be useful.