If you’ve ever found yourself locked out of your home with no key, you may wonder, what can I do? While it’s always best to call a lock specialist immediately, another solution is the deadbolt lock. Deadbolts are one of the most secure locks and provide an added layer of security for your home.
But if you find yourself locked out, did you know that they can also be opened with a simple screwdriver? In this blog post, we’ll show you how to open a deadbolt lock with a screwdriver – no other tools are necessary! Read on to learn more about this unique trick!
Can You Open a Deadbolt Lock with A Screwdriver?
The deadbolt lock is a popular lock choice among homeowners since it provides extra security protection with its two bolts–a spring bolt and a deadbolt. While some people assume that using any tool with enough leverage can open a deadbolt lock, this isn’t the case.
A screwdriver may seem like the best tool for this kind of job, but most deadbolt locks are not meant to be opened with a screwdriver. In fact, attempting to do so may damage the lock and make it impossible to open without professional help.
Calling a locksmith is always your best bet for regaining access if you find yourself stuck outside your home after being locked out due to malfunctioning locks.
Why Should You Open a Deadbolt Lock with A Screwdriver?
Opening a deadbolt lock with a screwdriver is one of the most effective ways to secure your home and belongings. A deadbolt lock is especially sturdy, which can make it difficult to open without the correct key. In addition, using a screwdriver allows you to quickly gain entry if you’ve lost your key or if you need to access one of the rooms in a hurry.
It provides an additional layer of security against intruders by preventing them from prying your locks open with other tools. Furthermore, opening a deadbolt with a screwdriver is extremely convenient since it requires no extra materials and can be done in seconds.
Making this small investment in security not only puts your mind at ease but also keeps you prepared for any unexpected situation that may arise.
6 Steps to Follow on How to Open a Deadbolt Lock With A Screwdriver
Step 1: Use a Screwdriver
The easiest way to unlock a deadbolt using only a screwdriver is by unscrewing the screws that hold the lock in place. To do this, you’ll need an appropriate-sized screwdriver and some patience. Start by inserting the tip of the screwdriver into one of the screws on the outside of the door.
Gently twist it until you feel it catch on something – this usually means that it’s engaging with the lock’s internal parts. Keep twisting until you hear a click sound which indicates that the screw has been removed from its hole. Once all of them have been taken out, carefully pull away from the door and remove it from its frame.
Step 2: Try Gently Wiggling or Jiggling
You should now be able to open your door without any further difficulty! If not, try gently wiggling or jiggling the knob while pushing down on it – this should cause any remaining latch bolts inside to move slightly and allow you to open up your door without any further effort.
Step 3: Use an Oil Lubricant
If these methods fail, then another option would be to use an oil lubricant such as WD-40 to help loosen up any jammed parts within your deadbolt mechanism. Then, apply some drops directly onto each part before working them free with your screwdriver – if done correctly, this should give enough slack for you to open up your door again!
Step 4: Check for Warped Parts
If none of the above works, then it’s time to look closely at the lock itself. First, check for any warped parts that might prevent them from opening up properly if so, use your screwdriver to straighten them back out again carefully.
Step 5: Try a Different Screwdriver
Sometimes, it’s not the lock itself that is causing the problem – but rather, the screwdriver is used. It’s entirely possible that your current one is too small or too big for the job at hand, so try using another one instead to see if this makes any difference.
Step 6: Contact a Professional Locksmith
If all else fails, it might be time to call in the experts. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly diagnose what’s causing your problem and come up with an appropriate solution to get your door open again – often without damaging it in the process!
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to open a deadbolt lock with a screwdriver. With just the right tools and techniques, you can quickly gain access to your home without any hassle! But remember, if it’s too difficult or you find yourself stuck – don’t hesitate to contact a professional locksmith for help.
Things You Need to Know Before Opening a Deadbolt Lock With A Screwdriver
When attempting to open a deadbolt lock with a screwdriver, it’s extremely important to ensure that you have the right type of screwdriver. Micro-head drivers are better for this purpose because they can get into smaller gaps and provide more exact control while manipulating the lock’s components.
It’s also important to ensure you can access all the necessary screws without having to remove any faceplates to avoid potentially damaging the lock or making it unusable.
Furthermore, sharp turns and too much pressure should be avoided while using the driver as these could cause irreparable damage to the lock’s mechanism and the driver itself. Ultimately, applying this information in combination with patience and persistence should help you unlock your door without an issue.
Benefits of Opening a Deadbolt Lock With A Screwdriver
Deadbolt locks have become a common form of entryway security for homes and businesses across the world. While deadbolts may seem difficult to open from the outside, they can be opened easily with a simple screwdriver.
This handy tool offers several benefits – it’s readily available, affordable, easy to transport, and typically doesn’t require special knowledge to operate.
Whether you’re locked out of your home or business, fumbling through your purse or pockets for other unlocking tools, or looking for an inexpensive solution, a properly-sized flathead screwdriver might be just the thing you need.
Despite its smaller size, a flathead screwdriver boasts impressive strength that makes quick work of opening even a stout deadbolt lock. Nevertheless, remember that if you damage the lock while trying to force it open with a screwdriver, you’ll likely need to purchase another one.
