Opening a locked door without a key is sometimes necessary in various situations or emergencies, whether you have accidentally locked yourself out or your key has been broken in half inside the lock.
On that note, many of these circumstances require tools and expertise that only an expert locksmith possess. But what if the emergency strikes at an odd hour? Or what if its a holiday? Can a locksmith still provide immediate assistance?
The answer is yes. Mobile locksmiths will have your back (and a new key) during emergency lockout situations. But before we get into the specifics of that, here are all the things you need to know about interior doors, a broken or jammed lock and other security system basics.
Understanding the Anatomy of Door Locks
Before attempting to open a door without a key, let’s first recount the components of a traditional lock: cylinder, bolt or latch and the box and strike plate.
Cylinder
The cylinder is simply the part of the lock where the key is inserted and turned. It also houses the mechanism that interacts with the key to control the locking and unlocking of the door.
Bolt or Latch
The bolt or latch is the mechanism that secures the door in place when locked. This part typically extends into the door jamb or strike plate when the door is closed, securing it in place. When the lock is engaged, the bolt/latch extends or retracts based on the action of the key or knob/lever.
Box and Strike Plate
The box, also known as the lock body, is the case or housing that holds the internal components of the lock, including the cylinder and bolt mechanism. The strike plate is the metal plate installed on the lock and door frame opposite the bolt. It provides a reinforced area for the bolt to slide into when the door is closed, enhancing security and durability.
How Do Door Locks Work?
The “locking mechanism” takes place when the pins gets securely aligned within the lock cylinder following a specific pattern dictated by the key. When the correct key is inserted and turned in a circular motion, the pins align, allowing the cylinder to rotate and the bolt or latch to retract, unlocking the door.
What to Do If You Locked Your Keys in Your House?
If you’ve locked your keys inside your house, consider the following options:
Try picking the lock
It sounds counterintuitive but if you have a knack for lock picking, might as well try it here. A few methods to consider are bobby pins lock picking method, scrubbing method and credit card method.
How Do You Open a Door with a Bobby Pin?
For this, you’ll need two bobby pins or other similar tools (paper clip).
First, straighten the bobby pins. Create a tension wrench by bending one of the pins into an L-shape. Then, bend the end of the other pint to create a small hook or rake.
Afterward, insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyhole and apply slight tension in the direction you would turn the key to unlock the door. Insert the rake or hook pick above the tension wrench and begin to manipulate the pins inside the lock. Apply pressure to each pin, pushing them upwards until you feel them set.
How Do You Open a Door Using the Scrubbing Method?
Insert the tension wrench or an allen key into the keyhole and apply slight pressure in the same direction you use when turning the key. Then, insert the lock pick into the keyhole and “scrub” it against the pins.
Rapidly move the pick up and down while maintaining tension. Once all the pins are set, the lock should open.
How Do You Open a Door Using a Credit Card?
Slide the edge of the card between the lock mechanism. While maintaining pressure on the latch, push and wiggle the card downward to try to disengage the latch. If successful, the latch should retract with the door open.
Check for open windows or other entry points
Look for any alternative ways to access your home. Prioritise an entry point that will not damage the property. Do not attempt to climb a window without stable support or backup.
Contact a roommate or family member
For all intents and purposes, see if someone else has a spare key or if you have a companion that can get to the interior door lock and let you in.
Call a locksmith
A professional locksmith can help you regain access to your property without dealing damage to the door or lock.
If the situation arises during an odd hour, call an emergency locksmith right away. They usually have a mobile team that can get to you quickly and is well-equipped to carefully unlock doors or replace keys, whichever necessary.
How Do You Open a Door with a Broken Key Inside?
In most cases, you will need the assistance of a professional locksmith. Broken keys, especially those with parts stuck inside the lock will require special tools and techniques to get lifted and subsequently replaced.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Broken Key Out of a Lock?
The cost of removing a broken key from a lock can vary depending on various factors. There’s generally a call out fee and it depends on what work is required. It’s best to call a professional locksmith to get a sound advice and reliable estimate. We often will ask for some photos to get a better understanding on what we are dealing with.
Call Mobile Locksmith Fix for Your Door Lock Needs
If you’re unable to open your door without a key or have encountered any difficulties, give us a call and we’ll have a fully trained and licensed locksmith assisting you in no time.
We specialise in offering locksmith services to both commercial and residential clients and have additional support for emergency lockout situations. Our mobile locksmith services guarantee quick response times and our technicians will do our best to help you regain access to your property safely and efficiently.
