What's the best way to open a locked bedroom door?

[Zen Democrat]

Never happened before, but I'm locked out of my own bedroom. Never had a key to it. Nothing to unscrew. Do I have to call a locksmith, or is there a cheaper way to do this???

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

1. Is it a keyhole or just a hole?

If it's just a hole, try using the end of a wire hanger.

[Zen Democrat]

2. Unfortunately, it a keyhole, for which I've never had a key.

Bought the house two years ago and got no keys for bedroom doors. I've had the hole types before and they are easy to pop open. But this is infuriating me!!!!

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

3. Ah, yeah. I should learn to read.

Good luck, none of the inside doors in our house have keyhole locks, otherwise I'd probably have a solution :(

[Zen Democrat]

4. Thanks anyway. Guess I'll just keep digging with the knife (to no avail)

[Parrcrow]

5. Bring flowers and candy to whoever locked you out

:evilgrin:

[Zen Democrat]

6. Alas, I did it to myself. How I don't know.

On reflection, I DO need flowers and candy.

[A HERETIC I AM]

7. By "Best" do you mean efficient?

if so, a foot! planted, sole outward, hard by the lock!! Be prepared for a nice little repair job afterward.

Seriously though, Look for a little hole, either on the trim piece around the knob or in the center. Many bedroom or interior door locks have a release behind the hole. A stout paper clip, straightened out often does the trick. Push it through the hole and feel for a click or a spring release and turn the handle.

Good Luck!

[Zen Democrat]

9. Got the paper clip -- I'm going in ...

[WMliberal]

8. i have a skeleton key.

live near Virginia Beach?

[Zen Democrat]

16. Unfortunately I'm in Texas. It's looking like it may come to THE FOOT.

[swag]

10. That bedroom door is locked forever. Best give up on it

and go sleep by the toilet. You'll be gratified time and again by the convenience this arrangment affords you.

Find that silver lining, Shriner!

[A HERETIC I AM]

14. LOL!! too funny. But what if the only bathroom is a master bath and it

is behind..........oh perish the thought. There is always the kitchen sink, i suppose. Hope it has a disposal for the...er....solids.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

11. If their is no trim on the outside of the door frame

You may be able to use a credit card. What you want to do slip the card in the crack between the door and the frame, behind the part or the doorknob that usually recedes when you turn the handle. The trick is to come at it from the back side with the card and depress it with the card. IF you can accomplish this pull the door open with your free hand while the card is in place.

You can take a look at another door in your house first to get a better idea what I'm talking about. Just make sure you don't lock yourself out of another room. :)

[BattyDem]

13. The credit card thing actually works!

I did that once when we got locked out of our bathroom. :bounce:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

20. That's how I learned it, too!

It's hard to explain, but once you figure it out it does work.

[BattyDem]

12. Try asking on this board ...

http://forum.doityourself.com/forumdisplay.php?f=23

They may be able to help you. :-)

[Floogeldy]

15. Depends on the lock

Take the door knob off and start with a screwdriver.

[Orangepeel]

17. with your eyes closed?

I guess it doesn't apply in your case, but locked bedroom doors are usually locked for a reason! :*

[Canadian Socialist]

18. Does the door open inward or outward?

If outward, just pop the bolts holding the door. Otherwise, the boot is necessary.

[usedtobesick]

19. if the you can see the hinge pins

you could pull them with a vise grips or something like that and pull the door off from the back side...

[Zen Democrat]

24. deleted

[BattyDem]

25. I'll move my response, too!

LOL

[NV Whino]

21. If the hinges are on the outside,

which they probably aren't, take off the hinges. Then try climbing in the window. Then call the locksmith. Probably $85 to $100 bucks for a locksmith.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

22. Go in through the window.

That is, if you HAVE a window in your bedroom...

[Zen Democrat]

23. Well, now I know that burglary isn't my calling.

[Zen Democrat]

26. THE CREDIT CARD WORKED!! Thanks a million for that suggestion

and to everyone here who stayed with me through this.

There's no people like DU people!

Sleeping with the toilet --- averted! Thanks again, guys.

[BattyDem]

27. DUers teaching other DUers the time-honored techniques of ...

breaking and entering! This is a special moment. :bounce:

Note to Agent Mike:
No one is suggesting that anyone commit a crime; we were just trying to help someone solve a problem. :hi:

[hickman1937]

29. BattyDem, actually, Mike might be Special Agent by now.

DU hit 70,000 awhile ago. :toast:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

28. Another tragedy avoided

Glad to know you will be safe and sound in your bed tonight. :bounce: