One of the most common problems when trying to open a door is when the lock stops working. Sometimes, the problem is simple and easy to fix. But sometimes, it’s more complicated and requires some work on your part.
And if you’re one of those people who uses keys and always forget them, then this article is for you. We’ll show you how to unlock a locked bathroom door with a hole in the side using simple household items.
how to Unlock A Door Knob With A Hole In The Side
Preparation before unlocking
1. Choose the right tools for your job
You will usually notice this kind of lock on your interior doors. To open a door knob with a hole on the side, you’ll need something with a pointed tip (like a screwdriver or nail file), and something sturdy enough to withstand being jammed into the hole. Make sure your tool is small enough that it can fit through the hole—you don’t want to break anything.
If possible, use a slightly larger tool so that there’s little chance of your hole-punching tool getting stuck inside when you try to open the door. The key to unlocking this type of lock is getting the right angle and force on the screwdriver, so make sure your tools are up to the task!
2. Locate the hole
Now that we’ve got our tools ready, let’s find where we need to stick them. This video will help you with visual aid and what tools you might need. The hole is actually a release. This release allows for the removal of the knob. The knob may be removed by inserting something into the hole and pushing it down.
Remember: if you’re in doubt, try turning each knob at least twice before looking for a spot where someone else has already tried to pry open their lock with an object of similar size and shape. Depending on how far into the door jamb you want to go, you may need to remove some screws or take off some plastic plates before getting started.
The keyhole is usually a few inches away from the doorknob to the left, but this might vary for different brands.
Ways to unlocking
1. Unlock it with a screwdriver
- Insert a small screwdriver into the hole
Remember to use the smallest flat screwdriver you can find in order for it to fit in the small hole of the locking mechanism. Find the hole and see if your flat head screwdriver fits.
- Push it for as much as you can
Insert the small flathead screwdriver into the hole on the side of the doorknob and turn it clockwise until you feel resistance. Pull out the screwdriver to remove it from the hole, then push it back into place with your other hand.
- Rotate the screwdriver
Your lock might also need you to rotate the object around for it to unlock. Continue moving it in circular motions until you hear a click and your door is open.
2. Unlock it using a bobby pin
- Bend the pin
To use a bobby pin to open a door, bend it at a 90-degree angle and spread the straight and wavy ends apart from one another to form an L-shaped shape.
2 Cut the tip
Use a knife or razor blade to cut off the rubber’s rounded tip on the straight side of the bobby pin instead of the rubber tip side.
- Insert the pin
Insert the pin’s flat end in the hole. Insert the pin approximately 1 centimeter in, and then fold the remaining portion of the bobby pin so that it rests flat.
- Bend the pin’s wavy end into a handle.
To make the handle, bend the pick’s wavy end at a sharp angle. By doing this, it will be easier and more convenient to pick the lock. Additionally, the final image will show something as a half-circle.
- Pull the lever counterclockwise
While you apply constant pressure to the lever, the circular barrel in the lock will turn, allowing you to pick up all of the pins. As soon as you start to feel the lock’s strain, keep pushing the lever. The pins will therefore fall back.
- As you insert the pick into the lock, feel for the location of the pins and twist the pick’s end just enough to point its tip up. Push the pins up now by applying some further force to the pick’s grip until you feel a “click”.
- After lifting each other pin, go to the top of the barrel. Until the door is unlocked, hold the tension lever’s end in your hand like a key. And now your door is ready.
3. Unlock it using a paperclip
- Shape the paper clip
When you need to unlock this kind of door, a robust paper clip works great. The challenge is in customizing it precisely for this kind of work. One paper clip that has been straightened out can be used in place of the pinhole door knob key in order to open such a button lock.
- Insert it in the hole
Move the paper clip around and try to push it as far as you can. Soon, you will hear a sound, and your door will be unlocked.
4. Unlock it using a credit card
- Pick a card for this.
You can use a card if you don’t have anything pointy and your door allows it. Try not to use an identity card or something too important, as there might be chances to damage it. A library card or a credit card is the bets for this job, as it’s not too rigid nor too flexible.
- Insert the card between the wall and the door.
This way works best when there’s not much space between where the door knob meets the side of the door and where you need access to get through. Hold your credit card flat against the edge of your door and slide it along the door frame.
- Once inside, move it along as long as you need to.
While jiggling the card, pull and push the doorknob. This helps to lessen the pressure on the latch. The door will open up whenever the lock’s cylinder pulls back.
5. Unlock it using a butter knife
- Get a butter knife
Depending on the type of hole, a knife might be better suited for this job. Try to use a dull knife and not a sharp one, so a butter knife is best for this, especially if the exterior handle has a slit.
- Place the blade of the knife in the keyhole.
In theory, you’ll turn the knife like a key or use it as a torque wrench.
- Push the blade as far as it will go into the lock. Insert it inside the keyhole’s lower half. Put pressure on the area, first in one way and then the opposite.
- There should be a click
If you succeed, the lock should budge slightly. The lock can be difficult to open and may take some time, but don’t give up if you can’t get it right the first time.
6. Unlock it using an emergency key
If you find yourself needing to unlock a door knob with a hole really often, think about getting yourself a substitute key. It works just like a long and narrow screwdriver but is specifically made to unlock this type of door.
These tools are easily replaceable and not absolutely necessary. Having a specialized item, however, that you can leave in a certain place and which nobody will touch or move, might be beneficial. This way, you won’t have to call a locksmith if you get locked in your bathroom.
Different Approaches to Open the Door
What more ways are there to open a doorknob with a hole if the lock malfunctions or none of the aforementioned techniques work?
1. Take the Hinges out
An ideal non-destructive solution to open a door is to remove the hinges. This approach is only practical if the door’s hinges are on the outside. To remove the hinge bolts, you’ll need at the very least a hammer and a screwdriver.
This method means more work because once you get the door out, you also need to place it back in.
2. Use force
With a strong kick close to the doorknob, you can simply circumvent the door A hammer or crowbar can also be used to tear the locking mechanism out.
Therefore, physical force is always a workable solution if an emergency should occur and you don’t mind replacing a door.
Conclusion
Locking yourself inside or outside of a room can be a silly, yet dangerous situation. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to unlock a door with a knife, screwdriver, or bobby pin, this article teaches you how.
With a little bit of dexterity and much more patience, every doorknob can be unlocked. Leave a comment if you have any more questions, and we will answer them!