Unlatching Locked Door

Push or pull the door to relieve pressure on the latch bar while trying to unlock the lock. If that does not work, gentle but strong force from a wonder usually does. Works great for burgulars, but don't be as forceful. Just pry far enough to pop the lock bar out.

Remove the lockset with the door in the closed position, then reach into the bore and manually retract the latch.

The old credit card or drivers license under the latch comes to mind.....

The wonder bar did the trick I was able to pry the door open. However I tightened the screws on the face plate and lubricated everything, and the latch is still stuck in its locked position.

tmc1284 said:

The wonder bar did the trick I was able to pry the door open. However I tightened the screws on the face plate and lubricated everything, and the latch is still stuck in its locked position.

Click to expand...

Get a new lock.
Ron

I am going to buy a new lock, but right now I am unable to remove the outside knob after removing the inside one.

Is there a name embossed on the face of the latchbolt? Kwikset? Schlage?

With the door open tap the latch with a hammer to get it loose. If this is just a spring latch you can tap it pretty hard. If this is a poitive throw deadbolt you'll need to tap more gently while trying to turn the key at the same time. Your only using graphite lube right? Any kind of oil will accumulate dirt and end up counterproductive. If you've got old gunked up oil in there you'll need to clean it all out.