In situations where you’ve lost your keys or the lock is jammed, knowing how to open a locked door by lifting the side chamber can be a valuable skill. This technique is less destructive than breaking the lock or calling a locksmith, and it can be performed with a few simple tools. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or just need to help someone in a bind, this guide will provide you with a step-by-step overview of how to open a locked door using the lift side chamber method. By following these instructions carefully, you can quickly and effectively gain entry into the locked space without damaging the door or frame.
Before attempting to lift the side chamber, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. These include a flathead screwdriver, a putty knife, or a thin piece of metal like a credit card. You’ll also need a small hammer or mallet. Once you have your tools, you can begin the process of lifting the side chamber. Start by inserting the flathead screwdriver or putty knife into the gap between the door frame and the strike plate. This is the metal plate that the latch bolts into when the door is closed. Gently pry the strike plate away from the door frame to create a small gap.
Next, insert the thin piece of metal into the gap you created. This will act as a shim to hold the strike plate away from the frame. Use the hammer or mallet to tap the shim into place, creating enough space to insert the flathead screwdriver. Twist the screwdriver to lift the latch bolt out of the strike plate. Once the latch bolt is clear, the door should open easily. If the door is still stuck, try tapping the edge of the door with the hammer or mallet to loosen it. With a little patience and effort, you should be able to open the locked door without damaging it.
Lift the Chamber
To lift the chamber, you will need to remove the screws that hold it in place. The screws are usually located on the bottom of the chamber. Once the screws are removed, you can lift the chamber up and off of the door.
If the chamber is stuck, you may need to use a screwdriver or pry bar to gently pry it up.
Once the chamber is lifted, you will need to insert a shim into the gap between the chamber and the door. The shim will help to keep the chamber open while you work on the lock.
If you do not have a shim, you can use a piece of cardboard or a credit card.
Once the shim is in place, you can begin working on the lock.
Troubleshooting:
| Possible Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The chamber is stuck | Use a screwdriver or pry bar to gently pry it up. |
| The shim is not staying in place | Use a piece of tape or glue to hold it in place. |
| I cannot get the chamber to stay open | You may need to use a larger shim or a different type of shim. |
Rotate the Lock Cylinder
Once you have created a tiny gap between the door and the jamb, you need to insert the tension wrench into the keyhole. Turn the tension wrench clockwise to apply pressure to the lock cylinder. This will prevent the lock cylinder from rotating when you insert the pick.
Next, insert the pick into the keyhole and find the pins that are holding the lock cylinder in place. The top pin is usually the first one to pick. Push the pick up on the bottom of the top pin until it clicks into place. This means that the pin has been set and is no longer holding the lock cylinder in place.
Repeat this process for each of the remaining pins in the lock. Once all of the pins have been set, the lock cylinder will be free to rotate. Turn the tension wrench counterclockwise to release the pressure on the lock cylinder.
Now that the lock cylinder is rotating, you can use the key to open the door. Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it to unlock the door.
Tips for Rotating the Lock Cylinder
- Be patient and don’t give up. It may take some time to find the right pins and set them correctly.
- Use a light touch. If you apply too much pressure, you could damage the lock or the pick.
- If you get stuck, try starting over. Sometimes, it helps to start fresh with a new pick.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the tension wrench into the keyhole. |
| 2 | Turn the tension wrench clockwise. |
| 3 | Insert the pick into the keyhole. |
| 4 | Push the pick up on the bottom of the top pin. |
| 5 | Repeat this process for each of the remaining pins. |
| 6 | Once all of the pins have been set, turn the tension wrench counterclockwise. |
| 7 | Insert the key into the keyhole. |
| 8 | Turn the key to unlock the door. |
Open the Door
To open the door using the lift side chamber, follow these steps:
- Locate the lift side chamber. It is usually located on the side of the door frame, near the handle.
- Insert the key into the chamber and turn it to the unlock position.
- Pull the handle to open the door.
- If the handle does not open easily, you may need to pull the door more strongly.
- Place one of your foot on the floor at the bottom of the door, pushing against the door with your foot and lifting it slightly upward.
- Pull the handle while turning the key to unlock it.
- Lift the door while pushing it outward with your foot
- Insert the lift side chamber into the keyhole.
- Push the button on the lift side chamber to extend the hook.
- Hook the latch and lift it up.
- Pull the door open.
Lift the door slightly
If the door is jammed, or if it requires too much force to open it with the key, try lifting the door slightly while turning the key in the lift side chamber.
This can create a small gap between the door and the frame, which may be enough to allow the lock to disengage and the door to open.
How to Open a Locked Door By Lift Side Chamber
If you find yourself with a locked door and no key, there are a few things you can try to open it. One option is to use a lift side chamber. This is a small, handheld device that can be used to lift the door latch and unlock the door.
To open a locked door by lift side chamber, follow these steps:
If you are successful, the door will open and you will be able to enter.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my door has a lift side chamber?
Most doors have a small hole in the keyhole that is used for a lift side chamber. If you see this hole, it is likely that your door can be opened by lift side chamber.
Can I use a lift side chamber to open any locked door?
No. Lift side chambers can only be used to open doors that have a latch that can be lifted. If the door has a deadbolt, it cannot be opened by lift side chamber.
Where can I buy a lift side chamber?
Lift side chambers can be purchased at most hardware stores or online.
