Locked out the house?
If you’ve ever been locked out of your house, you’ll know how frustrating and stressful it can be. Whether you’ve lost your keys or a key has broken in the lock, it’s no fun sitting on your doorstep waiting for help to arrive – especially if it’s cold or dark.
Calling a local locksmith is the simplest and safest way to deal with being locked out. After all, it’s not just inconvenient, it can also pose a risk to the security of your property. Here, we identify a range of scenarios and explain how experienced locksmiths can help.
Lockout scenarios
Locksmiths are trained to help with a number of issues, including:
- Being locked out with no key
- Being locked out with the key on the inside of the door
- Getting your key stuck in the lock or being unable to turn it in the lock
- Snapping or breaking the key while it’s in the lock
In all these scenarios, a reputable locksmith can be with you promptly and offer a non-destructive solution. Businesses such as Absolute Security Locksmiths can help with a wide range of locks, from Euro cylinder and mortice locks to night latches and locks fitted to wooden or uPVC doors. We even have experience with antique locks and can provide a tailored service based on your needs.
Locksmith services for lockouts
Depending on your situation, experienced locksmiths employ a variety of solutions to ensure you are safe and your property is secured.
- Emergency lockout services
Locksmiths respond promptly to emergency situations, particularly those where a customer is alone at night. A 24-hour locksmith service will likely be your first choice if you require help immediately, and experts will try a range of non-destructive methods to get your door open. This might include lock picking or using a bump key to bypass the lock mechanism. Drilling is usually a last resort, only being used when non-destructive techniques have failed or the lock itself is damaged.
- Lock changing
If the lock is broken or faulty, the locksmith will replace it with a new, more secure one. Many local locksmiths carry a selection of standard locks with them, making replacement quick and easy. An immediate replacement will also ensure the instant security of your property.
A new lock is an opportunity to upgrade to a better locking system. Since locks are typically the first physical line of defence against intruders, it’s wise to ensure yours are reliable and compliant with industry standards. If not, your locksmith may suggest investing in a new locking system.
- Key cutting
If a key has broken in the lock, a locksmith will remove the key in a way that preserves the lock itself. They can then give you access to your property and cut a new key to fit your lock. While some providers can do this on-site, others may need to cut a new key at their shop. Experts such as the team at Absolute Security Locksmiths can provide a range of keys, from household cylinder and mortice keys to padlock keys and coded keys.
How to prevent a lockout
Being locked out is fairly common and while calling a local locksmith to help is easy enough, there are several things you can do to avoid it happening altogether.
- Spare keys
Most lockouts happen when people have forgotten or lost their keys, so it makes sense to ensure you have a couple of spares available. If you live alone, it’s worth leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbour or friend who can be with you promptly to let you in. We don’t recommend hiding spare keys in an obvious location such as under a doormat or flower pot, since this can leave you vulnerable to opportunistic burglars or intruders, and may even invalidate your insurance policy.
- Lock maintenance
Just like keys, locks can experience wear and tear over time. Having them maintained by a professional is therefore worthwhile and can help you avoid lockouts. A local locksmith can ease and adjust the lock mechanism to ensure it doesn’t jam, and ensure there are no minor issues that could lead to a lockout in the future.
Locksmith pricing and fees
When you’re locked out of your home it can be tempting to go online and simply choose the cheapest locksmith you find. However, this approach can mean you end up being scammed. Avoid low advertised prices, especially anything starting from below £50. Instead, call the provider, explain the situation and ask for a quote. Reputable locksmiths will give you a fixed, transparent price and break it down for you if necessary.
Factors influencing price may include the type of lock, the complexity of the job, the time of day and whether it’s an emergency. At Absolute Security Locksmiths we don’t charge a callout fee, but other firms may do so.
To obtain the most accurate quote, provide your locksmith with as much information as possible, including the problem (such as whether you’ve forgotten your key or it’s broken in the lock), and the type and brand of the lock.
Choosing the right locksmith company
If you find yourself locked out and in need of a locksmith, be sure to choose a reliable provider. Look for a firm with local contact details and good reviews. An experienced locksmith will also provide a fixed, transparent quote when you call them, and will do everything they can on arrival to deliver a non-destructive solution.
At Absolute Security Locksmiths, we have been operating in the Folkestone area for 20 years. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the safety and security of your property remains intact, and we provide reliable, non-destructive solutions for lockouts. We also offer an emergency callout service for those who need immediate assistance. Contact us today for help with a lockout situation or to enquire about our products and services.