Getting locked out never happens at a good time. Here is what actually helps in the first ten minutes, from a shop that handles lockouts in this neighborhood every week.
What should I check before calling anyone?
Try every door and reachable window you have a legal right to use. Check with roommates, partners, and anyone else with a key. If your building has a super, knock. A surprising number of lockouts end with the super's key ring.
Should I try to open the door myself?
Credit cards break, and the lock usually wins. Forcing a window can cost far more than the lockout itself, and on a street-facing window it looks exactly like what it looks like. If the easy options are done, stop before something gets damaged.
What does the locksmith need from me?
- Your exact address and which door it is
- ID or another way to show you live or work there
- A phone that will stay on until we arrive
That is the whole list. You do not need to know what kind of lock it is; we figure that out at the door.
FAQ
Do you handle lockouts at night?
Yes. The emergency line answers 24/7, every day. The walk-in shop keeps its own hours, 10AM to 6PM.
What happens to the lock?
Our first move is always opening the door with the lock intact. If drilling turns out to be the only option, we say so before touching anything, and we can put a new lock in on the spot.