This problem is particularly bad if the knob is on an inside door since it stops you from being able to get into that room without climbing through a window.
Front door lock broken and can t open door.
Remove the screws from the adapter plate and pull the plate from the door if the spindle fails to turn.
Try turning the spindle clockwise to retract the latch from the strike and open the door.
You can try drilling the lock cylinder to see if that will release it but make sure you have a replacement purchased first.
This will give you the backset size that you will need.
How to open a door that s locked and cant be opened with the handle or knob.
You can see where the cylinder entered the dead latch mechanism and pulled the latch back.
I will show you an easy way to remove the door lock and open it manually as this.
Remove the old lock.
Flip the key and open the door.
If this is the case remove the weather stripping and place the stripping further back on the door frame.
The door could be misaligned so that although the door can be unlocked while the door is ajar when closed the door cannot unlock.
Slide the key in the lock and tap lightly on the key to lubricate the inside of the lock.
The lock cylinder may be broken so that you cannot use your key or anything else to move your door lock into the unlocked position.
You will need to measure from the edge of the door to the middle of the lock cylinder where the key goes in.
Make sure the lock is unlocked before you do this.
Once you have the door handle off you can now try to open the latch manually with either a large flathead screwdriver or pair of needle nose pliers.
Also if the latch or lock bolt is broken the door lock will be jammed.
Each of these door lock problems has different causes but the end point is usually the same.
A broken door handle can be a real headache especially when it locks on its own and can t be opened.
Weather stripping may cause the door lock to be misaligned and prevent the door lock from functioning properly.
The same solutions apply to when you are solving the issue with most broken locks.
One common reason for a door lock jamming is the buildup of debris that clocks the internal mechanisms.
Remove these screws unscrew one side of the door knob and pull the door handle and lock assembly out of the door.
If the malfunctioning lock is in the door handle there will be at least two screws securing the door handle to the door.
This is a far easier solution than moving the lock.
Spray the door key with a graphite based lubricant.
You can always break down the door and buy a new one.