Things You'll Need:
- A dispensable credit card
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Step 1
Consider carrying a plastic card in your wallet that you don't mind damaging. The spare "member card" from your grocery store is a good candidate for this purpose.
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Step 2
Take a close look at the frame near the handle of the locked door. If it's smooth with no ridges, this is going to be easy. If some parts of the frame stick out farther than others, plan for this process to take a few moments--and for your card to end up noticeably damaged.
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Step 3
Insert your credit card between the door and the frame, beside the handle and its lock. Lead with one corner, and gently push the card toward the locking mechanism. If it gets stuck on the lock plate or other edge, pull the card back and redirect it.
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Step 4
When the leading corner of your card reaches the locking mechanism, push firmly to wedge it between the lock and the frame. Meanwhile, gently use your free hand to turn the door handle.
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Step 5
Continue manipulating the card and turning the handle until the lock gives and your door opens. If the lock can be picked this way, it will usually happen in well under 30 seconds. If it doesn't--or if you successfully wedge the card between the lock and the frame with no result --the lock may be set up to resist this type of tampering. In that case you will have to employ Plan B, which is outside the scope of this article.
