Blog Post

A few professional ways to open your locked door

Simon G • November 28, 2018

Slipping, picking, bumping and drilling, different ways to open your locked front door.

Lock opening tips

Are you locked out? Have you been locked out? If the answer to either of these questions is yes we will go through a number of ways you can use to open your front door. Some of them are easier then others and some require specialist tools, we will try to break them down so they can be used for an emergency lock-out.
What lock do you have?
If your door has just shut behind you and you left the keys inside , chances are you have a latch lock. In this situation you may not be as locked out as you think and we advise you to keep reading to tick off your options.

Lock Slipping
This is a common technique used to break into latch locks. Provided you can locate a bit of plastic, this method id relatively easy if possible. Id depends on the case on the inside of the car whether or not it is anti-slip or not. Surprisingly this method is effective on UPVC doors that have shut behind you and cannot be opened from the outside with the handle. We posted a lengthy blog post explaining in detail how this is done. Basically slip between the door and the frame, locate the latch and pull.

This is a common method used by the Police, Fire services, Locksmiths and burglars as well. It's fairly simple and if you're locked-out chances are you have a few minutes to give it a try. Please do not use your credit card to try and do this, many of our customers have broken their cards and best case scenario you are now locked out and down a card. Unless the door is extremely skinny this will not work, in London front doors are a minimum of 3 Inches thick, the credit card just isn't long enough.

Lock Picking
Picking is a common method used by either locksmiths who are trained and use the skill on a daily basis, or by lock picking enthusiasts. This method does require a certain level of practice and skill, as such it may not be suitable for your average locked out person.
Picking involves using a picking tool of your choice and a tension wrench. These tools can even be manufactured out of used windscreen wipers or purchased at professional locksmith shops. Apply tension in the direction of opening and either single pick the lock or use the raking method. With the single picking method you are looking to manipulate the pins one by one over the shear line to mimic the key. Raking works by slowly bumping the pins up while applying pressure at the right time again mimicking the key. Different locksmiths prefer different methods and different methods are advised for use on different types locks. Raking can only be used on Pin tumbler cylinders whereas single pin/ lever picking can be used on both Pin tumbler locks and lever locks.

Lock Bumping
Bumping a lock normally requires some tools and therefore may not be the most effective way to get inside your property when locked out. This method will only work on pin tumbler locks. If you do however happen to have bump key in your pocket and a bumping mallet/ hammer your luck is in.
Bumping works in a similar way to raking, but instead of using a tension wrench, using a bump key to apply tension and bump the pins up at the same time.
Lock Drilling
Drilling can often be used to gain access to locks and in some cases is necessary. For example, you're trying to turn your key but it's refusing to turn. Sometimes the lock can be so old and the springs can be jammed that the key won't match the pins anymore. If a key won't work, chances are picking, raking and bumping will all be completely useless. In cases there the key is in good condition we will tell our customers "If the perfect tool for the job doesn't work, we must bypass it".
When drilling a lock it is very important to understand the inner mechanics and workings of the lock. Should you drill a lock and not know what you're drilling chances are it will make the situation worse, not better. In short, if you have a failed lock we definitely advise calling a local locksmith

Using a hook
Using a hook or a bent clothes hanger is probably the easiest and you will most likely be able to ask a neighbour for a hook or find a bendable object from the street. You probably have a dry cleaner nearby who will give you a clothes hanger that can be bent into shape.
One you have found/ manufactured a tool now you can start fishing. It takes patience and determination which may not be for some people, however it is possible provided you can reach the handle on the inside of the property.

Make sure you check all windows before giving up hope as often there will be an open window as you weren't intending to lock the door or leave the property for an extended time.
If you're trying to gain access to a property and are having no luck, just call a locksmith in London on 020-3151-0531 or check out our contact us page to send us a message. Any other issues you may have feel free to check out our locksmiths FAQ's.



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Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham , help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times . Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
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Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea , where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you’ve just moved in or simply want to feel more secure, here are the top 5 reasons to consider a lock upgrade. 1. You’ve Just Moved In Even if the previous owner handed over all the keys, you can never be sure who else has a copy. Lock replacement ensures that only you have access to your new Chelsea home. 2. Your Current Locks Aren’t Insurance Approved Many insurers require locks that meet British Standard BS3621. If your current locks don’t comply, it could invalidate your insurance in the event of a break-in. 3. You've Experienced a Break-In or Attempted Entry After a burglary or even an attempted one, upgrading your locks is essential. We recommend anti-snap and high-security locks that resist drilling, picking, and bumping. 4. Peace of Mind Simply put – upgraded locks help you sleep better at night. Knowing that your home is secure with robust, professionally fitted locks offers lasting peace of mind. Need help upgrading your locks in Chelsea? Visit our Chelsea Locksmith page and get in touch today for expert advice and quick service.
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A burglary can be terrifying if you have never experienced one. You may first see damage to your doors, locks, and windows, causing the worst thoughts to come to your head. Then, when you investigate the situation, you realize a burglar has damaged and stolen property in your home or business. What do you do in this situation? Here are the top four things to do after a burglary occurs on your property. 1) Contact the Local Authorities The first thing to do is contact your local police to notify them of the burglary. They will send patrol or uniformed officers to your home or business to question you about the incident. If you believe a burglar may still be in your home or business after discovering evidence of a potential burglary, do not attempt to engage them. Otherwise, you will risk getting injured or killed by engaging with a person who may be dangerous. Secure yourself in a safe location and call the police. Burglars will not usually stick around for very long, especially if they hear police sirens outside. 2) Evaluate Your Belongings Explore your burglarized property once you are sure it is safe. Take inventory of your remaining belongings and create a list of all the missing items. The police must know this information to assist with their investigation and help you recover the stolen items. Make sure you are honest about the stolen items. The police and your insurance company will ask you for the estimated value of each stolen item. Give the best answers possible. 3) Contact Your Insurance Company Notify your home insurance company about the burglary after notifying the police. They will also ask you for the list of stolen items to calculate the value of your claim. Provide any information or documentation requested, including photos, police reports, medical reports, etc. All these things are factors in calculating the highest possible value for your claim. 4) Upgrade or Repair Your Locks The police might not find the burglar for several days or weeks. In fact, they might not find them at all. Either way, do not wait for the next burglar to strike your home or business without taking action to secure your property. A burglar usually damages a door or window lock to gain unlawful entry into a building. If they are successful, the door might have a worn-out or low-grade lock incapable of stopping a standard burglary attempt. If unsuccessful, the door might have a high-grade lock that resisted the attempt. However, the lock could have still suffered damage. After any burglary, the best thing to do is upgrade or repair your door and window locks to ensure your property remains safe. A professional locksmith can evaluate your existing locks to see which ones should be upgraded or repaired to keep you and your property safe.  Contact a Professional Locksmith Do you need to hire a professional locksmith to install or replace the locks in your doors or windows? Call SMS Locksmith at 020-3151-0531 for assistance.
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