If the apartment door slams, you don’t have to call the locksmith. In these instructions, we will explain how you can pick your door lock. In the best-case scenario, you will have your front door open again in just a few minutes.
Cracking the Door Lock: Requirements and Tools
With a bit of luck, a closed-door can be opened again with a plastic card:
- If possible, do not use a cash card, as the built-in chip can break quickly. Instead, you should use a loyalty or discount card that can be damaged.
- The basic rule is that only doors that have simply fallen into the lock can be opened easily. Locked doors can only be opened again by the locksmith.
- Modern doors also usually have an improved locking mechanism that prevents the door from being cracked open. If you are unsure about your door, you can still give it a try. You cannot damage the door itself with the card.
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Instructions: Pick the Door Lock – This is How it Works
You will need a plastic card (or something similar) for the following steps:
- First, you have to press in the lock latch with the card, which is usually located above the door handle.
- Insert the card into the crack in the door with one corner first so that it curves. You have to apply a lot of pressure in the process. Repeat this step several times, if necessary, until the card is curved.
- Move the card down the crack in the door until you feel some resistance (the lock latch).
- Now push the card down to push the trap in. Depending on the lock and door, you may need several attempts and a lot of strength.
- Tip: You can also follow the steps in our picture gallery.
