Locked out of my bathroom?

Question

this siutuation has some extra-fun details:

1) there is a headband jammed between the door and the fram where the lock is, so the credit card trick DOESN'T WORK

2) the doorknob is the kind WITHOUT screws, so, being the dumb blondes that we are, neither my mother or myself can seem to get it off.

3) jiggling a paperclip or hairpin into the little pokey-hole isn't working.

4) we're not going to break the door.don't suggst that.

5) the door doesn't want to come of it's hinges. if you can even help me with that, that'd be great.

pleasepleaseplease help me out here. i really have to pee.

Answer 1

If the lock has push and turn type button, a paperclip or hairpin won't do it,  Get a screwdriver small enough to fit into the hole (e.g. eyeglass repair kit or computer tool kit) Put it in as straight as possible.  When it hits the lock, turn it carefully until it slips into the slot (you have to do this by feel)  Once it is in the slot, turn it (usually counterclockwise) and it will unlock the door.

To get it off hinges, you need to get the hinge pin out.  Take a screwdriver and put the end against the ball at the top of the hinge pin.  Gently tap it with a hammer, or even the ball of your hand.  It will begin to move up, and eventually out.  Start with the middle hinge if there is one, then the bottom, then the top.

It sounds like the headband is the real problem - it's friction is preventing the lock mechanism from moving.  Try some lubricant - WD40 (but be careful of the door finish) or soapy water - to help you pry it out with a screwdriver or table knife.

You can also use a putty knife or other thin metal blade to carefully remove the wood trim that the door stops at.  This will give you better access to the lock area.

Answer 2

Quick! Find the nearest house plant

Answer 3

I really don't know i used a butterknife to unlock mine or a card i guess i would try getting tweezer or something and pulling the hairband out so you can use something to break in....sorry if it doesnt help....

Answer 4

one thing you can try that we used for forced entry in the military was use a combat knife or bayonet (or large kitchen knife) and basically it's like the credit card trick on crack.  Keep in mind you can scrape up the droor jam pretty good and if you do it wrong it's possible to not only take off paint, but wood also.  Hold the knife at about a 45 degree angle very firmly with the sharp edge of the blade facing you.  It's also a good idea to wear gloves, or wrap the exposed part of the knife.  hit the butt of the knife straight down very firmly.  More often than not the knife will pop the latch and you'll be able to get the door open.  You deffienlty don't want to use a good kitchen knife since it does tend to chip and pit the blade, and yes, worst case you will break the blade off.

Answer 5

Did you use a screwdriver and hammer to get the pins out of the hinges before trying to lift it off?

Sometime you don't need to jiggle the paperclip, you have to hit the center and push depending on the kind of lock it is. This generally works for the push locks.