Look on the shaft that connects the thumb-turn latch to the inside chassis. Locate the small pin-hole on the shaft. Use a paperclip or an awl with a fine point to press the pin-hole to release the lever. Remove the thumb-turn lever and set it aside.
Slip a sturdy screwdriver through the backset of the deadbolt mechanism within the hole in the door, and pull the backset toward the center of the door to release the deadbolt from the frame.
To unlock a privacy lock you'll need a flathead screwdriver that is small enough to fit into the hole on the doorknob. Insert your screwdriver into the hole and push forward. If your doorknob is using a push-button type privacy lock, then you should hear a loud click and the door will open.
Hold the cylinder side of the lock in your hand with the inside of the lock facing you. Remove the clip on the side of the plug with a flat-head screwdriver or plug-removal tool. The clip will release from the plug as you move the clip side to side.
Tip. Cut around the perimeter on both sides of the deadbolt using a sharp utility knife to avoid peeling or damaging the door's finish during lock removal. Have on hand both a flat-head and Phillip's screwdriver to remove the deadbolt. Some locksets incorporate both types of screws.
Lubricating the door latch is one of the ways in which doors that won't open from the inside or the outside can be fixed. Begin by checking the keyway for blockage. Next, open the door and try to adjust the lock assembly to see what is stuck. Lubricate the assembly and move again.
It could be a main door lock switch, broken door wiring harness, bad connector, failed control module or simply a blown fuse.
The ignition, or lock cylinder, should pop out after you turn it. Pull on the key to pull the lock cylinder completely out of its casing. If the ignition is sticking, wiggle it back and forth until you free it from its hole. Insert the new lock cylinder and turn it counterclockwise until it clicks.
Unfortunately, you can not unlock a deadbolt with a credit card. Credit cards will only work with slanted-latch-style locks. Furthermore, the slant of the latch must be facing you so that you may press it in using your card.
Picking a Locked Bathroom or Bedroom Door Lock
Most interior locksets have a pinhole on the outside knob for emergencies. All you need to pick one of these locks is a single straightened-out paper clip to substitute for the pinhole door knob key. Insert the paper clip into the pinhole and push on it to unlock the door.