How to open a door that has the insides of a door handle inside without a door knob

Question

Currently this is what my doorknob looks like below

I was trying to change out my doorknob and left both sides inside of the room but the AC kicked on and shut the door on me and now I am stuck outside of the room. I was wondering how I could I open the door?

Daniel Griscom · Accepted Answer

See the lock insides? That's a metal sleeve, with an inside sliding piece. That inside sliding piece is connected to the latch bolt. Push it to the left, and voila!

Some additional details. This is what you see when you remove the knobs, shaft and escutcheons from a knob set. The central shaft, which is has a flat, vertical cross-section, goes through that D-shaped hole. Turn a knob either way, and the top or bottom edge of the bar pushes against that sliding piece to open the latch. (Hence bib's suggestion of using a large screwdriver to act as that shaft.)

I believe the smaller hole on the right is for a lock. Push a button on the (interior?) escutcheon and a round shaft is pushed into that hole, preventing the sliding piece from sliding. Low-tech, but quite functional.

user60561 · Answer

If it is accessible, take the circled part of the door knob and put it into the hole. You'll then be able to open the door.

Trevor_G · Answer

Lacking any regular tools, a pair of scissors works great.

Open up the scissors to a cross, and push one blade all the way into the hole in the metal part then turn. You can use the other handle as a lever if it is tight.

Hey presto, she be open.

DISCLAIMER: Do not cut yourself or run with this tool, or use your spouse's good tailoring scissors.

How to open a door that has the insides of a door handle inside without a door knob

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