It’s the moment of great despair. You realize you’re locked out of your house. And it’s at the worst time too.
You’re probably running late to an appointment, a meeting, or work. Or maybe you stepped out for a split second, and the door slammed shut behind you.
Whatever caused this unplanned and unfortunate event, the only thing on your mind is, “I need to get back inside.”
Calling a locksmith is the solution however, there are some troubleshooting tips to try first.
You could look up Youtube videos on breaking in by picking the lock or using a credit card like in the movies. But let’s be realistic. It’s a lot harder than it seems. Instead, think logically.
Is it possible there’s an open window or door?
Yes, your doors and windows should be locked. But, there are some instances when we forget to lock them. In cases like these, it comes in handy to forget to lock them.
Look around the house and check all the safe doors and windows to walk through or crawl through. And make sure it’s all the way open. Don’t try to break any doors or windows—especially windows! You don’t want to risk getting cut by glass/debris or end up with an expensive repair.
Also, as you inspect the windows and doors, be careful. Of course, you yourself know you’re locked out and are just trying to find a way back in. But to your neighbor or a random person on the street, it could give off a different perspective.
Does anyone you know have a spare key to your home?
It’s not very safe to hide keys around the house unsecured. Some familiar places keys can hide in plain sight are the mailbox, under the mat, under a rock, on top of the door, or window sill. The list goes on.
But a hidden key in familiar places can easily invite unwanted guests into your home.
As an alternative, most people give their trusted friends and/or families a spare key in case of an emergency.
So think. Do any of your trusted friends or family members have a spare key to your home? Can you pick it up or have them bring it to you?
Can you call your landlord to help?
If you don’t have friends or family with a spare key, the next person to call is your landlord or property manager.
Many landlords and property managers live near the residence they manage—especially in a city. Living nearby makes it easier for them to visit the property in an emergency.
Usually, they have a spare key to your home or a master key, making landlords and property managers the next best source to easily open your door.
So, give them a call. Chances are, they can get to you quicker than a locksmith.
Knock on your neighbor’s door and ask for a flathead screwdriver.
So, there are no open doors or windows. You haven’t given a spare key to anyone you know (or they aren’t answering your calls). And your landlord or property manager will be a while before they can get to you.
What’s next?
Borrow your neighbor’s flathead screwdriver.
Propping a door with a flathead screwdriver is more manageable than picking the lock or using a credit card to open the door.
Chances are, only the doorknob is locked. Because the latch is much shorter than the deadbolt, it’s easier to try and detach it from the wall.
Using the flathead screwdriver, you want to wiggle it through the latch and the wall. The goal is to try and prop it open, pushing the screwdriver back and forth between the door and the wall until you feel the pressure from the latch release.
It may take a few tries before the door opens. And if it doesn’t…
It’s time to call a locksmith.
Sure, it comes with a cost. But so does every business service.
And you’ve tried everything logical that doesn’t involve possibly injuring yourself or leaving you with a repair bill.
When looking for a locksmith to call, try to find the one closest to you, so the commute time isn’t as long. Once they get there, they’ll use the proper tools to open your door with minimal to no damage.
And hey! Maybe you’ll even see them pick the lock like in the movies.
Think ahead and use the tips below in case you lock yourself out again.
These mistakes happen. And while it’s incredibly frustrating at the moment, we tend to let it slide and think it won’t ever happen again.
It will.
So, learn from your mistakes and use the tips below to prevent yourself from getting locked out of your home again:
● Keep a spare key in your wallet/purse
● Purchase a key lockbox with a code and keep it hidden and safe.
● Give a spare key to a trusted friend or neighbor
Locksmith Services Save the Day or Night
Save yourself the time and the frustration by calling a professional locksmith. Action Locksmith in Michigan provides locksmith services including emergency lockout services. Give us a call anytime and we will help you get back into your house, car or safe.
Our residential and commercial locksmith services span all areas of doors, locks and security. This means we handle everything from rekeying to keyless entry, security code upgrades and security systems. Our trusted reputation is backed by vast experience and dedication. Call our locksmith business with questions or assistance anytime!