Never Get Locked Out of Your House Again With This Trick

When you’ve just returned home after a long day, the only thing on your mind is kicking your feet up on the couch. But after absentmindedly closing the door behind you while taking out the trash, you realize that your TV show will have to wait — you’ve locked yourself out without your house key. What now? Calling a locksmith costs time and money, and trying to climb through the window might result in an embarrassing trip to the ER. The good news is that you might be able to get inside on your own using everyday items you can find in your wallet or purse.

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Use Bobby Pins for Pin Tumbler Locks

If your door is secured using a pin tumbler lock, you can open it using bobby pins. First, take two bobby pins and snap off the rounded nubs at each end. Straighten one pin and bend the other into an “L” shape. Then, insert the straight bobby pin into the lock until it comes in contact with the first locking pin. Keeping the straight bobby pin in the lock, insert the L-shaped bobby pin and jiggle it until you lift the locking pin, then immediately slide the straight bobby pin underneath the lifted pin to hold it open. Repeat this process until you’ve lifted all of the locking pins, then turn the knob to open the door. This trick also works with paper clips.

Use Credit Cards for Latch Locks

For latch locks, grab a credit card, debit card, or a Costco membership card — any thin, plastic rectangle will do. Slide the card into the gap between the knob and frame at a 90-degree angle. Slide the card between the frame and the latch until the latch is pushed in. Don’t be afraid to use pressure.

Use a Knife Instead for Latch Locks

Take your time trying this latch lock method so that you don’t injure yourself. First, insert a knife with a point into the keyhole and try jiggling it — you may get lucky and finagle the lock enough to open the door. If that doesn’t work, use the knife like the credit card method, sliding it between the latch and door frame. Avoid plastic knives for this method since they might snap under pressure.

Use a Screwdriver for Thumb-Turn Locks

Thumb-turn locks are locked from the inside and don’t need keys. To open them, grab a flathead screwdriver and insert it into the space between the door handle and frame. Then, retwist it counterclockwise and clockwise until you hear the lock click open.

A Note About Safety

You should never use these methods to access anyone’s home but your own. These tricks are for personal emergencies only, and attempting to access someone else’s house can have significant criminal consequences. 

Similarly, you may be worried about people using these tricks to break into your home. That’s why it's important to invest in high-quality locks that can’t be jimmied open. Vertical deadbolts are an excellent option for most door types, as they interlock with cast metal rings built into the door frame and are nearly impossible to pry open. 

Double-cylinder deadbolts are a better choice for glass doors since they require a key to unlock from both the inside and outside. This means someone can’t just smash through the window and open the door using the inside handle. 

Finally, there’s no better supplement than a reliable home security system, which alerts authorities when something goes wrong. According to a 2013 study, 83% of potential burglars looked for signs of an alarm system before breaking in, which makes these systems an excellent deterrent.

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