It can be quite annoying when you have a doorknob that gets stuck for no apparent reason. If your doorknob only has a keyhole on one side, getting locked out can get even more frustrating.
In this situation, you have to come up with a plan to unlock the door without a key and without damaging the doorknob. So, what are your options?
It is actually possible and quite easy to unlock a door with a hole on one side. The easiest method is to use a flat blade screwdriver to pry the locking mechanism and successfully open the door.
Usually, the process should only take a few seconds. However, knowing the right technique is important for unlocking the door safely and causing no damage.
Keep reading this article to find out the best way possible to unlock a doorknob with a hole on only one side.
How To Unlock A Bathroom Doorknob With Hole On One Side
Step 1: Get a flat blade screwdriver
Different doorknobs require different tools and techniques. With this particular door knob lock also known as a privacy latch, you will need a small flat blade screwdriver to unlock it.
Step 2: Insert then rotate the screwdriver
Gently insert the screwdriver in to the small hole on the side of the doorknob. Now rotate it in anticlockwise direction.
Applying the right amount of pressure is important. You should apply a little force but don’t overdo it as this may damage the door. This should help you open the bathroom within a few seconds.
How To Pick A Bathroom Doorknob With A Push-Button Lock
This method works for doors with a push-button type lock on one side, and a doorknob with a hole in the center on the other side.
Step 1: Choose a tool
In this case, you will need to find a tool that can accommodate the hole on your doorknob. Typically, a paper clip can work for most bathroom door holes. You can also use a wire hanger for the purpose, but it might be too large.
If you’re using a paper clip, bend it so that it’s long and straight. Make sure that it is long enough to easily get into the hole. The key to doing this is to make it as straight as possible.
Bend the paper clip so that you have a long, straight portion of it. You want it to be just long enough to easily get into the hole. The straighter you can make it, the more effective it will be.
Step 2: Insert the paper clip into the hole
Now, insert the straight paper clip into the hole carefully. Also, wiggle the paper clip until you feel there is a catch. You might hear a clicking sound once it is inserted. This may take some time.
Step 3: Push the tool
Often, there is a small button on the inside of these doorknobs. This button acts as a locking mechanism and the paper clip should eventually come into contact with this button to help release the doorknob’s lock.
Pushing this hole with the tool will pop open the button from the outside. Now, you can easily open the door.
Step 4: Or use a tension wrench
If the last few steps have failed and you were unable to unlock the door using a paperclip, try this method instead.
Another helpful tool you can use is a tension wrench. This is basically a small hex key that keeps the tension on the inside of the lock.
All you have to do is put the tension wrench in the lock’s bottom part. Then, put the paper clip in the lock’s top part and wiggle it until you hear a clicking sound.
This means you have unlocked the doorknob with success.
How Unlock A Bathroom Door With A Twisting Lock
This technique works for bathroom doors that have a twisting lock mechanism. When locked, the door handle simply can’t turn from one side.
Step 1: Use a screwdriver
A flathead screwdriver works best for this type of door lock.
Step 2: Align the screwdriver properly
Point the flathead screwdriver in the direction of the lock. This one can be tricky, so make sure it goes straight in the middle of the hole.
Remember, if the lock turns vertically or horizontally, then you should insert the flathead screwdriver pointing in that direction. Most locks point vertically so you might want to try that first.
If you try inserting it sideways or diagonally, it won’t hit the right spot. So, the angle is key here.
Step 3: Insert the screwdriver
Now, put the screwdriver into the hole but not all the way in. Only insert the top area instead.
You should be able to feel the actual lock inside.
Step 4: Turn the screwdriver
When you turn the screwdriver, the lock will also turn from the other side. Turn it in the opposite direction to unlock the door from inside
Other useful tools for different types of locks
What can you do if you have to unlock other types of doorknobs in this situation? One method may work for one type of doorknob, but not for the other.
Let’s take a look at some alternative methods:
Use a butter knife
Did you know that a butter knife is actually a very handy tool for getting out of a locked bathroom door? This method works most effectively for push-button locks.
Simply insert the butter knife into the hole and twist until the lock is released. You should be able to completely turn the knob and open the door. Do not use a sharp knife as it can be extremely dangerous even if there’s a minor slip up.
Use a credit card
A credit card is another easy hack for opening certain types of doorknobs. Usually, this method works best for open lever, latch-bolt, and spring locks.
A stiffer card generally works better. It should also preferably be laminated. It’s best not to use credit cards or ID cards as they can get damaged. So, a library card or loyalty card works fine.
All you need to do is slide the card between the doorframe and the bolt. To get some added leverage, bend the card in a forward and backward motion. Eventually, the bolt should separate from the door frame, and you’ll be done unlocking the door.
Take the handle off
If there is still no other method that has worked so far, your best bet is to simply take the handle off.
You can use a screwdriver or drill to remove the exterior screws and take off the handle.
The screwdriver can act as a lever and can be put into the locking mechanism and turned. Then, you can remove the knob, unlock it, and reinstall it.
Final Words
So, if you ever find yourself stuck in a bathroom door with no way out, you know what to do.
All of these methods are extremely easy to pull off for most people. If the problem doesn’t resolve, then it is best not to tamper with the doorknob further.
In this case, you should call in a professional to unlock the door. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it helpful.
