How does the shover knife operate to unlock a door?

The shover knife operates primarily by slipping between the door and the frame to force the latch back. This action allows the tool to physically manipulate the latch mechanism without the need to have direct access to the lock’s keyway or other internal components.

When the shover knife is inserted into the gap between the door and the frame, the design of the knife allows it to reach the edge of the latch. By applying pressure or leveraging the angle of the tool, the latch can be pushed back, disengaging it from the strike plate on the door frame. This technique is effective in situations where traditional key access is not possible, enabling firefighters to gain entry quickly while maintaining the integrity of the door when necessary.

Other methods, like cutting a latch cord or jamming a lock mechanism, do not provide the same level of efficiency or effectiveness as using a shover knife to manipulate the latch directly. A digital override would typically pertain to electronic locking systems, which are less common in typical residential or commercial doors that firefighters may encounter.