Can a Locksmith Open a Locked Door?

As an MLA approved locksmith in Barnet we regularly receive emergency calls from people who are locked out and need access to their property. We aim to open a locked door with minimum damage. This is not the case with all locksmiths, which is why this post comes with some WARNINGS of rogue locksmith tricks to avoid.

Can a Locksmith Open a Locked Door?

The simple answer to this question is, yes a locksmith can open a locked door. There is always a way to open a door that is locked. However, some scenarios are simpler than others.

How Easy is it for a Locksmith to Open a Locked Door?

The method used to gain access by opening a locked door will very much depend on the circumstances. Some door openings will be quick and easy and some will be much more time consuming and can potentially mean destroying the lock to gain access. Destroying the lock should be an absolute last resort. However, in some cases it is necessary due to the lock or mechanism being beyond repair. If the lock is old, a lock replacement would be an advantage to the homeowner, by improving security and reducing the likelihood of needing to call a locksmith for lock repair again in the future.

WARNING: Beware of locksmiths who destroy locks unnecessarily and install cheap locks for profit.

Questions a Locksmith Should Ask To Establish How Complex it will be to Open a Locked Door

When you call a locksmith and say you are locked out of the property they should ask you questions to establish the level of difficulty to gain access. With more information, they can provide you with an accurate quote to open your door.

Questions We Ask When Someone Asks Us to Open a Locked Door:

Do you have proof that you live at the property?
Does anyone have a key for the door? Is the key in the house?
What type of door is it? Is it a UPVC, composite or wooden door?
Do you have a letterbox? Where is the letterbox positioned on the door?
They may also ask you to send an image of the door.

WARNING: If a locksmith doesn’t ask questions and quotes a low price without knowing the circumstances you are likely be at risk of being over charged by a rogue locksmith.

How Does a Locksmith Open a Locked Door?

Methods a locksmith uses to open a locked door can range from slipping the lock open, using specialist tools to pick the lock, using a letterbox tool, extracting a key if it’s stuck in the lock or drilling the lock in extreme circumstances.

Methods professional Locksmiths use to open a locked door require:

Specialist tools
Skill
Experience

For example, drilling a lock incorrectly can cause even more damage and repair work needed than was required in the first place.

WARNING: Choosing the cheapest locksmith as opposed to an experienced locksmith could cause significant damage

Cheap Locksmith London — Main Image Courtesy of katemangostar

Can a Locksmith Open an Electronic Door Lock?

Yes. a locksmith can open an electronic door lock. The method used to open the lock will depend on the circumstances and the type of electronic lock.

What is the Cost of Locksmith Services to Open a Locked Door?

As we mentioned earlier in the post the time, effort and materials required and the resulting cost will vary depending on what is required. In addition to this, the time of day will have a bearing on the cost, because out of hours call outs can cost up to 50% more.

If you are getting a locksmith quote for opening a locked door make sure they are genuine locksmiths.

Examples of Costs for a Locksmith to Open a Locked Door

A simple lock slip open during the day could cost from £70 – £90
A lock opening and replacement ‘out of hours’ could be as much as £70 – £250 depending on the type of lock required

Emergency locksmith services out of hours are much more expensive than during the day.

What To Do if You are Locked Out – 3 Steps

If you find you are locked out the 1st thing to do is to think of ways to avoid calling a locksmith.

1) Can You Open a Locked Door Without a Locksmith?

Depending on why you are locked out you may be able to open the door without the help of a locksmith.

If you haven’t got a key think about accessing the property through a different door (such as the back door) or think about if someone else has a key to your door
If the lock is jammed you can try our Stiff Door Lock Trouble Shooting Tips
If a broken key is stuck on the door you can try our Tips to Remove a Broken Key from a Door Lock

If none of these apply the next thing you can do is call a locksmith to ask for advice on the phone.

2) Ask a Locksmith for Advice on How to Open a Locked Door

If you phone an honest professional locksmith they will be happy to help you troubleshoot on the phone. If the locksmith cannot help you on the phone you will need to arrange a call out.

3) Call a Reliable Locksmith to Open a Locked Door

Take care to find a reliable locksmith lockout service. You can read this article about the questions you should ask a reliable locksmith if you are locked out. If you have chosen a reliable qualified locksmith they should provide you with a fixed price estimate before attending the property.

Read here for advice on how to avoid getting locked out in the 1st place and in future!

Contact IKS Locksmiths for a Fast Professional Locksmith Service

If you are locked out in the North London area call us for the fastest response. We will provide you with a competitive locksmith price to open a locked door with no key.

We are specialists in locks, security grilles and safes. For anything non urgent;