Nothing can be worse than losing the key of the deadbolt lock. And, the deadbolt mechanism won’t allow you to bypass it so easily. You need to have a working strategy to open the deadbolt without a key. And, this guide is going to be a successful hack on how to unlock a deadbolt without a key. The methods discussed in this guide have been proven for many homeowners. Surprisingly, the methods we are going to teach you in this guide have even been suggested by the locksmith.
Deadbolt is one of the safest and most complex lock functions for homes. Deadbolts incorporate cam followers (often standard type cam followers), which play a key role in how they function. It’s challenging to unlock a deadbolt without a key. However, with the right strategy and the right tools, you can easily bypass deadbolt locks.
For example, a paperclip, Drill, Drill bit, Lubricant, Screwdriver, knife, or credit card can be used to unlock a deadbolt without a key. However, you should have knowledge of how to use these tools. And, that’s what we have discussed here. A step-by-step method to get your deadbolt unlocked without a key.
How to unlock a deadbolt without a key?
Unlocking A Deadbolt Without A Key depends on the lock mechanism. If the deadbolt uses a pin and tumbler system, a simple lock-picking technique is enough to open the door in 5-10 minutes. Additionally, you can try other methods that don’t damage your deadbolt lock. For example, using a screwdriver or knife, or credit card can help you to unlock the deadbolt without a key without damaging it.
Method 1: Lock picking method
Lock picking is the safest method to unlock your deadbolt locks without keys. And, the best part of this method is it won’t break your lock. Additionally, with proper skill and a basic understanding of the lock system, you can open the door within 5-10 minutes.
Step 1: First, you must choose the right lock-picking tool that is adjustable to the keyway, like – a paper clip, peterson bogie, or bobby pins. However, for illustration, we would be using bobby pins in this guide.
Step 2: Take one of the bobby pins and bend that pin from the center using a hand or a plier. It should look like the below picture.
Step 3: Take another bobby pin and open it from the center. It should look like an “L” shaped metal piece. Then, make a loop by bending it again. See the picture below.
Step 4: Insert the first pin on the bottom portion of the lock by 4-5 cm. Remember to insert the shorter side of the pins inside the lock hole.
Step 5: Now, apply some tension inside the whole. Just do it the way you do while unlocking the deadbolt with a key. Note that, you need to keep applying pressure as you keep picking the locks.
Step 6: Now, insert the “L” shaped pin on the upper part of the lock hole. Keep inserting until you feel the pins. Once, you feel the pin, apply some pressure so that the pins can lift up. And, keep doing the process until you reached the last pin. You need to parallelly turn the pin counterclockwise so that barrel can move freely and the deadbolt can be unlocked. See the image below:
Lock-picking steps help to push the shear line to unlock the deadbolt. If the process doesn’t work within minutes, leave it and go to the next method.
Method 2: Bump the Lock
Lock bumping is another effective method to unlock the deadbolt and other locks without a key. This method has been used for years by individuals and thieves. In this step, users should have a bump key. This is a type of key where the upper portion is cut at maximum depth. That’s why the key is called rapping or 999 key well.
Using this tool, you can force the lock’s shear line to fit on the curves and rotate to unlock.
Step 1: So first, bring a bump key from any hardware store
Step 2: Insert the tool into your lock
Step 3: Take a screwdriver or other sturdy material to push the tool into the lock system
Step 4: The force will adjust the shear line fit on the uppercuts of the key
Step 5: So you can quickly turn the tool and unlock the door.
Remember, bumping the key into the deadlock can damage its mechanism. As a result, you can use the original key again. So be sure before using the method to unlock a deadbolt.
Method 3: Drill the lock
If your deadbolt is old, and you want an immediate solution to open the door, you can drill the lock. The process may damage the deadbolt entirely, but it’s an emergency solution to unlock a door. There are several ways available to drill a lock successfully.
You can also drill the shear line, springs, top or bottom pins, and attached bolts. But first, you have to prepare yourself for the tasks.
