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Lockouts: The Most Common Emergency Call
Lockouts happen for ordinary reasons: keys on the counter, a purse left at the office, a deadbolt that locked behind you. The best outcome is a door that opens with no damage at all, and that's what a professional locksmith aims for. They carry picks, bypass tools and key-cutting equipment in the van, and most home locks can be opened without drilling.
Resist the advice you'll find online about credit cards and coat hangers. On modern exterior doors they rarely work, they can tear weather stripping, and if someone does get the door open that way, you've also demonstrated to yourself that the lock doesn't do its job.
Broken Keys and Failing Locks
Keys snap most often when the lock is stiff or the copy was cut poorly. If part of the key is still sticking out, you can try easing it out with needle-nose pliers, but don't push it deeper, and stop if it doesn't move freely. A locksmith can extract the broken piece, check why the lock seized, and cut a new key on the spot.
A deadbolt that spins without engaging, a key that no longer turns smoothly, or a latch that won't catch are all signs the lock is wearing out. Locksmiths can usually rekey or replace individual locks the same visit, and it's worth asking whether all your exterior locks can be keyed alike so one key works everywhere.
After a Break-In or Break-In Attempt
If someone tried to force your door, the lock, strike plate or frame may be weakened even if the door still closes. A locksmith can inspect the damage, replace compromised hardware and reinforce the strike area. Ask about longer screws into the framing, since short screws in the strike plate are a common weak point.
If keys were stolen along with a wallet that has your address on it, don't just replace the lock, rekey it. That changes the pins so old keys no longer work, and it's usually cheaper than full replacement. Report the theft to police and tell them the keys are missing.
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Post my jobSmart Locks and Dead Batteries
Smart locks fail in two familiar ways: the battery dies and the keypad goes dark, or the app won't connect and the motor won't respond. Most models keep a physical key cylinder for exactly this reason, so try the override key before anything else. Some also have a 9-volt contact on the keypad that lets you borrow power from a battery long enough to enter the code.
If the override key won't turn or the lock still won't respond, a locksmith can open the door and then help you choose a replacement model with a more reliable backup method. If a smart lock is under warranty, keep the failed unit for the manufacturer's claim.
Winter: Frozen Locks and Icy Doors
Canadian cold snaps freeze exterior locks regularly, especially on garages, sheds, mailboxes and older doors where moisture has worked into the cylinder. A lock de-icer from a pharmacy or hardware store is the right tool. Rubbing alcohol on the key can help too. Don't breathe on the keyhole; the moisture in your breath makes the freeze worse.
Avoid hot water entirely. It thaws the lock for a moment and then refreezes the water inside, leaving you worse off. If the door itself is frozen shut along the weather stripping, push firmly near the latch rather than yanking the handle. For a lock that freezes every winter, ask a locksmith about a weather-resistant cylinder.
What a Locksmith Will Do
Expect questions about which door, which lock and what happened before they start. Legitimate locksmiths verify that you have a right to enter the property, so have photo ID and proof of address handy, especially if your ID was inside the house. They'll open the door with the least invasive method, then tell you what, if anything, needs repair or replacement.
Ask for the price before work begins, including the service call and any parts, and get it in writing. If new hardware is needed, ask for recommendations on grade and finish so the replacement matches the rest of the door.
What Affects the Cost of an Urgent Call
Every job is different, so we don't publish a flat emergency price. Ask for the total before work starts. These are the things that usually move the number:
- Time of the call: after-hours and holiday rates are common
- The type of lock, and whether it can be opened without drilling
- Whether a key needs to be extracted or cut on site
- Rekeying versus replacing hardware after a break-in
- Security grade of any replacement lock
- Travel distance, especially outside major cities