How to open my back door without a key?
Question:I've lost the key to my back door. From doing a search on the internet I think it's a mortise lock - the lock looks like this, and is locked with a similar type of key as the one in this picture: http://www.sz-wholesale.com/uploadfiles/... - I'm a bit broke at the moment and would rather not have to pay to get a locksmith in - it's not important that I unlock this door as I don't use it very often; in fact the only reason I'd like to be able to open the door is for easier access to my back garden to take the bins out once a week. Bit of a pain having to go the long way round, through the front door! Is there any way to get the door open (without breaking windows etc), without causing any/much damage to the door? I've tried using a credit card to force the lock open but the doorframe overlaps the gap between the door and frame,so it's difficult to get the card all the way in. I can't see whether the card is going in between the lock and frame, or just bending. Any ideas?
Answers:
If you remove the locking mechanism and take it to Home Depot or Lowes, they should be able to create a new key for it. (There should be screws visible in the lock where you remove it.) If, for some reason, that's not an option, then installing a new locking mechanism would be best, and that's something you might be able to do yourself. Seriously... you can. If you can read and use a screwdriver, you can install a new lock providing you don't have to change the shape in the door for the lock. As far as lock prices goes, that depends on which lock you buy.
Consider that any other option might compromise the lock itself and therefore your security.
Aside from that, the only other option I can think of to open that door without picking the lock would be to remove it from the hinges. And considering how heavy doors are, that doesn't sound like it's an option.
Anyhoo, hope that helps! Lots of luck!
Theres always the ye old hair pin trick but the hair pin coudl get stuck in the lock. could alway brake the door down and get a new door.
Hardware stores (I think you call them ironmongers) sell "skeleton keys" that fit a vatiety of bit key mortise locks. There are about 5 patterns that fit 90% of the locks among them, and they are cheap. About $2 each.
Spray some WD-40, or some other light lube into the lock, insert the skeleton key, then wiggle and jiggle and try shaking the key from different angles. Be persistant, but gentle. Bit key locks like the one in your link are NOT very secure.
Perhaps the store will allow you to return unused skeleton keys. I used to let customers at my shop exchange one for another until they found one that worked easily.
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