Doors and Windows - Trailer lock broken- I'm locked out

I have a small trailer which has a back door opening similar to a camper. The door has a regular house entry lock on it, a push button lock which I believe is a Kwikset. I made the mistake of pushing the button lock to lock it. When I went to open it after a day and a half of traveling, I had a hard time but got it, then after I reached my destination could not unlock it at all.

I've taken off the knob and can turn the lock with a screwdriver but I'm getting nowhere unlatching it. Any ideas?

Bobbie

Welcome back! If you were able to get the knob off, can you pull out the other end so all you see is a hole in the door with the latch mechanism? If so, the mechanism has probably jammed due to movement. Once you get that far and it won't open, you may have to destroy the latch, so get a screw driver out and put it in the slot twisting to see if it will release. Before we get into destroying it, let us know how it goes this far.

Larry

I can't get the knob to pull off- the face plate is, I think, screwed to the opposite faceplate. I can't get to the inside of the lock at all. Here are a couple of photos.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee256/Bobbie54_2007/Lockcenter.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee256/Bobbie54_2007/Locktop.jpg

Most trailers have windows that screw onto the outside with 1/4" hex screws. If you have a ladder and cordless drill you could unscrew a window, pry it loose from the gummy sealant that they usually use to seal the nailing flange, and enter that way.

I'd forget about the door knob. Last time my wife locked us out of my little camper the only tool I had was a big crescent wrench, so I beat the door knob off with it. Bent the door up in the process, since it's only foam and aluminum skin. Needless to say I was unhappy.

My windows are mounted from the inside. I might be able to get a neighbor kid to crawl in if I cut the screen, but I have stuff packed in front of the door so getting to the lock to remove it would still be a problem.

Bobbie

I can see the screws on the door frame in your picture. Maybe that would be a possibility.

I don't know if it will work but what the thieves did to my storage bldg was take a pipe wrench and twist off the knob and then drove a screwdriver into it, turned the screwdriver unlocking the door:wall:

X may have a great idea...but I'd guess there are other screws at 90 degrees from the ones shown.

If its a kwikset...you might be able to just drill a hole in or remove that disc thats shown in the pics and use a screwdriver.

If you stopped by a hardware store they could probably show you a similar one so you'd know what you are looking for.

I did end up taking off part of the door frame and was able to pop the lock loose. Problem was that the lockplate on the door was weird and warped and loose.

Thanks for your help!

Bobbie