When a door gets stuck or you lose a key, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to open it without causing damage. If you had to attempt to open a door yourself using a technique you found online, you could very well end up with a broken lock or door.
Locksmiths have the training and experience necessary to unlock a door, while still leaving everything intact.
Here is some insight into the techniques they use to achieve this.
How Locksmiths Open Doors Without Damaging the Lock
Locksmiths are capable of opening a wide variety of doors, including wood, uPVC, and composite. They also have extensive experience with a variety of locks. It’s this knowledge that ensures your door looks and works exactly as it did once they are done.
Here are some the techniques that explain how locksmiths open doors without damaging the lock.
- Lock picking. To pick a lock, a specialized tool is used to lift the four pins within the lock. Once the pins are lifted to a specific level, the door unlocks. You can then either get to your key or have a new key made for that door.
- Bump keys. This technique can be used on any door that has a traditional tumbler lock. A bump key is specifically designed to align the pins of a cylinder lock, which unlocks the door.
- Rekeying. Another popular technique that locksmiths often use is rekeying. When you rekey a lock, you ensure that any older keys no longer work. This technique can also be used for general security reasons if you’ve just moved into a new home.
- Reprogramming. If you have a keyless entry system, a locksmith can reprogram the lock to get you back inside.
- Lock replacement. If you are locked out because your lock is damaged, a locksmith can help you replace the lock entirely, which also means any older keys will no longer work. This is another option for those who have just moved into a new home.
Tips for Preventing Lockouts
Ideally, you don’t want to be locked out in the first place, so here are some tips to prevent lockouts:
- Always have a spare key. If you don’t already, now is a good time to cut at least one spare key. You can either leave this key with someone you trust or purchase an inconspicuous key holder that you can place outside your home.
- Maintain your locks. Evaluate all of your external locks to determine what requires maintenance and possible replacement. Older locks require regular maintenance if you want them to keep working correctly.
- Upgrade your locks. If you do need to replace some of your locks, you may want to consider upgrading to smart locks instead. These keyless electronic and mechanical locks allow you to lock and unlock your doors wirelessly. Not only is this convenient but it prevents lockouts too.
If you require any lockout assistance, you can contact Coral Locksmith on +1 239 349 2245.
