How to Open a Door with a Broken Handle from Inside

As simple as it may seem, having a broken door handle can be frustrating and cause anxiety. It is especially nerve-wracking when you are on the inside and can’t get out.

Knowing how to open a door with a broken handle from inside is an essential life skill that everyone should possess. In this post, we will explore simple ways of opening doors with broken handles from the inside.

Assessing the Situation

Before you attempt anything, take some time to assess the situation first. Some doors can be opened without using any tools or levers, while others require specific tools or techniques.

Try pushing or pulling the door gently to see if it opens without using force. If that doesn’t work, look for alternative ways of opening the door.

Use Everyday Objects as Levers

One of the simplest ways of opening a door with a broken handle is by using everyday objects as makeshift levers. You’ll need something flat like a credit card, butter knife or screwdriver – all of which can be used to manipulate the latch mechanism directly.

Take your object of choice and insert it between the frame and latch of your door at about mid-level height. The aim is to push down on the latch whilst also applying some pressure towards yourself which will release its hold on the strike plate in order to let you pull/push open your door.

Be cautious not to use too much pressure when pushing down because you could damage other components in your door lock mechanism like springs or pins which would result in additional repairs later on!

Removing Handle Components

If using an object doesn’t work, then removing handle components may become necessary instead – this can easily be done by removing screws first.

Once the screws are removed, you can then pull the handle completely off as well its escutcheon plate.

With the handle and plate now both removed, you should be able to see a large hole where it used to be. From there, simply grip onto the latch-side mechanism and pull it towards yourself in a gentle straight line.

Accessing Locks without Handles

If your door lock lacks any type of external release mechanism, like a keyhole for example, then sometimes accessing locks directly may require more creative solutions such as removing hinge pins or drilling small holes to manipulate them into action from behind.

But again, only attempt these methods with caution because they can cause serious damage to the door lock if done improperly.

Removing Hinges:

Common tools needed such as a drill or screwdriver can be utilized in order to remove the hinges from one of your doors. This will expose one edge of your door.

Once this has been accomplished simply detach it by unfastening remaining hinges using similar means applied earlier so that everything separates cleanly without causing any additional damage along those edges upon which you’ll be working.

Drilling Holes:

Drilling small holes is an option but only if you are capable of doing so without damaging other surfaces around them.

If successful, you may be able to reach inside with some pliers or other tool. Use it to grab onto either part of your lock mechanism which will allow for pulling/pushing movements needed in order to unlock it.

Safety Precautions

When attempting any method mentioned above, please ensure that safety is always considered foremost – this means wearing protective glasses during drilling/tapping work and never using too much force on anything since things could easily break or malfunction leading into costly repairs later on down the line!

In addition, please avoid attempting any advanced techniques which require special tools unless you are confident in your skillset, as these could potentially harm you or cause further damage to your door.

Preventing Handle Breakage in Future

Prevention is always better than cure. To prevent handle breakage and ensure you don’t get locked inside, here are some preventative measures to consider:

1. Regular maintenance – Ensure that you clean and lubricate door handles frequently to avoid rusting and seizing up which can lead to breaking over time.
2. Handle with care – Take care not to yank or pull the handle too hard as this can lead to breakage.
3. Replacement – If you notice any signs of wear or tear on your door handles, it may be time to replace them with stronger alternatives.

Conclusion

Knowing how to open a door with a broken handle from inside is an essential life skill that everyone should possess. Hopefully one of these methods will work for you if you’re in this predicament now. Hope this helps!