Quck answer
To remove a door lock without a key, follow these steps:
1. Gather the necessary tools: a screwdriver, a paperclip or bobby pin, and a hammer.
2. Examine the lock to identify the type: knob lock, deadbolt lock, or lever handle lock.
3. For a knob lock, insert the screwdriver into the hole on the doorknob and push the release button. Twist the doorknob and pull it off.
4. For a deadbolt lock, remove the screws on the inner side of the door using a screwdriver. Pull the lock out of the door.
5. For a lever handle lock, insert the paperclip or bobby pin into the small hole on the lever handle mechanism. Push and hold it while pulling the handle off.
6. If necessary, use a hammer to gently tap the lock to loosen it before removing it.
Remember, these methods should only be used on your own property or with proper authorization.
Many homeowners have old doors somewhere in the house that they no longer have the keys for. If these doors are locked, it can be challenging to remove the lock and replace it with a functioning one. If you can enter the room through a window or another means, this is typically the easiest way to remove the lock. If there is no access available, you will usually have to rely on more extreme methods of removing the lock.
Removing Locks From the Inside
Step 1
Open the door and locate the latch plate along the door’s edge. Unscrew the plate and take off the latch from the door, if possible.
Step 2
Look for a small set screw at the base of the handle. Use a drill or screwdriver to remove this screw. Hold the interior trim with one hand and the exterior trim with the other hand, then try to pull them away from the door. Often, this set screw is the only thing keeping the two halves of the lock in place.
Step 3
Inspect the handle and trim on the inside of the door. There may be a small pinhole holding the handle in place. Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole and apply pressure to release the interior handle. Insert the pin straight through the lock cylinder to reach the lock’s release mechanism. Once you activate this release, you will be able to separate the lock by hand.
Step 4
Use a flat screwdriver to pry the trim around the handle or lever. Some trim may even twist off without tools. Look for hidden screws underneath. Remove these screws, and then pull apart the two halves of the lock to remove them from the door.
Step 5
Check for small notches or depressions in very old door knobs. Insert a screwdriver to release the knob, which will expose a length of wire wrapped around the remaining trim. Press this wire with your screwdriver to release the interior half of the lock, and then remove the exterior half by hand.
Removing Locks from the Outside
Step 1
Check for any pinholes or depressions in the handle or around the trim. Some locks designed for interior use may have these holes on the outside for homeowners who have lost the key. Insert a straightened safety pin into small holes, or use a flat screwdriver to press against a slot or depression. This will release the handle and may reveal screws underneath. By removing these screws, you may be able to take off the lock and open the door.
Step 2
Remove the door from its hinges. Use a hammer and center punch to drive out the hinge pins, if they are accessible. Once the door is disconnected from the frame, you will be able to slide it out of the opening and remove the lock from the inside.
Third Step
To remove the lock cylinder, you need to drill it out. Use a drill bit specifically designed for drilling metal, ensuring it is sharp. Position the drill just above the keyway and start drilling. The objective is to drill through the pin tumblers, not the keyway. After breaking the pins, you might have to insert a flat screwdriver to retract the latch and unlock the door. Once done, you can proceed to remove the lock using the methods mentioned in Section 1.
