Locked Out with Key In Door - Key Left in Other Side of Lock? (2024)

FAQs

How to unlock door when key is in other side? ›

With keys left in the lock, a locksmith can pick standard locks using specialist equipment and open the door letting you back into your home or flat. You can find a emergency locksmith here with most offering a 24-hour call out.

Locate the latch mechanism on the interior side of the door near the handle. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the gap between the door and the frame, aiming to reach the latch mechanism. Pry the latch mechanism with the screwdriver while simultaneously turning the doorknob to unlock the door.

The X-ray paper method

A piece of flexible yet rigid paper, such as X-ray paper, can be used to exert pressure on the latch of a locked door. You'll need to insert it between the frame and the door, slide it up to the latch and then give it a few sharp taps to retract it and open the door.

Lubricate the lock first for the best chances of successful key removal. Try common household tools such as needle nose pliers, tweezers, paperclips or bobby pins (hair pins) to extract broken keys from locks. Consider more advanced alternative methods and call a professional locksmith if needed.

Don't leave keys on the inside of door locks, under mats, on hall tables or anywhere else an intruder may easily find them. Don't leave house or car keys near open windows or near doors with letter boxes. Thieves can reach in and steal your keys and then your car.

A butterknife can also be used to pick the lock in place of paper clips or a lock-picking set. By inserting the knife blade into the lock as far as it goes and applying pressure in different directions, you may be able to pop the lock open.

What should I do? Check with a local locksmith to see if they can duplicate a replacement key. Sometimes, replacement keys are not available for every model of lock. If this is the case, you may need to purchase a new lock.

Can you open a door with a key in the lock? ›

Yes, you can, providing that your door has been furnished with a frictioned cylinder lock or one that has an emergency function. These two types are designed to be unlocked with a key even if there's another key inside on the other side of the door.

Insert the key and turn it.

Most locks turn clockwise to open, but try turning counter-clockwise if this doesn't work. As long as you have the correct key you will hear a faint "click" and the door will open. If the door does not open, you likely have the wrong key.

For pin tumbler locks, including deadbolts and entry doors, make a pick set out of 2 bobby pins or paper clips. Stick them into the lock and wiggle them until the lock opens. Use an unbent paper clip or a hairpin for locks on privacy door knobs.

To unlock your car with keys inside, use tools like a Slim Jim, wire hanger, string, wiper blade, or inflatable wedge. Newer cars may be unlocked via a smartphone app. Use these methods cautiously to prevent damage. If in doubt, contact a locksmith or roadside assistance for safe, reliable help.

One simple lock picking technique involves sliding a rigid card (like a credit card or driver's licence) between the door frame and latch, then quickly moving the card upward to force the latch upward and retract it into the door. Repeated tries at different angles eventually connect to lift the lock successfully.