Emergency Locksmith Services
We've all been there. You step outside to take the bins out, grab the post, or maybe just get some fresh air, and—click—the door shuts behind you. Instantly, your stomach drops. Your keys? Sitting on the kitchen counter, smugly out of reach.
Getting locked out of your own home can be frustrating, stressful, and, depending on the time of day (or night), downright panic-inducing. But before you start considering drastic measures like breaking a window or forcing the door, take a deep breath. There are ways to get back inside—without damaging your home or calling the fire brigade.
As a locksmith, I've seen every type of lockout scenario. So let me walk you through the best ways to get back into your home—quickly, safely, and without unnecessary hassle.
🚪 Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First things first—don’t panic. It might feel like the end of the world, but trust me, there’s a solution.
Check for an Alternative Way In
Before trying anything else, walk around your property and see if there’s another way inside:
- Is a back door unlocked?
- Do you have a ground-floor window slightly open?
- Is there a side entrance or conservatory door that might be accessible?
I once had a customer who was locked out for over an hour, only to realise their back patio door was slightly ajar. Sometimes, the easiest solution is right in front of you!
Do You Have a Spare Key Nearby?
- Have you left a key with a neighbour, friend, or family member?
- Do you keep a spare key in a key safe?
If you’ve planned ahead and have a spare key with someone, now’s the time to call them.
🔑 Step 2: Try These DIY Entry Methods (Only If It’s Your Property!)
If you don’t have a spare key and no alternative way in, you might be able to use some simple tricks to open the door—but only if you have the right type of lock.
The Credit Card Trick (Only Works on Simple Latches!)
This method is only effective on older night latches (Yale-type locks) that aren’t deadlocked.
- Take a flexible plastic card (like an old loyalty card, not your bank card!).
- Insert it between the door and the frame where the latch is.
- Wiggle and push the card down while slightly pulling the door towards you.
🔹 Why It Might Not Work: Modern BS3621-rated locks (the kind insurers require) resist this method. If your lock is high-security, this trick won’t help.
The Shoelace Trick (Only Works on Some Night Latches!)
This method only works if your lock has a knob or handle inside that can be turned to unlock it.
- Take a shoelace or thin piece of string and tie a small loop in the middle.
- Slide the string through the top of the door, working it down towards the latch.
- Once the loop is in position, hook it around the latch and pull tight.
- If done correctly, the latch should pull back, and the door will open.
🔹 Why It Might Not Work: This won’t work on multi-point locks, mortice locks, or euro cylinders.
The Coat Hanger Trick (For Internal Doors Only!)
If you’re locked inside a room rather than outside your home, you might be able to use a wire coat hanger to manipulate the handle through a gap under the door.
🔹 Why It Might Not Work: Most UK front doors don’t have the kind of latch this trick works on.
🚫 Step 3: What NOT to Do! (Avoid Damage & Extra Costs!)
When people panic, they sometimes resort to desperate measures that end up costing more than calling a locksmith. Here’s what you shouldn’t do:
❌ Don’t Try to Force the Door Open
Kicking the door, ramming it with your shoulder, or using a crowbar might seem like a quick fix—but it’ll likely cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage to the door, frame, and lock.
❌ Don’t Break a Window
A broken window will cost more to repair than a locksmith’s fee, and it leaves your home insecure.
❌ Don’t Try to Drill the Lock Yourself
Drilling might seem like a smart idea, but if done incorrectly, you could destroy not just the lock but also the door itself.
🛠 Step 4: Call a Professional Locksmith (The Fastest & Safest Option!)
If DIY methods don’t work (which is likely with modern UK locks), it’s time to call a locksmith.
Why Call a Locksmith?
- Non-destructive entry – A trained locksmith can pick most locks without breaking them.
- Expertise with UK security locks – Many homes have BS3621 mortice locks, anti-snap euro cylinders, and multi-point locks that require specialised tools.
- Fast response times – Many locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency services.
How to Choose a Reliable Locksmith in the UK
- Check reviews on Google, ok2review or Trustpilot.
🛡 Step 5: Preventing Future Lockouts
Once you’re safely back inside, it’s time to make sure this never happens again!
