How To Get Into Your House With a Credit Card When You’re Locked Out

Ingredients

• A standard doorknob lock
• Credit card or similar plastic card
• Patience
• Steady hands

Steps

1. Only do this on your own lock -or you could wind up in a lot of trouble. (9 sec. )
2. Check the lock - Check the lock. A credit card will only open a spring bolt—the kind of lock that comes with a standard doorknob. It won’t work on a deadbolt. (31 sec. )
3. Choose a card - Choose a card. If you have a plastic card that’s less valuable than a credit card, like a video membership card, try that first. (40 sec. )
4. Laminated cards work best, because they tend to be flexible. (49 sec. )
5. Insert card - Wedge the card between the door and the frame where the doorknob’s latch is located. (53 sec. )
6. Many doors have molding that will make this difficult; if you’re desperate to enter, you can pry it off—but keep in mind this may cause more damage than the cost of a locksmith. (58 sec. )
7. Wiggle and jiggle - Holding the card flush against the doorframe, begin pushing and wiggling it towards the latch in the door crack. (68 sec. )
8. If the sloped side of the latch isn’t facing you, you will need a tool or long piece of plastic that you can hook around the other side and pull towards you, making this much more difficult. (75 sec. )
9. Push and bend - While pushing the card in, begin bending it away from the doorknob. When you feel it slide the latch back, the door should open. (85 sec. )
10. Call a locksmith - If you got into your home, don’t be so smug—it means you have a crappy lock. Call a locksmith and get a deadbolt. (94 sec. )
11. Most home burglaries occur in the middle of the day with the majority of burglars entering through the front door, which is often unlocked. (102 sec. )