Closet Door Lock - What to Do When You're Locked Out

Closet doors can be outfitted with locks that require a key to open if you want to keep your belongings safe and private. However, there may be times when you find yourself locked out from your closet.

There are a few things that you can do to allow you to gain entry to your closet.

1. Remove the Door

Removing the pins from the hinges and taking the door off is a useful trick. If you have lost the keys to your closet door lock, you will want to replace the door set anyway. Removing the door will give you access to the other side of the knob where you can unlock the door.

2. Use a Credit Card

Using a credit card between the door lock and the door jamb while you are simultaneously pushing on the door and knob might open a closet door lock. Most interior door locks are not deadbolts and this method works on this type of lock. It is a lot less drastic than removing the door from the hinges.

3. Safety Release

If you have the type of door lock on your closet door lock that is used in a bathroom for some reason, there is a small hole on the locked side of the door knob that can be used to pop the lock from the other side. These release holes are a safety feature for bathrooms in most cases.

How many parents have found themselves on the wrong side of a locked door with their child on the other? Using the release easily opens the door.

4. Remove Padlock Assembly

If the closet door lock you use is a simple padlock and hinge set up, you can simply remove the entire assembly. Unscrew the hinge and hasp from the door and you can open the door. You will have to replace the hinge, hasp and padlock if you have lost the keys to this type of closet door lock.

5. Call the Locksmith

If you just can’t get the lock open with any of these suggestions, a professional is in order to get your closet door open. A locksmith will be able to open up the locked door in a matter of minutes in most cases.

Locking the closet door is a good way to keep your items private and safe. If you have items in your closet that you would like to keep from prying eyes, a simple closet door lock is the answer. Just make sure you keep track of the keys so you don’t end up removing the door from the hinges just to get at your belongings.