Do you need to get back into your home, but the sliding glass door is locked? Have you ever found yourself standing outside of a sliding glass door feeling frustrated and desperate, wishing that you could somehow unlock it from the outside?
Well, never fear! You can easily open most types of sliding glass doors with just a few simple steps—no special tools are required. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss what to do if your keys are inside the house or if they’ve been misplaced while explaining how to safely and securely unlock and open your sliding glass door from the outside.
So keep reading to learn exactly what you should do in each circumstance! So, keep on reading this article on how to unlock a sliding glass door from the outside.
Types of Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors are a popular option for homeowners because they provide easy access to the outdoors while also allowing natural light to flow into the home. However, different types of sliding glass doors can pose unique challenges when it comes to unlocking them from the outside. Here are some of the common types of sliding glass doors and the specific challenges associated with each one:
- Traditional Sliding Glass Doors: Traditional sliding glass doors have two panels, with one panel sliding behind the other to open and close. The biggest challenge with traditional sliding glass doors is that they often have a latch or lock mechanism located near the center of the door, making it difficult to access from the outside.
- French Sliding Glass Doors: French sliding glass doors have two panels that slide past each other, but they have a wider frame than traditional sliding glass doors. This can make it difficult to use a credit card or similar tool to unlock the door from the outside.
- Pocket Sliding Glass Doors: Pocket sliding glass doors are designed to slide into a wall cavity, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. These doors are challenging to unlock from the outside because they often have hidden latches or locks that are difficult to access.
- Bi-Fold Sliding Glass Doors: Bi-fold sliding glass doors consist of multiple panels that fold in on themselves, creating a wide opening. The challenge with these doors is that they often have a complex locking mechanism that can be difficult to unlock from the outside.
- Lift-and-Slide Sliding Glass Doors: Lift-and-slide sliding glass doors use a handle to lift the door panel off the track, allowing it to slide easily. The challenge with these doors is that the handle is often located on the inside of the door, making it difficult to access from the outside.
In summary, unlocking a sliding glass door from the outside can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the type of door you’re dealing with. Understanding the specific challenges associated with each type of sliding glass
Necessary Tools to Unlock Glass Doors from Outside
To unlock a sliding glass door from the outside, you might need the following tools:
- Screwdriver: A screwdriver can be used to remove any screws or hardware that may be preventing the door from opening.
- Pliers: Pliers can be used to grip and manipulate the locking mechanism of the door.
- Credit Card: A credit card can be used to slide between the door and the frame to disengage the lock.
- Coat Hanger: A coat hanger can be bent and inserted between the door and the frame to manipulate the locking mechanism.
- Lock Pick Set: A lock pick set can be used to pick the lock of the sliding glass door.
- Hammer and Chisel: A hammer and chisel can be used to break the lock or latch of the sliding glass door in case the other methods do not work.
It’s important to note that not all of these tools may be necessary for every situation, and some methods may work better than others depending on the type of sliding glass door and the specific lock mechanism. It’s always a good idea to try the simplest and least invasive methods first before moving on to more drastic measures.
Methods on How to Unlock Sliding Glass Door from The Outside
Method 1: Using a Screwdriver or Pliers:
If the sliding glass door has a lock or latches visible from the outside, then you can try using a screwdriver or pliers to open it. Start by removing any screws or hardware that may be preventing the door from opening. If there is no visible locking mechanism, then you can try gripping and manipulating the door with pliers in order to design the locking mechanism.
Method 2: Using a Credit Card or Coat Hanger
If you can’t see any locks or latches from the outside, then you may be able to use a credit card or coat hanger to unlock the door. Start by inserting the card or hanger between the door and frame in order to disengage the lock. If this doesn’t work, then you may need to use a more drastic measure, such as picking the lock or breaking it.
Method 3: Using a Lock Pick Set
If all other methods fail, then you may have to resort to using a lock pick set in order to unlock the door from the outside. Start by inserting the picks into the lock and manipulating them in order to unlock it. This method is more complicated than the others and should only be used as a last resort.
Method 4: Using Hammer and Chisel:
This is a last-resort method for unlocking a sliding glass door from the outside. Start by using the hammer and chisel to break the lock or latch, then use a screwdriver or pliers to remove any remaining screws or hardware. This should allow you to open the door without damaging it too much.
Additional Methods on how To Unlock a Sliding Glass Door from The Outside
Here are some additional methods to unlock a sliding glass door from the outside, depending on the type of door:
Using a Coat Hanger:
A coat hanger can be used to unlock a sliding glass door that has a latch or a hook lock. Straighten out the coat hanger and bend one end into a hook shape. Slide the hook end of the coat hanger between the door and the frame, and use it to hook onto the latch or the lock mechanism. Pull the coat hanger towards you to disengage the lock.
Using a Lock Pick Set:
A lock pick set can be used to unlock a sliding glass door that has a traditional lock. Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole, and apply gentle pressure in the direction you would turn the key. Insert the pick into the keyhole above the tension wrench and gently lift the pins until the lock clicks open.
Using a Pry Bar:
A pry bar can be used to unlock a sliding glass door that has a latch or a hook lock. Insert the pry bar between the door and the frame near the latch or the lock mechanism. Apply gentle pressure with the pry bar to disengage the lock.
Using a Hammer and Screwdriver:
A hammer and screwdriver can be used to break the lock or the latch of a sliding glass door as a last resort. Place the tip of the screwdriver on the lock or the latch, and hit the handle of the screwdriver with the hammer until the lock or the latch breaks.
It’s important to note that these methods may not work on all types of sliding glass doors, and attempting to use them may damage the door or the lock. If you are unsure about which method to use, or if you are not confident in your ability to unlock the door safely, it’s best to call a professional locksmith for assistance.
Warning Tips on How to Unlock Sliding Glass Doors
It is important to take safety precautions when attempting to unlock a sliding glass door from the outside. Make sure that you have all the necessary tools and safety equipment before attempting any of the methods listed above.
If you are not confident in your ability to unlock the door safely, it’s best to call a professional locksmith for assistance. In addition, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you are not in any danger. Do not attempt to unlock a door from the outside if there is someone or something blocking your way.
Finally, if you successfully unlock the sliding glass door from the outside, take measures to secure it as soon as possible so that it does not happen again. Consider replacing the lock if you notice any signs of damage or wear and tear. Additionally, make sure that any windows leading to the door are locked securely to prevent further break-ins.
By following these instructions, you should be able to unlock a sliding glass door from the outside safely and effectively. Remember: safety first! Don’t forget to call a professional locksmith if you are uncertain or do not feel comfortable attempting to unlock the door. Good luck!
Conclusion
Unlocking a sliding glass door from the outside can be challenging, but it can be done with the right tools and knowledge. Start by trying the simplest methods, such as using a screwdriver or pliers to unlock the door.
If those don’t work, then you may need to resort to more drastic measures, such as picking the lock with a lock pick set or breaking the lock with a hammer and chisel. Be sure to use caution when attempting any of these methods, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Finally, take measures to secure the door after it has been unlocked so that it does not happen again. Good luck!
Thank you for reading this article on how to unlock a sliding glass door from the outside! We hope this article has been helpful and informative. For any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to a professional