When faced with a locked deadbolt and no key, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, there are methods to open a deadbolt lock from the outside that can help you regain access to your home or property.
Whether you’ve lost your key or accidentally locked yourself out, this guide will provide useful techniques to safely and efficiently unlock a deadbolt. Always remember to use these methods responsibly and only on locks you own or have permission to open.
In this article on how to open a deadbolt lock from the outside, we will cover three main methods that you can try: using a spare key, using a credit card, and using a lock picking tool. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, so it’s important to understand the proper steps for each one before attempting to open a deadbolt.
Needed Tools and Materials
Before attempting to open a deadbolt lock, you will need a few tools and materials. These include:
Spare Key (If Available):
If you have a spare key for the deadbolt lock, this will be the easiest and most straightforward method. Make sure to keep a spare key in a safe and accessible place.
Credit Card:
Using a credit card to open a deadbolt is another common method. However, it may not work on all types of locks and may cause damage to the credit card. It’s recommended to use an expired or non-essential card for this method.
Lock Picking Tool:
If you are familiar with lock picking techniques, you can use specialized tools such as a tension wrench and pick set to open the deadbolt lock. This method requires practice and skill.
6 Simple Methods on How to Open a Deadbolt Lock From the Outside
Method 1: Using a Spare Key
If you have a spare key or someone else has access to one, this is usually the simplest and most effective way to unlock a deadbolt from the outside. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Insert the key into the lock.
- Turn the key in a clockwise direction.
- Apply gentle pressure while turning until you hear or feel the lock release.
- Remove the key and open the door.
Method 2: Picking the Lock
If you don’t have a spare key, picking the lock can be a viable solution. However, this method requires patience, focus, and some basic tools like a tension wrench and a lock pick (or improvised tools such as bobby pins). Here are the steps to pick a deadbolt lock:
- Insert the tension wrench into the bottom part of the keyhole and apply slight rotational pressure, as if you were turning a key.
- Insert the lock pick into the upper part of the keyhole to manipulate the pins inside the lock.
- Use the lock pick to gently push each pin until it clicks into place. You will typically hear a slight sound or feel a small give when a pin sets.
- Continue working on each pin while maintaining constant pressure with the tension wrench until all pins are set.
- Once all the pins are in place, turn the tension wrench fully to unlock the deadbolt and open the door.
Method 3: Bumping the Lock
Bumping a lock is another technique used by locksmiths to quickly open a locked door without damaging the lock. This method involves using a specially designed key, known as a bump key, and a blunt object such as a hammer or screwdriver.
To bump a lock:
- Obtain or create a bump key that matches the make and model of the lock.
- Insert the bump key into the keyhole and apply slight pressure with the tension wrench.
- While maintaining this pressure, use your chosen blunt object to strike the end of the bump key in quick, controlled motions.
- The force of these strikes should cause the pins inside the lock to jump and set into place, ultimately unlocking the lock.
- Once you feel or hear a click, release the tension wrench and turn the bump key to open the lock.
Method 4: Using a Pick Gun
- A pick gun is another tool commonly used by locksmiths to bypass pin tumbler locks.
- Hold the pick gun in your dominant hand and place the tension wrench in the keyhole with slight pressure.
- With your other hand, use the pick gun to rapidly push the pins up and down inside the lock.
- The vibrations caused by this motion should eventually set all of the pins into place, unlocking the lock.
- Once you feel or hear a click, release the tension wrench and turn it to open the lock.
Method 5: Using Bump Keys
Bump keys are another method used by locksmiths for picking pin tumbler locks. These keys are specially cut to fit the grooves and ridges of a specific type of lock, allowing them to bypass the pins more easily.
To use a bump key:
- Insert the bump key into the lock with the teeth facing upward.
- Apply slight pressure on the key while simultaneously tapping it with a hammer or mallet.
- The force from the tapping should cause the pins to jump, mimicking the action of a regular key turning in the lock.
- Keep tapping until all of the pins have been set and then turn the bump key to open the lock.
- It may take some practice to get the timing and pressure right, but once mastered, bump keys can make it much easier for a skilled individual to open a locked door.
Method 6: Using a Pick Gun
A pick gun is another tool that can be used to open a lock without the original key. It works by using rapid vibrations to push and lift the pins in the lock, allowing it to be turned open.
To use a pick gun, follow these steps:
- Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole, as if you were going to pick the lock manually.
- Hold the tension wrench steady with one hand and hold the pick gun with your other hand.
- Place the tip of the pick gun into the top of the keyhole, making sure it is firmly pressed against all of the pins.
- Pull back on the trigger of the pick gun, causing the vibrations to begin.
- As the pins begin to lift, use your other hand to turn the tension wrench in a slow and steady motion.
- Once all of the pins have been lifted, the lock should turn and open.
Following these steps on how to open a deadbolt lock from the outside using a pick gun can take some practice and patience. It is important to note that this method should only be used on your own property or with the owner’s permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Using a Pick Gun Legal?
A: The legality of using a pick gun varies by location. In some places, it is considered a locksmithing tool and requires a license to use. It is best to check your local laws before attempting to use a pick gun.
Q: Can I use a pick gun for any type of lock?
A: Pick guns are most commonly used for pin tumbler locks, so they may not work on other types of locks such as combination locks or disc detainer locks.
Q: Do I Need Any Special Skills or Training to Use a Pick Gun?
A: Using a pick gun requires some skill and practice in order to open a lock effectively. It is important to research and familiarize yourself with the tool before attempting to use it. It is also recommended that some basic knowledge of lockpicking techniques be gained.
Q: Are There Any Risks Associated with Using a Pick Gun?
A: As with any tool, there are potential risks when using a pick gun. The main concern is causing damage to the lock or accidentally picking it in the wrong direction, which can result in being locked out of the lock permanently. It is important to carefully follow instructions and practice caution when using a pick gun.
Q: Can I Use a Pick Gun for Locksmithing Services?
A: In most cases, professional locksmiths will not use pick guns as their primary method for unlocking doors. This is because the tool can cause damage to the lock and may not be as effective as other techniques. However, in certain situations where time is of the essence or when dealing with simpler locks, a pick gun may be used by locksmiths.
Conclusion
While pick guns can be a useful tool in specific scenarios, they require proper training and responsible use to avoid causing damage to locks or compromising security. For most locksmithing needs, alternative methods are often more reliable and effective.
Always ensure that any lock picking is done lawfully and with the proper permissions to uphold safety and ethical standards. Thanks for reading this article on how to open a deadbolt lock from the outside.