Expert: James - 2/6/2009

Question
I have a single cylinder deadbolt and when already locked both the interior
face and exterior face of the lock are hanging and the screws were taken out
but I still can't open the door.  How do I open the latch from the inside when
its locked and the faces are broken??

Please help.

Answer
Hello Jeanelle,

If you are able to remove the mounting screws and remove the lock assemblies you can manually retract the bolt unless it's jammed.  Try pushing, pulling, lifting or pushing down on the door as you attempt to retract the bolt.  Sometimes the weather swells the door and/or the jamb and will wedge the bolt in the strike plate making it difficult and sometimes impossible to retract.  Doing it manually may be easier.

If you still can't get it, hire a locksmith.

James
www.jmlock.com