How to Unlock a Door Knob with a Hole | Privacy Locks

Privacy inside your home starts with your door locks. Specifically designed to allow you to quickly and easily lock a room, door knobs with holes help you keep your private spaces private. Though they’re primarily privacy-focused for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other interior spaces, privacy locks give you the security in knowing that your room is kept safe from unwelcome guests. Keep reading to learn how to unlock a privacy door handle, from the interior and exterior of the door.

Types of Locks

1. Push-Button Privacy Locks

A privacy lock can typically be unlocked one of three ways, one of which is the push-button. Learning how to unlock a door knob with a hole is exactly how it sounds with this lock, operating through the use of a button that engages a lock through pushing. The door lock is disengaged by turning the locking mechanism.

2. Turnbutton Privacy Locks

You'll also come across the turn button function when researching how to unlock a door knob with a hole. This method engages the door lock by turning the tab on the door handle. The lock is then disengaged when you turn the button in the opposite direction.

Emergency Key

Both turn-button and push-button privacy locks can be locked and unlocked from the outside using what’s commonly known as an emergency key. These keys are often made of metal and are narrow and solid in order to fit into the small hole of the door handle or knob. To use an emergency key, you insert the slotted end into the center of the lever or knob, then turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to lock/unlock the door.

Alternative Unlocking Methods

Since accidents happen, it’s always possible that someone in your home can get locked in or out of a room with a privacy lock. Need to know how to unlock a door knob with a hole in these scenarios? No need to fret because you have multiple easy options at your fingertips.

Household objects are your best bet for unlocking your privacy lock, particularly those that are small and sturdy, like your emergency key. One of the most straightforward tools to use is a screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the hole and slowly rotate until it fits into the groove and unlocks the door; for push-button locks, insert the tool until it reaches the lock mechanism.

Need to know how to unlock a privacy door handle without a screwdriver on hand? Other narrow household objects such as a small pin, paper clip, or bamboo skewer can be used in the same capacity as a screwdriver or emergency key. Even your grandmother’s knitting needle can do the trick. You just need something small enough to fit in the hole and sturdy enough that it won’t break when you apply some pressure.

Increase Home Privacy with Door Lock Direct

Ensuring you know how to unlock a door knob with a hole is crucial to maintaining your access to your private space, including in emergencies. For professional help and guidance, reach out to the passionate team of experts at Door Locks Direct. Explore our privacy locksets and more of our direct door hardware today to increase security inside and outside of your home!