🔑 Get a Spare Key
- Leave one with a trusted neighbour or family member.
- Invest in a police-recommended key safe.
🔑 Upgrade to a Smart Lock
Smart locks like Yale Linus, Ultion Nuki, or ERA TouchKey let you unlock your door via an app—no key required.
🔑 Install a Lock with a Thumb-Turn Inside
This prevents accidental lockouts when stepping outside.
🔑 Regular Lock Maintenance
- Lubricate locks every few months.
- Check door alignment – Misaligned doors can cause locks to jam.
🏠 Conclusion: Don’t Panic – There’s Always a Solution!
If you find yourself locked out, don’t worry—there’s always a way back in!
- Stay calm and check for an alternative way in.
- Try non-destructive entry methods if applicable.
- Avoid causing damage—it’s not worth it.
- Call a trusted locksmith if needed.
- Take steps to prevent future lockouts.
Whether it’s installing a smart lock, keeping a spare key, or simply being more mindful, taking a few precautions now will save you stress later.
And remember—if you ever find yourself standing outside in the cold at midnight, staring helplessly at a locked door, a locksmith is just a call away!
Outline: Locked Out? Here’s How to Get Back In – FAST!
Audience: Suburban UK homeowners (ages 22-55) who may find themselves locked out and need quick, practical solutions.
Introduction
- A relatable scenario: You step outside to take the bins out, and—click!—the door shuts behind you.
- The sinking realisation of being locked out.
- The good news: There are ways to get back inside without causing damage to your property.
- The bad news: Some methods might not work on modern high-security locks.
- What to do next? Stay calm and follow these steps.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
- Check for another way in (back door, side entrance, open window).
- Did you give a spare key to a family member or neighbour?
- Is anyone inside who can let you in? (kids, flatmates, spouse).
2. Common DIY Entry Methods (Only If It’s Your Property!)
🔹 The Credit Card Trick (Works on Simple Latches Only!)
- Best for non-deadlocking night latches (older Yale locks).
- How to try it: Slide a flexible plastic card between the door and frame.
- Why it won’t work on modern locks: BS3621-rated locks are designed to resist this technique.
🔹 The String or Shoelace Method (For Certain Yale Night Latches)
- Works only on some self-locking Yale locks with a knob inside.
- How it works: Slip a looped shoelace through the gap and hook the latch.
🔹 The Coat Hanger or Wire Hook Trick (For Internal Door Locks Only!)
- Used in old movies, but rarely works on modern locks.
- Might work if you have a gap under the door and the handle is easy to pull.
3. What NOT to Do (Avoid Damage & Extra Costs!)
- Don’t try to force the door open – This can damage the frame, lock, or hinges.
- Avoid breaking a window – Repairs cost way more than calling a locksmith.
- Don’t drill or destroy the lock unless you have the tools to replace it.
4. Call a Professional Locksmith (Fastest & Safest Option!)
Why Call a Locksmith?
- Non-destructive entry methods: A skilled locksmith can open most doors without drilling or breaking the lock.
- Expertise in modern locks: Many UK homes have BS3621 mortice locks and anti-snap Euro cylinders, which require professional tools.
- 24/7 emergency service: Many locksmiths offer fast response times for lockouts.
- Security assessment: A locksmith can also check if your locks need upgrading.
5. Preventing Future Lockouts
🔑 Get a Spare Key
- Keep one with a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member.
- Use a secure key safe (police-recommended models).
🔑 Upgrade to a Smart Lock
- Consider Yale Linus, Ultion Smart, or ERA TouchKey for keyless entry options.
- App-based access means you’ll never get locked out again.
🔑 Install a Lock with a Thumb-Turn Inside
- Prevents accidental lockouts when stepping outside.
🔑 Regular Lock Maintenance
- Lubricate locks every few months to keep them in good working order.
- Check door alignment – misaligned doors can cause locks to jam.
Conclusion: Don’t Panic – There’s Always a Solution!
- If locked out, assess your options before forcing entry.
- DIY tricks may work on older locks, but modern security locks often need a locksmith’s expertise.
- Prevention is the best strategy – spare keys, key safes, and smart locks can save you stress and money in the future.
- Need help? A reliable locksmith is just a call away!
