How to Unlock a Deadbolt Lock

A deadbolt lock, when locked, connects both door and lock plate via a solid metal bar--the bolt or deadbolt in question. Most deadbolt locks open easily from the inside with a simple lever; twist the lever to the right and the deadbolt locks, sliding from the door into the lock plate of the doorjamb. Twist the same lever to the left to unlock the deadbolt. When unlocked from the outside, most deadbolts function almost exactly as conventional locks.

Things You'll Need

• Key

Instructions

1. Insert the key into the lock. Press in on it gently and visually confirm that it has slid all the way home into the deadbolt.

2. Twist the key to the right. This is the direction to unlock. Keep twisting until you hear the deadbolt open, or until the key has gone as far as possible.

3. Twist the key to the left just far enough to pull it out of the lock--usually 90 degrees or less. If you twist the key too far to the left, you'll just lock the deadbolt again and have to start all over.

4. Twist the door knob or handle and push the door inward to open it.