DIY Security Systems
Attempting to open a locked bathroom door might be a headache when the situation arises. Fortunately, the majority of the bathroom doors are armed with private locks instead of security locks, which can be opened relatively easily. If you are stuck in a locked bathroom, try to remain calm and not to panic. You can also learn these tips and tricks on how to open a locked bathroom door. You can also call out for attention so somebody can help you unlock the door or call for professional help. To do quickly and quietly, so you can do it on your own.
Types of Door Privacy Locks
Before we proceed with the easy tips on how to open a locked bathroom door, let us first know the common types of bathroom locks.
- Most bathroom doors are equipped with either a push-button or a turn button lock. With push-button locks, the lock is inside the bathroom. The person inside shuts the door and pushes the button of the doorknob. The button then activated the lock.
- While the turn button locks are somewhat less common in most residential bathrooms. This type of lock engages with a simple twist of the knob placed on the interior doorknob or handle.
- Some older doors may still be equipped with the third type of lock. This type of lock is usually engaged by pushing the doorknob in towards the door while turning it slightly in one direction. Push in and turn in the opposite direction to unlock from the inside.
Tips on How to Open a Locked Bathroom Door
If ever your bathroom door gets stuck up, here are some easy tips on how to open a locked bathroom door.
Use a butter knife into the keyhole to open the push-button bathroom
A butter knife is a simple tool you can use to unlock the door if you are locked out of the bathroom in your home. Use the butter knife into the keyhole in the same way that you would use a key. Turn the knife to release the lock gently and then turn the doorknob to open the door.
If the butter knife doesn’t work, use a bobby pin for a push-button lock.
To eliminate the curves in the metal, bend the bobby pin and try to get it as flat and straight as possible. Insert the pin into the keyhole and turn the knob while wiggling the pin at the same time. The push-button device should unlock, and you may be able to open the door.
- Bobby pins are usually the most reliable lock-opening tools. They are easy to find and can be manipulated into the right shape.
- The pin works best if you can’t unlock the door using a butter knife.
Use a screwdriver that has a thin rod to open a twist-privacy bathroom door lock.
Insert a skinny screwdriver into the hole of the doorknob. Wiggle the screwdriver until you hear the door unlock. You need not turn the knob while you’re using the screwdriver.
Screwdrivers that have thicker rods won’t work as these won’t fit into the door handle.
Use a card to open the door
Try sliding the card in between the frame and the door, just above the door lock. Angle your card towards the knob and bend it to slide in between the frame and the lock. Lean on the door while wiggling the card back and forth until the door unlocks.
Use a card that you won’t mind even if it gets damaged. A loyalty card is the best choice, as it can be easily replaced than credit cards or identification cards.
Remove the handle if you can’t unlock the door.
If the door handle has screws outside, you can see if you can use a drill or screwdriver to loosen these. Once the screws are loosened, put the screwdriver into the lock of the door handle and turn it gently to release the lock.
For door handles that don’t have exterior screws, put a flat head screwdriver below the slit in the throat of the doorknob. Pull the screwdriver up to raise the surface away and reveal the screws underneath. Loosen the screws with a drill or a screwdriver.
Use this method after trying to use a butter knife, a bobby pin, or a screwdriver, as this method takes the longest amount of time.
Use a lock-picking kit if available.
Probably the safest and fastest way on how to open a locked bathroom door is through a lock-picking set. A lock-picking set is a valuable tool to possess if you have a bathroom door that frequently has a problem with the lock. Just follow the directions on the lock-picking set to choose the best pick to use to unlock the door.
- You can easily buy a lock-picking set online.
Conclusion
Bathroom doors are generally equipped with privacy locks that are designed to prevent accidental intrusion. But these locks are not so secure that you can pick the lock should the need arises, especially when an elderly or a child is stuck inside the bathroom. Fortunately, these locks are relatively easy to unlock from the outside with simple items that can be found around your house together with these easy tips on how to open a locked bathroom door. Here’s how to learn more about Door Locks.