Q&A for How to Open a Door with a Credit Card

It depends if the library card you have has a similar density and shape to your credit card. If it does, then it most likely will work.

If the gift card is plastic, yes.

It depends on the way you open it. If you are too rough and impatient, some locks may get damaged or your credit card could snap and become a blockage.

A dead bolt is the lock usually located above the door knob, it is designed so that when locked, a solid bolt (hence the name "dead bolt") will slide into a hole above the latch, creating a secondary but more effective lock. Do a google image search for "dead bolt." I'm sure you'll recognize it.

Cards from a game deck will not be strong enough to push down on the lock. Try something plastic first.

First of all, breaking into a home that isn't yours, regardless of the method, is a crime. The credit card method works with some older locks, but most locks these days are made too well for a credit card to spring.

It is best not to attempt to pick your car lock yourself. You should call a professional.

The credit card method only works on locks that don't involve a deadbolt. If you're unable to pick the lock, a locksmith may be necessary.

Your bathroom door lock may be a simple fix. Most interior doorknob locks are just a push-button lock not designed for security. If so, you can probably unlock the door by inserting a paperclip into the central hole on the exterior of the knob. This will release the lock.

Check if your saw is a hacksaw. If you still have the box/container the saw came in, it may state what materials the saw can cut through. If it is a hacksaw and the blade fits in the door crack, you're good to go. I have actually had to do this before on a stuck door. Keep in mind that you have to buy a new knob and lock if you saw through the latch.

Opening a door with a card is generally tough on the card, especially if you have to bend it around a corner to get into the gap, or if the door requires a lot of wedging. The edges can get nicked and a magnetic strip can easily get scratched up. A chip card might have a better chance of survival. I would recommend using a gift card or rewards card of similar density and strength to a credit card instead.

If the top lock has an inside lock like the bottom, it should be okay to do it with the credit card, otherwise you should call a locksmith.

It should work if the interior door uses a simple knob lock, provided you follow all the instructions.

You can if you have permission to use it on a door. Do note that this trick is not possible on doors that have a deadbolt lock, or doors that have a lock that has a dead latch switch that is installed correctly (which was designed specifically to prevent this kind of trick).

Yes, it should be fine as long as you didn't scratch it. If it is scratched, it may not be useable anymore.