How to unlock a jammed bathroom door?

[jamesw74]

My toilet door has locked itself from the inside. I have tried to push the pin out but it will not move at all. In the process I've broken the handle off and still cannot open door or get lock pin out. What do I do now? Photos below. I do not know the brand of the door handle.

  

[EricL]

Hello @jamesw74 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your door lock.

Since you've managed to remove the outside handle, you should technically be able to push the inside assembly off the door leaving the door latch in the door. Your objective is to push the locking pin out to release the latch that's inside the door. One other option is to use a nail and hammer to push the locking pin out on the other side. this will allow you to then turn the axle of the latch and door to open. 

If it still refuses to open, I suggest engaging the services of a locksmith to unlock the door for you.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @jamesw74 

The handle is a privacy type, but looks like it's possibly been installed back to front, not thats important. It's uncommon to have a privacy lock pin both inside and out. That pin you have removed usually goes on the inside, then the outside has a small hole, which is the more common configuration. The idea is that you push the pin in to lock the door for privacy. And in an emergency, someone on the outside could push the pin back out by inserting a small solid object into the hole to pop the pin unlocking the door.

So, you need to screw that pin back in and pull it out to unlock the latch. To now open the door, use something like a shifter or large pliers to grip the square centre pin going the centre of the latch and turn it anti-clockwise as if the handle was pulling down.

Nailbag

[jamesw74]

Hi,

Thanks for replying. The pin is on the other side of the door . I have tries pushing something through the hole to pop it out. Nothing moves. So I'm not sure what to do now.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @jamesw74,

Are the hinge pins, by chance, on the outside of the door? That would only be the case if the door opens outwards. Some hinges you can remove the pin from if it is exposed which will allow you to remove the door.

Is there any gap between the door and the jamb where you can see the latch bolt? Occasionally, you can slip a business card or scraper in there to depress the locking mechanism and release the door.

Mitchell

[jamesw74]

Hi Mitchell,

Unfortunately the hinges are on the other side and there is no gap near the latch. 

[EricL]

Hi @jamesw74 

Is there a window you can perhaps access from the outside? My only other thoughts are to cut the door jamb and slip a butter knife in the gap to lift the latch. The door jamb will need to be repaired, but it will save the door from being damaged. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric