How to Get Out of a Room When a Lock or Door is Jammed

One may argue that having a room door jam after you enter a room is not as bad as being caught outside. However, it can lead to you being late for appointments, prevent you from getting a coffee, or simply frustrate you depending on the room you are stuck inside. Not to worry though, for we are here with a few easy methods to help you unjam your door or lock.

Before you force your door, take the obvious route and look at your windows. If you are on the ground floor and your windows open wide allowing you to leave the room safely, then you have an exit. It may not be the most ideal exit, but it will allow you to move about freely as you arrange for a locksmith to fix your broken lock or door.

If you are on a second floor or your windows are simply not a viable option, try the following.

Doors and locks jam for a multitude of reasons including, mechanisms that are not in the right alignment, loose screws on door hinges, laundry trapping under the door, and acting as a wedge. All of these things are fixable by doing the traditional door jiggle.

Lift the door up as you try to open it. Pull and push. Move the handle in a different direction as you pull or push. Push down on the door handle as you pull. Don’t force the door as you attempt the jiggle as this may break the lock. Applying a little more pressure and changing the way you handle the door can loosen up whatever is causing the jam. If this doesn’t work, try the next option.

For this approach to work, you will have to be on the side where you can access the hinges. Some doors have screws on the outside of the door that you can loosen to remove the door from its’ frame. Most modern doors, however, will only allow you to see a thin tube. This is the hinge pin.

Removing the hinge pin, loosen it by striking it from above with a hammer and nail before pulling it out. Once you have the pin the door will pull away from the hinge giving you an exit.

Like with the hinge pin removal, this works best if you have tools at hand. You will need a screwdriver to remove the doorknob and plate. Once the doorknob is removed, you will have access to the lock. Depending on the lock type, you can use a bobby pin or paperclip to manipulate the lock and open it.

The downside to this method is that it doesn’t work effectively unless it is the lock that is causing you the problem. And if the locking mechanism is stuck in place, this is less likely to work.

The door’s not opening, what can a friend do?

The great thing about locksmiths is that they know what they are doing. The door that may take you hours to open because of a jam or a malfunctioning lock will only take them minutes to fix. A locksmith has the experience and tools to get things working again quickly and efficiently saving you time and stress.

If you need access to quality locksmith services in Miami, call Quickly Locksmiths. We get the job done with speed and efficiency every time. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week so we can be there for you when you need us the most. Save the number for Quickly Locksmith (305) 984-9922 or get in touch through our contact us page if you need our assistance with your doors and locks.