Unlocking your bathroom door can be a frustrating experience, but fortunately there are several solutions to consider without calling a locksmith.
One of the simplest methods is to kick your door from within. This can help break through its weakest point and likely open it.
1. Coat Hanger
One of the easiest ways to open a locked bathroom door is with a coat hanger. Having this handy tool around the house can come in handy during times of emergencies, like when you accidentally lock yourself out of your home and can’t enter the room.
A hanger is a metal wire designed in the shape of a hook. It usually fits inside of a push-button lock and features an area where you can comfortably hold onto it.
Coat hangers come in a range of materials and shapes. Some are wooden while others are plastic.
The shoulder-shaped wire hanger is the most widely used type of coat hanger. This design was inspired by O. A. North of New Britain, Connecticut in 1869 and perfected by Albert J. Parkhouse from Jackson, Michigan at Timberlake Wire and Novelty Company in 1905.
Another type of hanger is the classic style for hanging clothes. These typically metal or wooden designs come in various sizes to accommodate various garments.
A long, bendable piece of wire cut from a clothing hanger is the ideal solution for unlocking a bathroom door with a latch bolt. Simply twist it enough to form a handle with an end hook that fits between the jamb and door, then pull on it to push the striker toward the knob, releasing the lock.
2. Cord
A cord may not be the first thing that comes to mind when trying to open a bathroom door, but it can be an incredibly useful tool. If your cord is thick and long enough, it may help unlock the door with ease.
A sturdy paper clip can also be utilized for this task. Simply bend it to create the desired shape and use it as a lever to release the lock.
If you don’t have access to a paper clip, a flat-head screwdriver will do the job. Simply push it into the hole and turn it several times until it grabs a groove.
You can also find a cord long enough to reach the lock on the outside of the door. This method is surprisingly effortless.
To unlock your bathroom door with a cord attached, insert a wire hanger into the gap under it. Pulling this will cause the striker on the knob to retract, allowing you to turn it and unlock the door.
A cord can be one of the best tools to open a bathroom door when it’s locked. But it’s essential to remember that there are more than one way to get past this hurdle.
3. Plastic Card
To open a bathroom door that has no hole, the most straightforward method is to use a plastic card. Make sure your card is sturdy enough to avoid damage but flexible enough to slide between the frame and lock without damaging its mechanism.
To do this, insert the card into the gap between the latch and doorframe above it, then move it downward in a rapid and strong motion. Doing this should cause the lock to unlock and allow you to open the door.
If this method doesn’t work, try using a different plastic card. Ideally, opt for a bendable laminated plastic card; however, gift or membership cards may work too as long as they’re not too thick to fit inside the space.
Another alternative is to use a bobby pin or straightened paper clip. These items usually match the shape of the lock, so they can easily slide inside without damaging either the door or lock.
Finally, you can use a bump key to unlock the door. This type of key is often found in major retail stores and works to open spring locks or deadbolts.
Unlocking a bathroom door can be tricky and risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Not only could you get injured during the process, but it may even ruin the paint on the doorjamb or door itself. Therefore, other methods for opening locked bathroom doors that don’t involve breaking down the door or ripping up its paint should be utilized instead.
4. Spam Key
A spam key is a useful device that can quickly open a bathroom door if you’re in need. While it may not be suitable for lever-type doorknobs and latch bolt locks, this ingenious invention can come in handy when needing access to your toilet or tub in an emergency.
To get the most out of this cool gadget, use a flathead eyeglasses screwdriver to push its cylindrical form inside your doorknob as far as it will go. Then twist and wiggle until you hear a click that indicates your device has been unlocked.
Another useful trick is to push the cylinder back and bend it simultaneously. Doing this allows you to see inside the bathroom while unlocking from outside.
In a pinch, metal barbeque skewers can be used; these are an excellent option but may get messy. Large and sturdy paperclips also work well.
Finally, if all else fails and you’re still locked out of the toilet, then it’s time for some serious measures. While this option is the sexiest and most costly option available, it should only be considered when absolutely necessary. Luckily, you can have your bathroom unlocked in about the same amount of time as it took to lock it initially.
5. Butter Knife
Unlocking a bathroom door can be tricky. Whether your kids push the lock button before closing the door or you accidentally lock yourself out, there are some methods to get out of a jam without calling a locksmith.
Butter knives are a common tool used for opening bathroom doors. However, it’s essential that you select one with blunt edges so as not to injure yourself while trying to pry open the door.
Butter knives can be used to open a locked door by inserting it in the keyhole and twisting it open. After doing this, simply turn the knob of your bathroom door to gain access.
Another simple method for unlocking a locked bathroom door is using a metal coat hanger. Simply bend the hanger sufficiently so that it forms an extended handle and wrap it around the latch bolt. However, this method only works if your door has a latch bolt and there is no jamb between it and the wall.
You can use a paper clip to open a locked bathroom door. Insert the bent clip into the lock hole, and then insert a straight tool below it. Wiggle slowly until you hear a click – though this method takes some time, it’s worth trying!
6. Screwdriver
When faced with an emergency and need to open a locked bathroom door, using a screwdriver is your go-to tool. Not only is it inexpensive and user friendly, but its simplicity also saves you from needing to call an experienced locksmith.
First, check the handle or knob to see if it has a privacy lock. Generally, this can be located behind a small hole on one side of the knob; look for a hollow space inside and an inside bar with a groove.
The lock’s actuator is located here, and you can use a flathead screwdriver to grab it. Be sure to insert it at an angle into the lock.
Next, wiggle it around until you feel resistance inside the lock groove. When this occurs, twist it to an opposite position and release tension on its mechanism.
This method works for most bathroom doors with a push-button style lock on the exterior and regular keyhole in the interior. However, it may be difficult to get this working on less common turn button type of locks.
