A mortise lock is a type of lock that uses a metal pin or wedge to hold the lock in place. The keyhole can be found on the outside of the door or inside of the doorframe. Mortise locks are the most common type of locks that are found in houses. They are also one of the most common types of locks to be upgraded or replaced with a new one. This can be because they have become worn out or damaged over time, or they may just need to be re-keyed for security reasons.
How to Open a 5-Lever Mortise Lock without a Key?
Though a Screwdriver
If you have lost the key and need to open the lock, follow the steps stated below:
Since the lock consists of several levers, opening it without a key can be difficult. Try using a screwdriver first and insert it into the keyhole in such a way that it mobilizes the pins of the lock.
If somehow the screwdriver is not going properly inside the keyhole, apply gentle pressure and insert the screwdriver inside the keyhole as much as possible. It is a necessary step to raise the lock pins.
To open the lock, you will need to turn the screwdriver left or right gently. Since you do not know the exact position at which the lock opens, keep rotating the screwdriver at various positions until it opens.
Through a Card
This trick works for all 5-lever mortise locks.
If you lose your keys, or have misplaced them, a simple solution is to take out your card and use it as the key.
This can be done by inserting the card into the lock and turning it clockwise until it clicks in place.
Once inside, simply pull out on it until you can lift off the cylinder and turn it counterclockwise.
You will then be able to remove the cylinder from your door and turn it counterclockwise again to open it up.
Guide to Open a 3 Lever Door Lock Without a Key?
It is easier to open a locked three-lever door when you do not have the original keys. It only has three levers, which makes it easier for someone who knows what they are doing to bypass the lock. So, these are some steps I recommend trying until your door opens!
Step 1: Adjust the door lock so that it can be opened from a handle.
Step 2: Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the keyhole and turn it counterclockwise until you hear a click.
Step 3: Insert two flathead screwdrivers into each of the holes on each side of your door (one on each side).
Step 4: Insert one of the flathead screwdrivers into the center hole in between your two screwdrivers and push it gently until it clicks into place.
Step 5: Turn your doorknob clockwise so that it is unlocked, and your lock should now be working normally.
Picking a Mortise Lock with Household Items
Step 1: If the lock is installed in a door, position the tip of a bobby pin against the side of the keyhole and insert it in, pivoting as you go. This will break the setscrew on your lock and allow you to remove it easily.
Step 2: If the lock sits flush on your door frame, take a second bobby pin, and insert it into an opposite hole to widen it out enough for you to get your key into it without having to pry off too much paint or wood around the edges of your keyhole.
Step 3: To open your lock, insert your key into one of the holes until you feel resistance—you should be able to turn it slightly with ease—and then rotate it back and forth until you feel another sharp bit of resistance. Keep turning until you feel another resistance, then remove another bobby pin and repeat this step for all remaining pins.
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