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How do locksmiths open doors?
To get into houses, locksmiths open doors using specialised techniques, knowledge and experience. Not all locksmiths will be trained to use specialised techniques and tools. A well trained and experienced locksmith will possess the knowledge and tools needed to open any common lock and gain entry, including: euro cylinder locks, anti-snap locks, mortice locks, smart locks, code locks and more.
Common reasons for opening a door include lost keys, key breakage, faulty lock mechanisms, weather-induced swelling or shrinking, alignment issues, electronic lock failures and accidental locking. These can occur with any door type, ranging from wooden doors, uPVC doors and composite doors, to aluminium doors and sliding doors.
Methods to open a door
There are several ways a locksmith will open a door, many of which will require working with the door lock itself. The techniques used can be split into two common methods of approach: non-destructive door opening (Non-destructive entry) and destructive door opening (Destructive entry).
Good news: All of our professional locksmiths are trained to open doors using the latest non-destructive techniques and tools to get you back in without any unnecessary damage to your locks or doors.
Non-destructive entry
Non-destructive entry involves opening doors without damaging the door or lock. This method of door opening will usually be accomplished by utilising one or more of the following opening techniques and tools: lock picking with hand picks or an electric pick gun, using mortice lock decoders, manually sliding open the lock latch, bypassing the lock and using other specialist tools, such as the letterbox tool. These expert techniques allow a trained locksmith to gain access to and manipulate a lock in a variety of different ways depending on the circumstance.
Kevin 
"Amazing service at very short notice... arrived at property within 6 minutes of initial phone call. Gained entry with no damage to property and provided extra advice out of courtesy."
Typical Non-Destructive Entry Steps:
- Initial Assessment: The locksmith will determine the type of lock, the door material and type, as well as any security features installed.
- Tool Selection: Choose appropriate non-destructive entry tools such as lock picks, bump keys, or decoders based on the lock type.
- Entry Methods:
- Lock Picking: The locksmith might use manual picks or an electric pick gun to manipulate the lock without damaging the lock mechanism.
- Decoding: For more complex locks, like mortice locks, a lock decorder may be used.
- Bypass Techniques: They may employ techniques to bypass the lock mechanism directly, often by manipulating hardware components to allow entry without engaging the locking mechanism itself.
- Specialised Tool Usage: Tools such as a letterbox tool can facilitate entry without direct interaction with the lock cylinder.
- Final Inspection and Testing: Once the door has been opened by a locksmith, they will conduct a thorough check of the lock and door functionality to ensure that the lock works as intended with a key.
Destructive entry
Destructive door opening is only likely to be attempted when non destructive entry methods fail and the lock is particularly stubborn or resistant to opening. In these scenarios, the locksmith should keep damage to a minimum to reduce cost. These methods tend to include: drilling a lock open using special techniques or using force to open the door.
Responsible Destructive Entry Steps:
- Initial Evaluation: An experienced locksmith will always determine the necessity for a destructive method by ensuring that non-destrucive entry is not possible, is not required, or all non-destructive options have been exhausted.
- Damage Mitigation: They should take steps to protect the door frame and surrounding areas from damage during the process.
- Entry Methods:
- Selective Tool Usage: Choose the least invasive tools, such as precision drills to minimise damage.
- Minimal Removal Techniques: Remove the lock hardware with precision to preserve door integrity as much as possible.
- Targeted Lock Disassembly: Strategically and carefully use tools to dismantle the lock at precise points without affecting other door components.
- Measured Force Application: Apply a controlled force, if necessary, focusing on the weakest points to minimise door damage.
- Post-Entry Assessment: Perform a thorough inspection of the door and lock area after entry to assess any damage. Evaluate the need for a replacement lock and recommend immediate repairs and security enhancements. If approved, proceed to replace the lock.
Do you need a locksmith to open a locked door? Our locksmiths are professionally trained, DBS checked and provide a 24/7 service. There's no call out fee and we aim to get to you as quickly as possible. Contact a locksmith or call us today on 0800 0612 677.
Locksmith opening a front door using a lock pick
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