Q&A for How to Change a Lock

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Question

How do I open a door lock without a key?

Trevor Maclise
Locksmith
Trevor Maclise is a Locksmith and the Owner of Infinity Key Locksmith in San Diego, California. Trevor has over five years of experience in the industry. He specializes in working with residential doors, including door and frame replacements, door hardware installation, multi-point locks, and mortise locks.

Trevor Maclise

Locksmith

Expert Answer

Stick a tension wrench into the bottom of the lock and hold it towards the side. While still applying pressure to the wrench, insert a rake into the lock and move it back and forth and up and down—usually, the lock will pop open pretty quickly.

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Question

How do I change a lock cylinder?

Community Answer

Put a key in the lock, look at the locking part on the side of the door, unscrew the screw and turn the key. The barrel will slide out.

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Question

How do I unlock a door to a room in my home that someone has locked from the inside?

Community Answer

You can unscrew the door knob or handle using a screw driver. Once loose enough, the handle and lock will be useless, and it will be easy to get into the room.

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Question

I changed the exterior bottom door lock; however, the new lock does not catch, and I can open the door when lock is in the lock position. How do I remedy this?

Community Answer

You may be able to modify the catch by widening it. Or, you can slide something under the plate to change the angle of the catch.

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