How to Open A Mortice Lock Without A Key?

Since you probably carry your credit cards with you, the easiest way to do this is to try to open Mortice Lock with your credit cards. Even if you have tried, you may have done it the wrong way.

While the credit card technique is more commonly associated with bypassing simple latch-based locks, it can sometimes be effective on certain mortise locks, especially those with a less complex mechanism. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a credit card to open a mortice lock:

1. Choose the Right Card: Using a card you’re not afraid to damage is essential, as this method can sometimes bend or scratch the card.
2. Insert the Card: Position the card between the door frame and the door adjacent to the latch of the mortice lock. The magnetic strip should face the door, and the card should be perpendicular.
3. Apply Pressure: Push and wiggle the card towards the latch, applying a bit of pressure. The aim is to slide the card over the latch, pushing it back into the door and allowing it to open.
4. Slide and Open: As you feel the latch being pushed back by the card, begin to slide the card downwards while turning the door handle. This combined motion should push the latch out of the way, allowing the door to open.
5. Alternate Method: If the direct approach doesn’t work, you can angle the card slightly towards the ground, wiggle, and slide it. This change in angle might give you better leverage against the latch.

This method might not work on all mortice locks, especially those with complex mechanisms or additional security features. It’s more likely to be effective on simpler locks or internal doors with less robust security.

You can check this video to help you open your mortise lock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHWrFhq9ks0

If you are unable to open the mortise lock with a credit card, it is recommended that you borrow a screwdriver  to open the mortise lock. 

While a bit more involved than the credit card method, the screwdriver technique can be effective in opening certain mortice locks, especially if they’re older or have simpler mechanisms.

1. Choose a flat-head screwdriver that fits snugly into the keyhole of the mortice lock. It shouldn’t be too large or too small; a tight fit is essential for this method to work.
2. Gently insert the screwdriver into the lock’s keyhole, ensuring it goes as deep as a regular key.
3. Once the screwdriver is in place, apply a slight turning pressure in the direction the key would turn to unlock the door.
4. As you apply tension, try to feel the internal pins or levers of the lock.
5. Gently jiggle the screwdriver up and down while maintaining the turning pressure. If you feel the screwdriver turning more freely at any point, it might mean the lock is disengaging.
6. Once the lock turns, gently turn the door handle and push the door open.

Not all mortice locks can be opened with a screwdriver. Some modern locks have additional security features that prevent such methods. Goog luck!

I know this may be an unrealistic suggestion, but the reality is that most current mortise locks are so secure and complex that you are unlikely to open a mortise lock with just a credit card and a screwdriver. You may need a professional mortise lock picking kit to open a mortise lock.

A Mortice Lock Pick Set is a specialized toolkit designed explicitly for the intricacies of mortice locks; it contains a variety of picks and tension tools tailored to fit mortice lock configurations.

• Lever Picks: These are designed to lift, manipulate, and set the levers inside the lock to the correct height, allowing the bolt to move.
• Curtain Picks: Some mortice locks have a curtain (a rotating disc) that obstructs direct access to the levers.
• Tension Tools: These apply turning pressure to the lock, simulating the action of a key turning. They often come in various sizes and shapes to fit different mortice lock profiles.
• Overlifters: These tools are designed to lift all the levers in the lock simultaneously, allowing for quicker manipulation.

Then, here is a rough method to open mortise using the mortise lock picking kit.

1. Choose the Right Tool: Select the appropriate pick and tension tool for the specific lock you’re working on. The choice often depends on the lock’s design and the number of levers.
2. Insert the Tension Tool: Place the tension tool into the keyway and apply slight turning pressure in the direction the key would turn. This tension will hold the levers in place once they’re set at the correct height.
3. Begin Picking: Insert your chosen pick into the lock. Gently feel for the levers and start manipulating them one by one. The aim is to lift each lever to its correct height, allowing the bolt to move.
4. Listen and Feel: As you manipulate the levers, notice any clicks or movements. These can indicate that a lever has been correctly set.
5. Adjust Tension: The amount of tension you apply can make a difference. If you’re struggling to set the levers, consider adjusting the tension slightly.

Finally, good luck.

The above methods may be difficult for you because they require professional skills. It is better to find a professional locksmith to open the mortise lock. But if you can't contact a locksmith in time, there is one last way, drill open a mortice lock.

Drilling is a final destructive method used to gain entry when other methods fail. 

Here are the detailed steps:

1. Choose the Right Drill Bit: A hard, durable drill bit, preferably made of tungsten carbide or cobalt, is essential to penetrate the lock’s metal components.
2. Mark the Drill Point: Identify where the levers or pins are located on the lock. This is typically just above the keyway. Mark this point with a marker or punch.
3. Start Drilling: Begin drilling slowly to ensure accuracy. The aim is to drill through the pins or levers, rendering them ineffective.
4. Deepen the Hole: You may need to go deeper to reach all the pins or levers as you drill. Periodically stop and try turning the lock with a screwdriver to see if it has been disengaged.
5. Clean the Keyway: Once you’ve drilled through the necessary components, clear out any debris from the keyway using a screwdriver or pick.
6. Turn and Open: Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the keyway and turn. The lock should disengage, allowing you to open the door.

Please note that your lock will not work after drilling, and you will need to replace it immediately. Also, drilling can damage the lock and the door, especially if not done correctly.