Things You Can Do When You’re Locked Out

Bradley Koch • July 18, 2022
Locksmith Blog | Image of a person inserting a key into a doorknob

Finding yourself locked out of your home can be quite a frustrating experience, especially after a long day. Often enough, locking yourself out also happens at the most inconvenient times. Luckily, there are still some things you can do to regain access to your home. Here are some examples:


Call for Help

The first thing you should do is to call for help either from a family member or roommate who lives with you. If you’re renting your house, try contacting your landlord. There’s a big chance they’ll also have a spare key ready to lend to you. 


If you’re living in an apartment complex, you can ask for access to your unit from the building manager’s office. Keep in mind, however, that some apartments may ask for a lockout fee.


Contact a Locksmith

If, for some reason, your friends and family are unavailable, your best bet in getting access to your home again is to call for the services of a professional locksmith. They may not be the cheapest option for you, but a locksmith can easily open your locked door without damaging it. If you’re unsure where to look for one, you can ask for recommendations from people you trust. 


You can also try looking for one online. The Associated Locksmiths of America can give you a directory of nearby companies. Simply type in your zip code, and the website will suggest you a list of locksmiths close to your location.


Look for an Open Door or Window

While leaving a window open is not advised as it can be a home security issue, finding an unlocked window can help your situation. You can also try your luck with your backdoor. Just make sure that once you’ve retrieved your keys, you double-check any possible entrances and lock them to prevent thieves from taking your stuff.


Use Improvised Lockpicking Tools

If you have an old card made out of thick plastic, you can use this to wedge in between the door and the frame. Once it’s in place, jiggle and press the door knob forcefully. As you push, bend the card away from the door and then slide the card down. If you’re lucky, this can open the door. Only use this method as a last resort.


Here at Oliphant Lock & Safe, we have 24/7 emergency locksmith services that can help you get access to your home in no time. Contact our locksmith company whenever there’s an emergency.


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