Every now and then, your average Australian gets locked out of their house. It’s not uncommon and the reasons can be many. However, it’s quite frustrating and a complete waste of time, not to mention that it can also be very dangerous. But what do you do if it happens to you?
It’s good to know that you have options if it ever happens that you lock yourself out of your house. Here are some tips on what to do if you ever end up in this situation.
1. Check for unlocked doors and windows
Our first advice is not to panic. In a lot of cases, the back door to your home might be open. So, before you start panicking or making various scenarios in your head, check the back door.
If the back door is locked too, check each of your first-floor windows. Maybe you left a window open or at least unlatched.
If that’s the case, you might be able to crawl through the window and enter your house. Of course, do this cautiously, because entering through windows can be dangerous.
2. Call someone who might have a spare key
If both your back door and windows are locked, don’t get desperate, you still have options. It’s time to call your household member or a roommate because they are likely to have their keys with them. Again, this depends on your living arrangements.
If you live alone, maybe one of your family members, your friends, or neighbors has a spare, emergency key. If that’s so, call them and tell them you’ve locked yourself out of your home.
Lastly, you always have the option of calling your landlord and explaining your situation. The landlord always has spare keys.
3. Use a credit card
This following credit card method is questionable and a no-go for many people, but desperate situations call for desperate measures. If you have your credit card with you, you can try to pick your door lock with it.
It doesn’t even have to be a credit card, just any laminated card you have handy. Then, put your card between the door and the frame, and press the handle forcefully. The other option is to try hitting the locking mechanism with your card and then press it to unlock the door.
Unfortunately, if your door has been locked with a deadbolt lock, the card trick won’t be of much help.
4. Take the doorknob apart if possible
If you know how or if you contact the internet, you may be able to find out how to disassemble and remove the doorknob. You will probably need some tools and your neighbors might be able to give you a hand with this if you ask them.
It mostly depends on the type of doorknob, but the tools you’ll need include a screwdriver and a paperclip or a pin. Use the screwdriver to remove all the screws and then use the paperclip or a pin to remove the hinge screws.
Of course, keep in mind that not all doorknobs are the same and you won’t be able to disassemble every doorknob this way.
Once you’re in, don’t forget to assemble back your lock so that your home is safe again.
5. Call a locksmith
When nothing else works out, your best and probably safest option is to call a locksmith. A certified professional locksmith from Sydney will most certainly be able to help you open any type of door.
If you explain your situation to the locksmith, they will do their best to get to you as fast as possible and open your door for you quickly and efficiently without damaging your lock or door. A win-win situation really.
6. Break in
Your last resort should be breaking in. If, for whatever reason, nothing above mentioned works out, only then try to break in. This will certainly make a scene and you may even attract some attention, but the circumstances may call for it.
Especially if your kids have been locked in and you locked out. We recommend breaking in the back door of your house since back doors are mostly in your backyard so this will minimize the attention you’d get.
Never break windows because it’s a hazard and risk you don’t need to take unless it’s an emergency. To break down the door, just kick it hard near the knob and the door will likely open.
Getting locked out of your house is a problem and an inconvenience. The key to resolving a problem of this kind is staying calm and knowing all the options you have. Ultimately, keep in mind, that your safest bet is a certified locksmith who will help you get inside your home quickly and efficiently.