How To Open A Locked Window With A Knife

How To Open A Locked Window With A Knife
  • Author: Amanda Arnold
  • Posted On: November 12, 2021
  • Updated On: August 21, 2023

A window or door is a particular feature of a home. A lock mechanism is installed on all of the windows. The majority of windows have a press or click-lock mechanism. Some windows are secured in the same way as doors are.

To open them, you’ll need a key. You can’t open a closed door without a key, either. However, there is a method by which you can open your window differently. This article will show you how to open a locked window with a knife.

Unlocking a locked window without shattering glass is practically impossible if you’re locked out of the house. Inside the house, it’s easy to unlock windows, but a few factors can make it harder.

It’s possible that the lock is painted shut or somehow jammed or that you don’t understand how it works. Although most window locks are simple to operate, some are more difficult to grasp and require keys.

Know About The Type Of Lock Before Opening It

Every window has a lock, and the sort of lock you use depends on the type of window. Let’s look at some of the numerous types of window locks available.

Type Of Lock

You cannot use the trick when a door has a bolt and a lock built into the doorknob. But you’re powerless right now. If the door has a spring-loaded latch system, you can only open it by following the professional’s instructions.

The spring latch in this lock mechanism emerges from a latch pocket. This lock is built into the door frame and aids in closing the door. You must turn the knob to extract the spring latch to open the door. You’ll need a bread or putty knife to open the door.

To open the door, you must repeatedly manipulate the latch. In the locking system, there is a push-button mechanism. You must manipulate the lock’s button enough from the inside to pop it out. Without a butter knife, it’s impossible.

Types Of Window’s Locks

Double-Hung Sash Window Lock

 Double-Hung Sash Window Lock

Two sliding up-and-down sashes make up double-hung sash windows. In this manner, air may enter from the top, bottom, or both. The inner window of a sash-hung lock features a hook that is a part of the sliding mechanism. It is attached to the frame’s bottom.

The pivot lock for the upper window frame has a pin that fits into some holes. There is also a pancake-shaped handle you grasp to open the window, which is another feature.

Casement Window Lock

 Casement Window Lock

The fact that casement windows travel horizontally on their hinges is one of their features. They have a barrel lock or a hook-and-lock that is difficult to open if you misplace the key. A locked window can be opened in several methods, just like other windows.

The most often used windows in homes are casement windows. On hinges, they open in a horizontal slide. The locking mechanism is based on a hook-and-lock or a barrel lock. A key control is these locking mechanisms.

Slider Windows Lock

Windows made of aluminum or vinyl feature a sliding half-side with a hinged catch fastened onto the window frame. Some windows may include a sliding catch on the other side that secures to a bottom track that is depressed.

 Slider Windows Lock

The two window locks must be released to open the horizontal sliding windows. Due to one of the two windows moving off the track, the pivot locks of the horizontal sliding windows might occasionally become stuck. Lift the window to fix this, and use one hand to unlock the pivot.

Steps To Open Stuck Lock

Needed Tools

  • A utility knife
  • Putty knife
  • Hammer
  • A pry bar

Steps

  • Scratch the surface of the groove between the sash and the frame using a utility knife. If the window doesn’t open, move on to the next step.
  • Between the window frame and the sash, insert a putty knife. Gently pound the putty knife with a hammer. This should be done to the space between the frame and the sash. Continue to the next step if nothing happens.
  • Place a pry bar under the windowsill and walk outside to the back of the window. Place a wooden block beneath the bar and strike it gently. Rep the procedure around the window sill.
  • When the window opens, sand the rough edges and surfaces using sandpaper. To help the window tracks stick together again, use beeswax or paraffin.

These are simple instructions for opening a locked sash window. If you observe that your window frame and sashes are warped, replace them altogether. You could use a paperclip or hair clip instead of a knife if the space in the body handle is a small circle rather than a slit. However, a point should be added if the exterior handle has a slit.

How To Open A Locked Window From Outside?

Because this sort of window is so common, you should know how to open a horizontal sliding window. Burglars aren’t the only ones that have to figure out how to open a stuck sliding window. To open this type of window from the outside, do the following:

  • Check to see if the window is open and if it is, push it open with your hands. Place a prybar between the window and the windowsill if this doesn’t work. If you jiggle the window, the window will shift, slide, or come off. However, this approach may not work if the lock is latched.

 Open A Locked Window From Outside

  • Place the blade of a thin hacksaw near the latch of the window. However, this method only works if the blade can be inserted between the window sashes and the lock flipped.

How To Use The Paper Clip With A Knife To Open Window?

Using the paper clip with a knife will improve the unlocking work pattern. It will surely increase your knife-handling capabilities. While holding the knife edge in the keyhole, place it over the knife blade.

Apply simultaneous twisting force to the connection with the knife edge. Strike the end of the money clip to straighten it before attempting to place it in the door, as you would with a paper clip.

Use The Paper Clip With A Knife To Open Window

Secondly, clean the pick by passing it over the keyhole pins. You must be careful not to break the connection or the point, so fully wiggle the knife for a few seconds until you hear a snap.

As if you were opening the door with a key, insert the pressure pull into the lock opening’s bottom and apply the lock to the top. Continue to check the pressure wrench and apply pressure as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to break a stuck window lock?

You can open a locked window with the correct equipment if you have the necessary tools and skills. You must first be familiar with each sort of window’s locking mechanism to accomplish this A burglar’s first and easiest target is typically valuable and portable items, so avoid keeping them in your garden.

What are the reasons behind the stuck window locks?

Although sliding doors have a fantastic mechanism, they frequently become stuck. This occurs because the window’s moving tracks become clogged with debris or other foreign objects, especially if your house is near a busy road.

Final Thoughts

Getting yourself out the window or even attempting to open a locked window requires only rudimentary skills. After learning the many methods for opening a locked window, you won’t be afraid of this home improvement difficulty. However, you must first understand the various types of window locks.

You may be in a scenario where you must get home immediately. When you lose your door key, the matter becomes even more severe.

You can unlock the locked door without destroying the asset if you have a credit card or a bread knife. If you use a card to open the door, don’t damage it. In that instance, it’s advisable to use an old credit or hard card that has been closed.

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Author: Amanda Arnold

Amanda has been working with ConstructionHow since 2021. Her experience spans over 5 years in the creative niche such as home decor and trends, landscaping, renovations, and custom architectural values. As a home designer expert, she has a keen eye for the latest home improvement trends with accurate facts that readers find impossible to ignore. Being invested in home-building trends is how she has gained her lucrative expertise exploring more to bring a positive ambiance for all homeowners (and even tenants!). Currently, she lives in a beautiful beach home, a source of fascination for her.

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