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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

URGENT!!! Does anyone know how to open a door if something if wedged behind it?

99 replies

Pinkkahori · 16/07/2018 21:45

Cat had kittens in shed, keeping door closed as there is a fox prowling.
Kids went out to feed/check on cat but she has managed to knock something down and I can't push door in.
They have food and water for now so are ok overnight but I have no idea even where to begin.
I think I'll have to break the door down but DH is away and I am not physically strong and have back problems.
I can't even push it in far enough to see what is blocking it.
The door seems very solid. There is ventilation but no window.

Any ideas?

OP posts:
C0untDucku1a · 16/07/2018 21:46

Can you take the hinges off?

MinaPaws · 16/07/2018 21:48

Can you slide something thin underneath it - like a coathanger? That might nudge the fallen-over thing out of the way far enough for you to open the door.

Original poster
Pinkkahori · 16/07/2018 21:48

Hinges are on the inside.
I'm panicking. I can't leave the cat in there for long and I have no idea what to do.

OP posts:
Original poster
Pinkkahori · 16/07/2018 21:49

I am going to try that in the morning Mina but the bloody cat won't get away from the door and I don't want to hurt her.

OP posts:
OverTheHedgeHammy · 16/07/2018 21:49

Get a wire coat hanger, unfold it, and see if you can get it under the door with a hook pointing upwards on the inside, and then gently sweep from side to side and see if you can firstly pinpoint the spot where the item blocking the door is, and then see if you can pull it sideways enough start opening the door.

OverTheHedgeHammy · 16/07/2018 21:49

Don't worry, the cat will move for the coat hanger. Just move it gently.

JobbyBum · 16/07/2018 21:50

I’d try something slid under the door, the car will soon get out off its way if you’re waving it around

OverTheHedgeHammy · 16/07/2018 21:50

Or alternatively, break in through the roof.

JobbyBum · 16/07/2018 21:50

Cat* 🙄

CocoaGin70 · 16/07/2018 21:50

Could you remove a window from the outside and climb in??

Biggreygoose · 16/07/2018 21:51

What sort of door?

A hammer and large flat head screwdriver will get you into pretty much anything....

CocoaGin70 · 16/07/2018 21:52

Oh sorry - didn't see the OP about window. Take the roof off? They are normally just nailed on, you could remove one side with a claw hammer. We had to do this when DH lost the padlock key to ours.........

Original poster
Pinkkahori · 16/07/2018 21:52

No windows, the shed is actually like a part of the house but with no access from inside if that makes sense.
The door has louvred panels which let light and air in.

OP posts:
Original poster
Pinkkahori · 16/07/2018 21:53

She wasn't even our cat, just a stray that adopted us and chose our shed to have the kittens.

OP posts:
LizzieSiddal · 16/07/2018 21:53

Have you or a neighbour got a power saw? I’d cut a smallish hole in the top of the door, then use a broom or long stick to move whatever is blocking the door.

JobbyBum · 16/07/2018 21:55

You could always remove the louvred if it gets that desperate and replace with plain wood, thence things away from the door that could block it in future

Original poster
Pinkkahori · 16/07/2018 21:55

I don't have any tools other than a couple of screwdrivers and a hammer. Not sure about neighbours. I think next door are away and we are rural so no one very close to hand.

OP posts:
RippleEffects · 16/07/2018 21:56

Can you visualise the layout and what could have fallen against the door. Can you see by shining a torch through the louvres?

Most things will budge a bit with enough force but thats assuming cat and kittens are far enough back.

Have you tried significant shoulder barging force yet?

CocoaGin70 · 16/07/2018 21:56

If you've got hinges on the outer door, you could unscrew them? And door will just fall outwards.

URGENT!!! Does anyone know how to open a door if something if wedged behind it?
PandaPieForTea · 16/07/2018 21:58

Do you have a local Facebook site? If you do then you could probably ask for help on there and find someone with building skills to volunteer to take a look.

Original poster
Pinkkahori · 16/07/2018 21:58

I've tried force bit it feels like what ever is there is wedging against the casing for the oil burner. I can't risk damaging that.
I'm going to have to get someone with a saw tomorrow I think.

OP posts:
LizzieSiddal · 16/07/2018 21:59

Is the wood thin? Could you just smash the hammer through a part of the door? Then use a broom handle to move the object.

Original poster
Pinkkahori · 16/07/2018 22:00

We tried looking through the louvred bit but they are angled down so couldn't see anything.
I'm trying to think of anyone I know who would have tools but I'm stumped.

OP posts:
LizzieSiddal · 16/07/2018 22:00

Just to clarify, I mean put a hole in the top of the door, not the bottom.

Alibobbob · 16/07/2018 22:00

Are there any local cat rescue places? You could explain and ask them for help I am sure they would come out for a trapped stray with a new litter. I think you will need to be careful of making too much noise as she may get frightened and kill the kittens or run away. Just a thought.