Lockout Guide – How to Open a Locked Door Without Keys

Every year across Newcastle, Jesmond, Heaton, Cramlington, North Shields and Gateshead customers find themselves in the same situation:

👉 “My door locked behind me and my keys are inside – what do I do?”

The good news is that some lockouts can be solved with everyday items like a plastic bottle or a card. The bad news is that if it’s a uPVC or composite door, you may need a locksmith to avoid damage.

This guide answers the most common student lockout questions like “Can I pick my own lock?” and “How do I get back inside my house when the door locks behind me?”

What Do I Do If My Door Locks and the Keys Are Inside?

First, don’t panic. Most student lockouts are just latching locks where the handle or night latch has clicked shut.

• uPVC doors → outside handle doesn’t push down (split spindle).

• Wooden doors → Yale-style night latch.

• Internal doors → simple spring latch.

If it’s one of these, you might be able to open it without damage.

What Locksmiths Use – Super Mica

Locksmiths use super mica plastic strips. They slide it between the door and frame, bend it round the latch and push until it retracts.

It’s quick, clean and non-destructive. But mica is only available to locksmiths — so what can you use instead?

DIY Alternatives to Mica

Coke Bottle Hack

• Cut the smooth plastic where the label wraps round.
• Trim it into a strip the size of a credit card.
• Slide it between the door and frame and work it against the latch.
• Works best on uPVC and wooden latches where the latch is visible.

Can I Open a Door With a Credit or Debit Card?

• Yes – but only in certain cases:
• Works on older internal doors with loose frames.
• Doesn’t usually work on front doors – frames are too tight.
• Cards are brittle – Coke bottle plastic is often better.

Using a Hook

• If you can actually see the latch, you can hook it back with:
• A bent coat hanger
• A spoon handle bent into a hook
• Strong wire

Can I Pick My Own Lock?

Not if it’s a latch lock. Picking is for pin tumbler locks (like euro cylinders) — and that’s a skill that takes training and specialist tools.

For a latch lockout, your best bet is a Coke bottle strip, a card, or calling a locksmith.

How to Open a Door With No Keys

• Internal/student bedroom door? Try card or Coke bottle plastic.

• uPVC/composite door? You’ll struggle – the latch is reinforced.

• Wooden Yale night latch? Coke bottle plastic works if the frame isn’t too tight.

Can I Break Into My Own House?

You can try – but forcing the door usually means:

• Snapped handles

• Broken frames

• A locksmith repair bill bigger than the original problem

Non-destructive entry is always cheaper in the long run.

How to Get Back Inside When the Door Locks Behind You

1. Try the Coke bottle strip if it’s a latch lock.

2. Try a card if it’s an internal door.

3. If the latch is too tight or the key is still in the cylinder, call a local locksmith.

Newcastle Commercial and Residential Locksout Specialists, specialise in fast, non-destructive lockouts across Newcastle, Jesmond, Heaton, Durham, Sunderland and the wider North East.

FAQs – Student Lockouts

• Can I open my flat door with a Coke bottle?
• Yes – cut a strip and slide it against the latch. Works on many student doors. (see the image)
• Can I pick my own lock?
• Yes – latch lockouts can be opened by picking.
• How do I open a door with no keys?
• If it’s a latch, try a card or a Coke bottle strip. Otherwise, local locksmith only.
• What if the key is stuck inside the lock?
• If a euro cylinder has a key in it, Generally DIY won’t work – call a Newcastle locksmith.
• Can I break into my own house?
• You can try – but you’ll usually cause expensive damage. A Newcastle locksmith is cheaper.

Locked Out? Call the Specialists

If your DIY tricks don’t work, call Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists on 📞 07745 858649.

Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists cover Newcastle, Jesmond, Heaton, Cramlington, Durham, Sunderland and across the North East – specialising in fast, affordable lockouts with non-destructive methods.

Learn more about Newcastle Commercial and Residential Lockout Specialists Emergency Locksmith in Newcastle 

✅ Whether it’s “what do I do if my door locks and keys are inside” or “how to get back inside after a night out” — these tricks might save the day. But when they don’t, a locksmith will.