Need help fixing or installing a lock? We welcome questions from the public here! Sorry, no automotive questions, please.
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I need help opening a closet door. Our house was built in the late 1880's and this particular door is old with a small doorknob without a skeleton key. I'm not sure if there is a lock on the inside but I feel like there is. It's the closet that holds all our Christmas decorations and I'm ready to put them up!! I've tried a butter knife, which is my usual go to but it isn't working... I can unscrew the doorknob but didn't want to make things worse... Help please. I took a picture with my iphone but I have no clue how to post a photo
It looks like that is a normal door knob without a lock. Perhaps the latch is no longer connected to the door. Since this is not really a lock per se, will try to help with bypassing the handle.
Get a thin knife with a sharp point. Push the door inwards a little. Push the knife point into the crack of the door with the point angled away from the door knob until it presses against the latch. You undoubtedly have more doors in this house with the same knob, so you can see what I am talking about.
Once the point of the knife is holding the latch. Lever the handle of the knife away from the door knob so the point of the knife moves the latch in towards the door knob. Pull outwards on the door, so the door holds the latch in place. Pull the knife out, and put it back in with the tip angled away from the door until it catches the latch again. Repeat the above steps a few times, until the latch is moved in enough times to allow the door to open.
Good luck!
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
I've tried the sharp knife a thousand times with no luck... My daughters closet door has the same knob and this is what the indeed looks like, with that tiny stubborn lock.... I'll keep trying the sharp knife. http://i42.tinypic.com/fwq1pw.jpg
Last edited by Squelchtone on 27 Dec 2013 18:29, edited 1 time in total.
Reason:please use the [URL] link tags for images greater than 800x600 pixels.
The newer picture of the other door you just posted has a slider under the (inside?) door handle. Think that is a privacy lock, if am not mistaken. If that has slid down, it would explain why the latch would not move.
Gordon
P.S. My mother was from Mississippi, so no problem understanding on my end!
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
Yes, indeed that is the inside of the closet door. I'm pretty sure I have to thank my four year old for locking it.... Not sure why my closet doors have privacy locks?? Guess some poor old guy hid in them at some point!!
Don't know about that, Squelchtone. If it has a privacy lock, and it is engaged, can't think of much to do aside from my first suggestion. Looks like that door opens outwards, so you should be able to pull the pins from the hinges if the first suggestion does not work.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