Step 1: So take an adjustable drill machine
Step 2: Wear gloves and glass for protection
Step 3: Insert the drill bit which you want to break
Step 4: Start Drilling with a 1/8th-inch bit
Step 5: Drill the area a few times
Step 6: Lastly, insert a flat-headed screwdriver and rotate the lock
Method 4: Use a credit card
Deadbolt used a geared system to lock the door. If you are planning to unlock these locks using a credit card, it may not work.
Still, some traditional door locks use a spring-loaded latch. Credit card helps to push the latch and unlock a door. But the step is helpful if you lock it from inside the door or at home.
Step 1: So take a credit card which is hard enough
Step 2: Place it between the gap (as we swipe)
Step 3: Try to push back the latch towards the mechanism
Step 4: Try for a couple of times, you will unlock the spring-loaded lock
Method 5: Use a screwdriver or knife blade
This is another simplest way to unlock a deadbolt without a key. A screwdriver is a thin study tool easily inserted in the keyhole. The process is simple for using this flat-headed tool. But you should take the right size for the task.
Step 1: So take a study and perfect size screwdriver
Step 2: The head should have a flat edge, and the grip should be strong
Step 3: Insert the head into the keyhole
Step 4: Try to rotate the knob clockwise
Step 5: Attempt several times to unlock the door
This step may take a lot of patience and skill to perform. Avoid using too much force, which can damage the key mechanism.
Method 6: Break the Glass
If it is an emergency to enter the home immediately, there is a limited solution. For example, breaking the glass to access the lock’s thumb turn. Most door frames have glass panels at homes, or if you have a window nearby, break it.
The process may not damage the deadbolt lock, but your glass windows may get damaged. So only follow the steps if you have an emergency to enter the room.
Method 7: Call a Locksmith
If no troubleshooting steps solve the problem, and you are still outside the room, contact a locksmith. This is the last step to unlock a Deadbolt Without its original Key. Indeed, the deadbolts follow a very strict lock mechanism that is hard to bypass.
Above steps will help to open the door if followed correctly. Some may damage the lock, or some steps take patience and skill. So if you still need help unlocking the door, call a locksmith. These professionals carry related tools that easily open the door without or with less damage to the deadbolt.
Can you open a deadbolt with a magnet?
Is it possible to open a deadbolt with a magnet? Not entirely. Several factors depend on how your magnet works on your deadbolt lock. The most common are deadbolt types, door frames, and how secure the lock is. A few deadbolt locks are available, like a single cylinder, double cylinder, and type C or thumb turn.
Type C deadbolt lock is considered the most secure lock mechanism for homes. Magnets only open the loose part in the lock. If the door is strongly attached to the lock, it is impossible to move it.
Manny deadbolts installed on wooden or metal door frames. If the bolts are firmly attached to the lock, it is challenging to use a magnet to unlock it. On the other hand, using a magnet can be risky on metal door frames.
Lastly, how secure is your deadbolt lock? It determines how easily anyone can rotate the bolt under the mechanism. If the shear line doesn’t fit firmly on the edge hole, you can unlock it using a magnet or knife.
Why Deadbolts Are a Little Harder to Bypass
Unlocking a deadbolt is challenging but not impossible. Everything depends on the quality of your lock, how secure it is, and how the doorframe is. Single, double, and type C are the common style deadbolts in the market. Most Americans use Single cylinder locks that follow a pin-and-tumbler mechanism. These bolts include various length pins that open only with the right key.
Upper curves of a key help to push the pins up and unlock a door. So it’s all about the number of pins available in these locks. The higher the number, the harder it is to unlock without a key. Still, most deadbolts follow common lock mechanisms that can easily be opened with skills and tools. That’s why deadbolt locks provide moderate security for homes. Still, these lock mechanisms are challenging to unlock if it tightens the bolt securely.
Remember, an expert locksmith or others can unlock anything you have at home. Because they are trained for the job. Additionally, they carry the right tools and skills to unblock any lock mechanism.
Conclusion
So above are the detailed guides about unlocking a deadbolt with its original keys. We hope you get all the required answers related to the topic. So remember, the deadbolt is a complicated lock system that provides moderate security.
Anyone can open the lock with skills and tools. Still, they are excellent lock systems when securing the bolt tightly. More pressure can damage the lock, and less force can make unlocking challenging. So an unskilled thief or individual finds the lock mechanism much harder for them.
