There are a variety of situations where it might be necessary for a professional locksmith to open a door. The key may have worn out, the lock might be malfunctioning or, as is often the case, someone might have locked their key inside their house or car. While it’s often a panic filled moment, there are a number of different ways that a locksmith might try to open doors without a key, many of them non-destructive. Let’s take a look at some of those methods.

 

The main methods Locksmiths use to open doors

Bump keys

A common method that locksmiths will use to try to gain entry is with bump keys. Bump keys are special keys, designed so that an expert can pick a variety of pin-tumbler locks. They typically look like a generic key, without the variation between the valleys – a locksmith will ‘bump’ the key, inserting it almost the whole way, and then knocking it in when the pins are suspended above the cylinder.

A lock that has been bumped should not be damaged, although there may be signs of the impact from when the key is knocked in.

 

Lock picking

Another common way that locksmiths will enter is by using traditional lock picking techniques. They will come equipped with their lock picking kit, a complex array of specialist tools that will allow locksmiths to unlock most locks without a key.

Locksmiths will almost always try to either pick or bump your lock before attempting a more destructive method, however, picking can take some time and isn’t always possible. A lock that has been picked shouldn’t be damaged – the key, once retrieved, should work again, as normal.

 

Drilling

In some cases, the locksmith won’t be able to unlock the door via the methods listed above, and in these cases it might be necessary to drill the lock. Drilling a lock out should be a last resort method, as the drill will almost certainly break the locking plug. 

In many cases though, the mechanism will still work. Before drilling your lock, the locksmith should discuss the decision with you, making it clear the damage that might be expected. They should also explain repair options, and how much those options might cost.

 

How you can prevent lockouts 

While sometimes it’s unfortunately necessary to call out a locksmith to open your door, there are ways of reducing the risk of it happening:

Lock maintenance

Locks can deteriorate over time, but that deterioration can be slowed down through regular maintenance. A locksmith can service your lock, getting rid of any dirt deposits and potentially greasing it if appropriate.

 

New locks

If your lock is becoming tricky to open and a locksmith thinks that it’s worn out, then it might be a good idea to get the lock changed. If the lock only has a few more months of life in it, then it’s best to have it changed on your own terms, rather than getting locked out one evening.

 

Spare keys

It’s always a good idea to have spare keys. Consider giving a copy to your neighbours, or keeping one stored in a lockbox somewhere hidden around your home. This way, if you lock your key inside, there’ll be another one close at hand. 

 

If you’re locked out of your home or require guidance on increasing your home security, our team would be happy to help. Contact us today on 0161 427 7025 for further information.

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