How to Open a Doorknob Lock
- 1). Insert a long thin object such as a straightened paperclip or small flat-head screwdriver into the small hole in an interior door knob. In some cases you will be supplied with an interior door key to unlock the doors with. If using a paperclip, it will help to hammer down the end of it so that it is flat.
- 2). Push in with the object to release those interior-door locks that only require that a mechanism in the knob, usually a button, be pushed in to release the lock.
- 3). Find the slot inside the knob's hole with the flat head of the screwdriver, end of the paperclip or interior door key for locks that require you to turn a small knob inside the door knob. Turn the screwdriver head, paperclip or interior door key to the left. This turns the lock on the other side of the door.
- 4). Slip a flat object such as the edge of a coin into the slot in the interior door knob on locks that have a slot similar to a normal key slot. Turn it to the right or left to release the locking mechanism . These slots aren't for actual keys and even a strong fingernail can twist them to unlock them. It generally doesn't matter which direction you twist. These are push-button locks and moving the slot releases the hold on the lock that is keeping the button pushed in.
- 5). Slide a key into exterior doors and turn to unlock them. Using tools to pick these locks is difficult. You must insert a tension tool such as a flat-head screwdriver into the key slot and turn it to create tension on the lock. This will allow you to hear as the pins are pushed into place. A pick is inserted to push the pins up like a key does. There will be several pins to maneuver into place. Move them out of the way with the pick and twist the key with the tension tool to turn the lock. Picking a lock should, of course, be reserved only for property you legally own or have the owner's permission to enter in this manner.