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Ask your QuestionBedroom door is stuck shut and I can’t open it from the outside. I’m not on the side with the latch visible so I can’t open it that way. Can I open the door without damaging it? It’s just a standard wooden door with a lever latch handle and I can lower the handle but the latch inside isn’t moving. Help!
Asked by Robert on 15th Apr 2020Best Answer
"You need to prize the latch back... Locksmith will be able to fix it."
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report"Yes you can.
Swipe it or with 2 small screwdrivers retract the bolt .
Let me know if i could help.
Thx"
"Hi Robert,
Basically the handle has locked but the latch which is the part that stops you from opening the door will be free.
When a handle locks it disconnects from the latch to stop you from opening it.
So if you can maybe use a bank card or some sort of bendy plastic you can force around the corners of the door and pop the latch.
Be sure to unlock the door when opened so not to happen again or tape it if you don't usually lock it."
"Hi get a small piece of thin sturdy plastic fold 1 corner over slightly slide it in between the door and frame above the latch and move down onto the latch and by using small movements it will pop the latch in just apply a light bit of pressure on the door hope this helps I'm a locksmith it will work unless your door opens outwards not being able to see I am just advising would be grateful if you could let me know if you do it"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Feb 2020 - report"Are you the hinge side? Can you take out the hinge pins to release the door from frame and lock?"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Dec 2019 - report"Hi,
Sometimes that latch is activated when you pull up the handle, you have to unscrew the handle."
"It will be a tube latch the handle will still be able to go down but because it will have broken were the spindle goes through it you won't be able to retract the latch. Either slip it or gentle spread the door so you can get a little access to retract the latch"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Jul 2019 - report"If you can’t get the latch to pull back with the spindle then the only other way is to bypass the latch if as you say you can’t see the latch then it may be worth calling a local locksmith who has special tools to bypass the latch without any damage to the door."
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Nov 2019 - report"Hi! Where are you based?
The handle should come quite easily and you’d need to use the spindle to throw the latch/bolt.
If this isn’t possible then best you get a contractor out.
I’m a locksmith in Glasgow - not sure if we’re close or not?
Cheers
Sam"
"Take the handle off and you should be able turn the bar with some pilers"
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report"Yes you can remove the handles and you should be able to flick the lever at the top or bottom of the spindle housing."
Answered on 15th Apr 2020 - Member since Oct 2019 - report