At some point, most people may have experienced getting locked out of their house. Imagine going home after a long day expecting your keys to be inside your bag, but as you rummaged through, it is not there. First, you enter the denial stage, and then panic and frustration. Finally, you have accepted the fact that you have been locked out; what next? Being locked out can be a serious problem, especially if you have pets inside that require your attention. At this point, your best option is to get lock picking services. You can also try the following tips.
Call the Locksmith
If you find that you have no keys and no way to enter your house and there are no neighbors in sight, you have no other option. It is time to SOS the locksmith. The cost of lock picking services will vary depending on your location and extent of services needed. The average you have the shell out can be $65-$120 for residential lockouts. In an expensive area such as New York, you will have two spend $150 for emergency house openings.
Despite the steep price, the locksmith is your safest option if you’re not confident with your lock picking skills and if you have no tools available in the first place. You may also not have the patience to battle it out with your front door.
Remove the doorknob
If you cannot open the door with the card method, you can try removing the doorknob itself. It will only work if you do not have a deadbolt on the other side. Once again, your front door design may not utilize a handle that can be simply removed. If this is the case, get professional help. If you find neighbors around, ask for their assistance, and see if they have tools. Make sure that you are knowledgeable about the kind of screws used in your doorknob. You may require a flathead and Phillips screwdriver.
A majority of exterior door knobs will not utilize exposed screws. You need to find a small latch or a way to unfasten the knob from the door. Using the flat head screwdriver, try prying it off. Remove any internal screws as well. If this works, you can remove the doorknob and use your finger or the screwdriver to pull out the latch. This method may be slower, but it won’t cause damages to your door if done right.
Check all openings
If there is no one present in your vicinity or live alone, and there is no landlord to call, you are left to your own devices to find an entry. Start checking the areas around your home. If you are locked out of the house, check all the doors and windows that can be reached. If no window is slightly open, try removing the screen and open the window. Be careful if you are climbing through an open window. If you have a garage leading to the house, try to see if you can open it with a remote. Ensure that your car keys didn’t get lost along with your house keys so you can get the clicker.
Conclusion
Getting locked out can be a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be since there are always solutions available. The best option is to call professional locksmith services. Trying to open the door by yourself can be frustrating, and you may not have the proper tools and know-how. However, if you’re lucky other means of entry may work.
