Nowadays, people are very concerned about their home security. Therefore, they are always looking for the perfect lock for their doors. But what happens if you lose your keys and the locksmith is not available? Before you think that you are going to learn something illegal, rest easy. The purpose of this article is to teach you how to pick locks if you find yourself locked out of your home.
We are not saying that you will be a professional after this, but you will not be helpless in such a situation. Lock picking is truly an art that you can perfect with practice. For starters, it is crucial to understand the logic behind lock picking. It is simply opening a lock by studying the elements involved, identifying, and then exploiting the loopholes. For a successful strategy, you can utilize tools such as screwdrivers, knife, or bobby pins.
The Deadbolt
With the increasing rates of burglary and break-ins, the security of your family and home should be the primary concern. So, if you are looking for an effective and economical way to secure your entryways, then the answer is a deadbolt. While there are various types of deadbolts, we are only covering how to open a simple deadbolt. Besides, we are using a screwdriver that can be found in almost every home.
Pin-and-tumbler is the most common lock found in a single cylinder deadbolt. With its pins of various lengths, only a specific key fits in. Meaning that without the right key, you can’t unlock it. Here are some significant components of the deadbolt to provide you with a better insight into its mechanism.
Cylinder
This is the primary part of the lock where you place the key. It consists of pins that facilitate the opening and closing of the deadbolt. By rotating the key, the pins move in a particular way. The clicking sound indicates that it is locked or unlocked. All it takes is to turn the key one way or another.
Bolt
When you lock the deadbolt, you are likely to see a metal bar penetrating through an opening. This metal bar is referred to as the bolt and is found within the door frame.
Deadbolt Plunger
You may have heard that you could use a swipe card to open a lock. However, thanks to the deadbolt plunger feature, this is not possible anymore.
Box and Strike Plate
These are additional features that ensure that the lock is solid. It is a hole in the door frame that adjusts the bolt.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Opening A Deadbolt with a Screw Driver
Due to the different kinds of doors and locks, there are a few aspects to consider when you are looking for deadbolts. Ensure that they fit your individual needs and preference. If you have a glass door, don’t settle for a single cylindrical deadbolt. This is because it is quite easy for an intruder to break the glass and unlock the door.
The double cylindrical deadbolt is quite efficient because it requires keys on both sides to open. Even if the glass breaks, the burglar cannot unlock the deadbolt. However, it can be dangerous during emergencies if you don’t have both keys.
Step by Step On How to Open a Deadbolt with A Screwdriver
While you usually use a screwdriver for fixing items and nails in your home, they are also practical for unlocking doors. The flathead ones are very effective because you can easily fit the flat end in the keyhole. They are ideal for privacy handles and doors with button lock. However, be sure to use a skinny screwdriver to avoid dismantling the entire deadbolt mechanism.
Step 1
The first thing is to know the kind of lock. This determines the amount of time it will take to complete the task. Is it pin tumbler lock or the mortise lock? The pin tumbler lock is widely used in commercial and residential areas. To open any lock, you have to imitate the action of the key.
Step 2
Choose a screwdriver with a short handle for more control of the tool. Also, it should have a small tip for easy entry into the keyhole. Furthermore, it will prevent any possible damage to the deadbolt.
Step 3
Carefully insert the flat edge of your screwdriver into the keyhole.
Step 4
Move the tool from side to side inside the keyhole of the deadbolt. Glide the edge in between the pins in the lock. You should ensure that the tip is long enough to keep all the tumblers up.
Step 5
With all tumblers up, twist the screwdriver. You are likely to succeed unlocking the deadbolt with just a single attempt. If not, reposition the tool to hold the pins up before applying more pressure in twisting it. Use more force than you did before to click it open.
Key Takeaways
- It is crucial to know the type of lock for effective lock picking.
- The most common kind of lock for homes and commercial settings is the pin tumbler lock.
- The pin tumbler includes key pins, springs, plug, and driver pins.
- You can improvise lock picking tools from typical items such as a knife, paper clips, bobby pins, and screwdrivers.
- The process involves holding the key pins up to the shear line and rotating the plug.
Final Remarks
Knowing how to open a lock is very convenient and stimulating. However, be conscious of the details involved in this process to avoid damaging the deadbolt. We hope that our tutorial has helped you know how to open a deadbolt with a screwdriver. All it takes is to identify the type of deadbolt and get the right size screwdriver. You then insert it into the keyhole and apply a little pressure while twisting the tool. You need a swift and steady movement to achieve this task.
Remember that this guide is meant to help you out of a messy situation. Therefore, it should not be abused for illegal purposes. Whether for your own convenience or you are a locksmith, you should only use this solution on your own doors or the ones you have permission.