6 Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Opening a Deadbolt Lock With A Screwdriver
1. Not Inserting the Key Fully
One of the most common mistakes people make when opening a deadbolt lock with a screwdriver is not inserting the key fully. If the key is not inserted all the way, it will not be able to engage the pins properly, and the lock will not open.
2. Not Using the Proper Size Screwdriver
Another common mistake is using a screwdriver that is not the proper size. The screwdriver should be small enough to fit into the keyway without binding but large enough to engage all of the pins. If the screwdriver is too small, it will not be able to engage all of the pins. If it is too large, it may bind in the keyway and cause damage to the lock.
3. Not Aligning the Screwdriver Properly
Another mistake people make is not aligning the screwdriver properly before inserting it into the keyway. The screwdriver should be aligned with the shear line before it is inserted. If it is not aligned properly, it will not engage the pins correctly, and the lock will not open.
4. Inserting the Screwdriver Too Far
It is also important to ensure that the screwdriver is not inserted too far into the keyway. If it is inserted too far, it may bind in the keyway and cause damage to the lock.
5. Not Retracting The Screwdriver After Each Pin Is Set
After each pin is set, the screwdriver should be retracted slightly before moving on to the next pin. If the screwdriver is not retracted, it may bind in the keyway and damage the lock. Additionally, if one of the pins is not set properly, retracting the screwdriver may cause it to become misaligned and prevent you from setting any of the remaining pins.
6. Trying to Turn The Lock Without Setting All Of The Pins
If all of the pins are not set properly, turning the lock will damage it and render it unusable. Always make sure that all of the pins are set before attempting to turn the lock.
Can I Use a Paperclip to Open My Deadbolt Lock?
A paperclip certainly seems like the kind of device that could be used to open a deadbolt lock. However, it is highly inadvisable to try this at home without considerable skill acquired through practice and experience.
Even then, picking a standard deadbolt using nothing but a paperclip can be extremely difficult, and most locksmiths agree that it is usually an impossible task.
You are far better off calling an experienced locksmith if you find yourself needing access to a locked door. Doing so safely and legally can save you time, frustration, and potentially even cost in the long run.
What Do You Do If Your Screwdriver Gets Caught in the Deadbolt Lock’s Keyhole?
If your screwdriver gets caught in the deadbolt lock’s keyhole, the first thing you should do is not panic! Take a few deep breaths and try to think calmly. Examine the situation and troubleshoot what went wrong. If it appears that the tip of the screwdriver has been lodged inside, then there are two options you can consider.
One is to reach out to an experienced locksmith for help; oftentimes, they are able to extract a stuck object from locks without damaging them. The other option is to take apart the lock yourself by unscrewing its body and then trying to remove whatever is lodged inside with forceps or tweezers carefully.
After all, is said and done, be sure to replace any tools or components you damaged during extraction, as this optimizes security for your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Unlock a Deadbolt Lock with A Flathead Screwdriver?
No, deadbolt locks are designed to be secure and require a key for unlocking. A flathead screwdriver cannot be used to open a deadbolt lock, as the design of the lock does not allow for this tool to be inserted into the keyway. Instead, you will need to use a proper key or other suitable method of unlocking the lock. Some locks may also require a special key, such as a bump key or pick gun, to be opened. It is important to note that attempting to force open a deadbolt lock can damage the lock and render it unusable, so you should only attempt to unlock it with the correct tools and techniques.
How Can I Open My Door with A Screwdriver if The Key Is Stuck in The Bolt of My Deadbolt Lock?
If the key is stuck in the bolt of the deadbolt lock, you will need to use a tool such as a flathead screwdriver to open it. Carefully insert the screwdriver’s blade into the keyway and turn it counterclockwise until you can unlock the door. You may also need to use a pair of pliers to grip the key to remove it from the lock. It is important to take caution when attempting this, as too much force may damage the lock. If you cannot open the door with a screwdriver, you should contact a locksmith for assistance.
Can I Rekey My Deadbolt Lock?
Yes, you can rekey your deadbolt lock if necessary. Rekeying essentially involves changing the pins within a lock to allow for a new key to open it. This process is typically done by a locksmith and should be done with caution in order to avoid damaging the lock.
How Do You Remove Sticky Residue from Behind Your Lockset After Removing Screws with A Screwdriver?
If you have used a screwdriver to remove screws from behind your lockset and there is still sticky residue remaining, the best way to remove it is by using a combination of warm water and soap. Make sure to use a soft cloth or sponge so as not to scratch the surface of the lock.
Conclusion
Opening a deadbolt with a screwdriver is effective when you find yourself locked out of your home or office without access to keys or other tools. All that’s required is an appropriately sized screwdriver, some patience, and possibly some lubrication oil, depending on how stubbornly stuck your deadbolt might be!
With these tips in mind, unlocking a deadbolt should be no problem at all – and hopefully will save you from having to call in an expensive locksmith service! Thanks for reading our post about how to open a deadbolt lock with a screwdriver.
