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Lock Guy is a professional locksmith operating in Essex that offers an emergency service for those that find themselves locked out of their property. Locksmiths refer to these jobs as “Lockouts” and having seen all manner of lockout situations, Lock Guy discusses in this article the most common ways people get locked out of their home and maybe how to prevent it from happening.
Doors and locks work in different ways, but where there is a door that needs a key to retract the latch to open it, then it can be easy to forget the key indoors, especially if you are distracted and/or in a hurry, or sometimes you can leave the door ajar and the wind can blow it shut.
This is one of the most common ways to get locked out and it is difficult to prevent this. It is however a good idea to leave a copy of the key with a trusted local person or even keep it in a good quality key safe on the outside of your property.
If you have a lock in the door with a keyway entry in both sides and you leave a key on the inside and close the door, then it will probably not be possible to operate the lock from the outside, therefore you are locked out even if you have your keys.
Prevention suggestions: keep a key for another door (if you have one) on your key ring. Change your lock for a thumb turn lock where there is no way to insert a key on the inside. It is also possible to have a doube-clutch euro cylinder that does operate from both sides – although these are more expensive.
If you lose your keys, or they are stolen, then you will be locked out, another one of the most common ways to get locked out.
Prevention suggestions: Apart from giving a copy to somebody else or storing in a key safe and just taking more care and being as careful as possible, these days there are electronic tracking tags that you can keep with your keys to find them again. For example the Ultion Key Tag.
Remember, if your keys have been lost or stolen, it can also be a security risk so in this situation it is a good idea to get your locks changed.
If the key is not the correct profile, shape or pattern, then the key will not insert or turn therefore leaving you locked out. Keys are made from a soft alloy and can become damaged relatively easily. Equally, some people that cut keys are not that reliable so may not work.
Prevention: Do not use your key for anything other than operating the lock – it is not a tool for opening boxes and lids for example. If you get any keys cut make sure they are all thoroughly tested before you completely rely on it.
If a key breaks whilst in the lock and, even if you have another key, there is a good chance that you will not be able to extract the broken key and therefore you may be locked out as a result of this.
For more information and prevention information, read my article on broken keys.
Locks and locking mechanisms are generally very reliable and robust products based on tried and tested designs. However, things do not work forever and depending on the use and abuse and amount of maintenance, problems can occur. If the lock/mechanism fails whilst you are out and the door is locked, then you may well find yourself locked out even if you have the key.
Prevention: Never ignore problems. Normally locks do not suddenly stop working and they usually give signs of problems before they fail. If the lock becomes stiff and you have to force anything, then it needs urgent attention.
If you have another door to your property then always take that key with you too.
Sometimes the key, the lock and the mechanism are all fine, but the door still does not unlock/open. Normally, this means that the issue is with the door. Doors can ‘drop’ or swell and become jammed.
Again, to prevent this, do not ignore issues where you notice signs of the door becoming difficult to open and close. It is sometimes possible to open the door by pulling or lifting pressure whilst unlocking.
With the multi-point door locking mechanisms, they are operated with the door handles. Over time and with use handles can become worn and broken. With no handle, there is no way to retract the locking points, so you can end up being locked out.
Prevention: replace the handle as soon as it starts to become wobbly. Depending on how it breaks, it is normally possible to turn the spindle to gain access to your home.
If you have a nightlatch on the inside of your door, then you will know that it has a button. This buttin is called a ‘snib’. This snib button allows you to keep the latch retracted or locks the latch in place. Over time, this button can become worn or loose and if the door is closed heavily or slammed, then the button can drop locking the latch in place. Even with the key, it will not be possible to turn the lock and open the door from the outside.
Prevention: Check that the snib is not loose and get the nightlatch replaced if it is. If you are concerned, then make sure you close the door as gently as possible until you can get it resolved.
The prevalence of these types of locks has increased in recent years and the quantity being installed is
forecast to increase further. They come with their own issues (read my article on Smart Locks for more information) and if the technology or the power to the lock fails, then you may find yourself locked out.
Resolution: Select a smart lock with a manual key override and keep the key in a safe place outside of your property. Also, do not ignore low battery warnings and replace or recharge as soon as possible.
Whatever the reason, getting locked out can and does happen. What is very important is not to panic. Smashing a window or a door is likely to cost you more money and inconvenience and will probably leave your property temporarily unsecure.
Equally calling the first locksmith you find on Google may result in very high costs and being taken advantage of by a rogue locksmith. Please see the advice from Lock Guy in my article about How To Identify A Rogue Locksmith.
In all of the common ways to get locked out described in this article, a good, reputable locksmith will be able to help you if you are locked out and in most situations they will be able to gain entry non-destructively.
Read this guide for prices you might expect to pay a locksmith.
If you are locked out in Essex, or concerned about being locked out, or if you have any other lock related requirement in Witham, Maldon, Tiptree, Chelmsford, Colchester or all towns and villages around and in between, then contact Lock Guy.
Got a question about a lock issue you may have? Why not have a look at the FAQ page or one of the helpful advice videos on the Media page.