Open a Door with a Card – A Complete Guide

You are probably reading this text because you are locked out of your house. Fortunately, you can open a locked door without a key using our guide.

Opening a door with a card is a technique that works well on closed doors. With this guide, you will learn step by step how to open a closed door. This can be done using a regular debit card or credit card.

When Does This Technique Work?

Opening a closed door with a card only works on certain types of locks. It can work on:

• Simple push-button locks
• Locks with a slanted latch
• Doors that swing outward
• Doors without anti-burglary strips

Be aware that this method does not work if the door is locked. It does work if the door has simply closed due to its spring lock.

What You Need to Open Your Door!

Fortunately, you don’t need much to flip a door:

• A sturdy plastic card, such as a credit card, public transport card, or your student ID.
• Optionally, a soda bottle to cut into a thin plastic card as an alternative.
• Or a professional flipping card from our collection.

(Using a credit card should be your last resort, as it can damage your card!)

Step-by-Step Guide for Flipping Open a Door

There are four simple steps that can help you flip a door open.

1. Insert the Card Between the Door and the Frame

Gently slide the card into the gap between the door and the frame. Locate the spot where the latch is, which is usually next to the door handle. Slide the card in as far as possible at a 45-degree angle.

2. Tilt the Card Towards the Door Handle

Now tilt the card towards the door handle until it almost touches the latch. Also lean your full weight against the door.

3. Bend the Card Back

Now bend the card from 45 degrees to 90 degrees perpendicular to the door. This movement causes the card to slide under the latch and push it back into the door.

4. Keep Leaning and Wiggle Back and Forth

If the door still doesn’t open, keep leaning against the door. Move the card back and forth.

Tips for Success

• Be patient! It may take some time to master the right technique.
• Use a sturdy card made of good plastic. A card that is too thin may break during the process.
• Try different angles. Sometimes a slightly different angle works better.
• First, check if the door is really locked.

When Does Flipping Not Work?

• On doors with an anti-burglary strip.
• When the lock has been turned with a key.
• On modern security locks.
• If the door is too tightly fitted in the frame.

Alternative Solutions

Check Other Entrances

Walk around your house and check all windows and doors. You might have left a window open somewhere or a back door might be unlocked.

Call Housemates

Do you have housemates or family nearby? Call them to ask if they can help you.

Contact Your Landlord

If you are renting, you can try calling your landlord. Many landlords have spare keys.

Call a Locksmith

As a last option, you can call a locksmith. They use a professional lockpick set, flipping card, or can remove your lock. Note: inquire about the costs of the locksmith beforehand.

Important Warnings

• Use this technique only on your own door.
• Be careful if you don’t want to damage the card.
• Don’t force too hard, as this may damage the lock.
• Consider preventive measures such as hiding a spare key or giving one to the neighbors.

Opening a closed door with a card is great for the DIY enthusiast. Remember that this method of opening a door only works on certain types of locks.

A video on how the technique works

Watch this short video on how to open a door with a card. Although it is tested indoors in this video, it works just fine on your front door.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flipping

Does it have to be a credit card? Can’t I just use a gift card?

If the gift card is made of plastic, you can use it as well. It is important that the plastic is flexible and does not crease too easily.

Can the card damage the door?

If you try too aggressively to push the latch in, it can damage your lock. It is also possible that the card breaks and gets stuck in the door.