How to Pick a Door Lock with a Paperclip: What to Know Before Trying

Published Date: Aug 18, 2025

Getting locked out can turn an ordinary day into a frustrating one fast. If you’ve ever stared at a locked door and spotted a paperclip nearby, you may have wondered: Can this really work? Sure Lock & Key explains how to pick a door lock with a paperclip and when it’s wiser to avoid DIY solutions.

When You Can Unlock a Door with a Paperclip

One of the first questions people ask is whether it’s possible to unlock a door with a paperclip. In some cases, yes — but it’s far from a guaranteed fix. This method works only on very simple locks — older bedroom or bathroom doors, for instance. Anything more secure, for example, front entry or commercial locks, usually won’t respond to this technique.

How to Pick a Door Lock with a Paperclip: Step-by-Step

So, how do you unlock a door with a paperclip? While it’s not guaranteed to work, some still give it a try in a hurry. These are the basic steps people often follow when picking a lock with a paperclip:

Straighten one paperclip and bend a small hook at the end — this becomes your pick.
Bend another paperclip into an L-shape — that’s your tension tool.
Insert the L-shaped tool into the lower part of the keyhole and apply gentle tension.
Use the hooked paperclip to feel around the upper part of the keyhole for tiny pins.
Move the pick carefully while keeping light pressure on the tension tool. You’re trying to align the pins one by one until the lock turns.

Still, picking a lock with a paperclip is tricky — even if you do everything right, it might not work

Risks of Picking a Lock with a Paperclip

While learning how to open a door lock with a paperclip might sound simple, the reality is a bit more frustrating. There are a few real downsides to this DIY method:

You could damage the lock, leading to costly repairs.
The clip might bend or get stuck, making the situation worse.
This method almost never works on modern or high-security locks.

In many cases, DIY attempts don’t fix the problem — they make it worse. A trusted locksmith for residential services has the tools and training to open locks without damage. That way, you’ll avoid added hassle and a bigger mess to clean up later.

Safer Options to Consider

If you’re locked out of a room, other simple methods may work depending on the type of lock. A credit card might slide open certain spring-latch locks. You could also contact someone with a spare key. If you’re still exploring DIY approaches, take a look at our guide on how to pick a bedroom door lock with a key for more details. When all else fails, calling a professional locksmith is often the best move.

Summing Up

It might be tempting to try picking a lock with a paperclip, but it’s rarely as easy as it sounds. Even with practice, turning two paperclips into usable tools is harder than it looks, and most locks today aren’t fooled that easily.

At Sure Lock & Key, we’ve seen just how tricky lockouts can be. With over 35 years of experience, we’re here to offer support that actually works. Whether you’re locked out of a room or facing a more serious security issue, our trusted team is ready with fast, damage-free solutions backed by proven experience.

Sometimes, you just need a little more peace of mind when you’re on the other side of a closed door — especially in shared spaces, rentals, or unfamiliar places. Whether your door doesn’t have a working lock or you simply want a quick DIY fix, knowing how to lock a door from the inside using everyday items can help you feel more secure. In this guide, Sure Lock & Key walks you through practical, easy methods to reinforce your space without needing special tools or complicated hardware.

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