Lock Smith? Other Ideas?

Updated on August 10, 2013
M.L. asks from Conneaut, OH
5 answers

maybe there is a mama here with some mad lock picking skills?

we have a cedar closet in the basement ( came with the house) hardly use it except to store sleeping bags.

apparently after the last time I used it I must have turned the knob funny and now it is locked.

I tried the set of misc keys the old homeowner left us but they don't fit. I'm going ot hunt around and see if there might be another set somewhere.

baring that I have tried a paper clip straightened since I've had luck with that on the bathroom door before. but it is't working on this one. I don't think a credit card between the door and the jamb will work but I might try it.

Any other ideas before I have to call a lock smith?

I feel pretty stupid and find this whole situation annoying so any good stories of a similar nature would be appreciated too.

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So What Happened?

it actually looks like it takes a key,

sorry for the confusion, that's probably why the bathroom one would pop open with a paper clip it was the small round hole type.

this one isn't old fashioned, sort of a typical modern day door that you would get at the hardware store. I can't think of how it locks from the inside, I don't remember a stick out turny thing.

I'll try the coat hanger loop and see if that works.

thanks

More Answers

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M.C.

answers from Chattanooga on

There are two types of "pinhole" locks... The kind you push, and the kind you turn to unlock. (At least in my experience...)

If using a paper clip didn't work, try finding something sturdy with a flat tip. You might try going to a home improvement store and see if they have one of the unlocker-thingies. (Lol.) they look like a flat rod, with a loop on one end and the other end is flat like a screwdriver. I imagine it would be cheaper an a locksmith!

If the hinges are on your side, take the darn door off! Lol.

2 moms found this helpful

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

If you can fit a coat hanger, or another small flexible object, between the door and the jam, then take a coat hanger, undo it, make a large arc in one of the straighter sections, feed it around the latch, grab both ends and pull. Open door.

2 moms found this helpful

C.V.

answers from Columbia on

It would be helpful to know what the knob/lock mechanism looks like.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Wausau on

My dad was a career locksmith. Unless you want to break the lock, stop poking things into it. You may damage it enough that a locksmith can't open it for you and will need to remove it entirely.

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L..

answers from Roanoke on

What kind of lock is it? Is there just a little pin hole in the closet door? If so, a toothpick or paperclip would work (but it looks like you already tried that). If you live in an old house, a skeleton key might work.

Something could have broken off in the handle and it's just stuck (that's happened to us).

Otherwise, maybe it's just jammed and this is a good time to practice your roundhouse kicks? ;)

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