You step out of your car or house, hear the door click shut behind you, and suddenly realize your keys are inside. That sinking feeling hits. You’re officially locked out.
It happens to everyone at some point. Whether it’s your home, office, or car, getting locked out is frustrating, inconvenient, and sometimes even dangerous (especially if it’s late at night or you’re in an unfamiliar area).
In the panic of the moment, many people make critical mistakes that turn a simple lockout into an expensive or even risky situation.
So before you try breaking into your own home or jamming a coat hanger into your car door, take a deep breath. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common mistakes to avoid and how a professional locksmith in Birmingham can help you regain access quickly and safely.
Mistake 1: Trying to Force the Door Open
One of the biggest (and most expensive) mistakes people make during a lockout is forcing the door open.
- Kicking in a door? Bad idea. You might break the door frame or damage the lock beyond repair.
- Prying a window open? Risky. Not only could you break the glass, but you might also trigger a security alarm.
- Using a credit card on the lock? Works in movies, not real life. Most modern locks are designed to prevent this trick.
Mistake 2: Using DIY Tools That Can Damage Your Lock
When locked out of a car, some people grab whatever’s nearby, coat hangers, screwdrivers, even butter knives, to try and pry the door open.
But these makeshift tools often damage the lock mechanism or scratch the door frame, turning a small problem into a costly repair job.
Locksmiths use specialized tools designed to safely unlock doors without causing damage.
Mistake 3: Not Checking for an Open Door or Spare Key
Before assuming the worst, take a minute to check for an easy solution:
- Try all doors and windows. Sometimes, another entry point may have been left unlocked.
- Check your bag, pockets, or car seat. Your keys might not be lost, just misplaced.
- Look for a spare key. If you gave a copy to a neighbor, friend, or family member, now’s the time to call them.
It sounds simple, but in a moment of panic, many people forget to double-check before jumping into full crisis mode.
Also Read: Emergency Automotive Locksmith Services: What You Need to Know
Mistake 4: Calling the Wrong Help
When locked out, your first instinct might be to call the police. But unless it’s an emergency, like a child or pet trapped inside, law enforcement won’t be able to help.
Some people even call a tow truck for car lockouts, but tow truck operators often lack the tools to safely unlock a modern vehicle without damaging it.
Your best bet? Call a locksmith who specializes in home, business, and vehicle lockouts.
Mistake 5: Not Having a Backup Plan for Future Lockouts
If getting locked out was a wake-up call, use this opportunity to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few smart ways to avoid future lockouts:
- Get a spare key made.
- Use a key finder.
- Upgrade to a keyless lock.
- Have a locksmith’s number saved.
What to Do If You’re Locked Out
If you find yourself locked out, follow these quick steps:
- Stay calm. Panicking won’t help.
- Check for another way in. Try all doors and windows.
- Look for a spare key. If you have one hidden or with a trusted contact, use it.
- Avoid forcing the door. Don’t damage your lock, door, or car in an attempt to get in.
- Call a locksmith. If you can’t get in safely, contact a professional locksmith to help.
Locked Out? Call Bham Locksmith for Fast, Damage-Free Assistance!
Lockouts are stressful, but they don’t have to ruin your day. Instead of risking damage to your property or vehicle, call a reliable locksmith in Birmingham.
Don’t let a lockout turn into a bigger problem. Call Bham Locksmith now and get back inside quickly and safely!
