Getting locked out stinks, whether it’s your house, your car, or your office, it wastes a lot of time and causes a lot of stress. However, if you have the proper lock picking equipment and preparation, you will never be locked out again.
When you find a preventative approach that works for you, it will be as if you always have your keys with you. (Sometimes having your keys on hand is the best solution.) However, the success of any of these strategies is dependent on your willingness to commit time and thinking. Time to gather materials and conduct research, and consider putting your twist on it. Attempting to implement most of these strategies directly from the page will be futile.
1. Keep your keys in check
Whether you keep your essentials in your purse or your pockets, you can develop the habit of double-checking that you have everything before leaving. If you can do something every day for 30 days, you can develop a habit that will last. Check to see if you have the stuff you always need with you before leaving the house.
It’s as simple as a quick touch to all of my pockets so that you can know if you have your keys or not. You can also start doing this whenever you stand up because these items can fall onto the floor or the chair. This method will ensure that you never forget anything you use regularly, but it will not prepare you for when anything needs to be added to your list. You can honestly avoid lockout situations by adopting this habit.
2. Carry lock picks
If you know how to pick locks, having a lock pick set on hand would be useful. You will almost certainly always be prepared and will never lock yourself out, but you may be able to assist a buddy in need one day. Of course, you must verify your local and state lock pick legislation to determine whether you are permitted to acquire or carry lock picks. Pick the lock only if you are positive that the individual granting you permission owns the property. Keep an eye out for locks that are difficult to pick.
3. Carry bump keys
One bump key should suffice. You’ll also need a hammer or another tool to strike the key with. Bump keys can be tough to operate, so be sure you understand what you’re doing. Before you use them on any existing lock, practice first. It could be something you hide on your property since someone who comes across might not know how to use it. Hide the bump key of the lock that is not on the front door if the locks are from different manufacturers.
4. Carry tryout keys
Do some investigation before buying a set of test keys to see if they should function. These are primarily useful for unlocking older models of automobiles and motorcycles. They are unlikely to operate on a regular residential lock. These may be ideal if you are concerned about an auto lockout or do not want to hotwire your motorcycle. The set is just required until you find a type that works with your lock. You’ll only need one key once you’ve found it. If you don’t wanna carry it either, then the best option is to go for the lockout service.
5. Spare key
We are not talking about the hackneyed method of burying a key behind a mat, rock, or whatever. Make a duplicate key so that a friend or neighbor can keep it on hand in case of an emergency. You might also keep a spare key in your wallet or someplace else you always have on your mind. The trick with the spare key is to place it in an awkward location. Put it in your wallet or under the soil of a potted plant. Somewhere secure, where it will not be naturally visible or readily fall out. If you prefer to keep the key inside of something visible, be sure it is placed inconspicuously. That is if you are going to place it in a potted plant, acquire a few plants at the same time.
Locks that don’t work properly might cause a slew of issues. Even with the correct key, the lock will not open. If your lock is difficult to open, then your key might have been overstressed. The key will break if the metal in it is overstressed. When a key breaks in a lock, having a spare does little good. Check which of your locks are in bad working order and which are working.
Store your spare key securely
While having a spare key is essential, putting it in a secure location near your home where you can easily access it is also crucial. You can store your extra key in a nearby Keycafe SmartBox and grant access to friends, relatives, or Airbnb guests simply by entering their email addresses or phone number. You can effortlessly manage and track your guest’s travel to pick up your keys with the Keycafe mobile app.
6. Check the perimeter
If you need to go back inside the house, don’t leave your keys on the table. Put your keys in your pocket or your hand. When you lend a buddy your keys, make sure you get them back as soon as the person returns. Make certain that your keys are not visible to outsiders or untrustworthy individuals. Knowing where your keys keep them from being misplaced or forgotten ensures that key control is never compromised.
7. Call a locksmith
If your situation is critical or you have exhausted all other options, you should contact a locksmith. Some leases will let you do this for free a certain number of times within a certain time limit. You might be allowed to call the locksmith once every six months. You should find a locksmith before you need one so that you are not caught arguing between “locksmith near me” search results. You should consider this option before kicking in your door (which would result in a locksmith call) or shattering a window, both of which will undermine your security. These items will also cost more to repair than a locksmith would charge to unlock the door.
8. Do not duplicate keys from duplicates
The more keys you replicate, the further they will deviate from the original. If you make enough duplicates, the key will eventually become difficult to turn. When the key stops working properly, it is likely to break. If you replicate a broken key, the replacement key may not work at all. As a result, spares should always be built from the original, or as close to it as possible.
9. Credit card
The obvious joke is that you should call a local locksmith with your credit card. Keep your credit card in your wallet after you’ve finished laughing at that nicely written joke. Though movies portray this as being done using plastic money, it is preferable to use something more disposable. It will most likely be bent out of shape once you use it. A laminated card, such as an old gift card, should suffice. This will only work on non-deadbolt drilled door locks with the bolt’s slanted ridge facing you. If the door opens toward you, the bolt is probably facing the opposite way. Place the card in the gap between the door and the jam above the bolt if the bolt is the correct type and facing the correct direction. Insert the card between the bolt and the strike plate. Push the card, then the door. This will open the lock, preserving everything but the card. But instead of doing all these try calling out a locksmith and they will fix everything even at any odd time.
10. Unknown keys
Sometimes the spare keys you have are not the only ones available. Check to see whether the doorman has spare keys to the rooms if you reside in a building with one. Your building management or super may also have a spare or master key that you are unaware of. Find out ahead of time who has a key so you can reach them in an emergency. Find out if you have access to these keys. You may not be aware of any policies or circumstances that would restrict these keys from being utilized in lockouts. It can also assist you in replacing misplaced keys. Instead of looking for a key code, you can have one duplicate key from an existing key.
11. Have all the contacts
Have the number of a buddy with a spare key, your landlord, or a locksmith saved in your phone. You will not be the best detective if you are worried and distressed. Prepare an emergency contact list so you know who will assist you in these types of circumstances. Make certain that these folks will come to your rescue. Even if they are a terrific friend, circumstances may prevent them from assisting you, so make sure you have more than one emergency contact. They will help you in each situation even when your car door is locked or your office door is jammed or something else.
12. Be calm and aware
Much research has been conducted on the impact of worry on memory and task performance. Staying calm is the best approach to ensure that you are operating at your peak. If you notice yourself becoming stressed, try not to leave the location until you have calmed down. This obviously will not work if the stressor is tardiness. If you are late, you must acknowledge your worry and strive to remain alert to the situation. You can move quickly without being damaged. Keep track of your stuff and try to recognize when you deviate from your normal routine.
13. Layers
Instead of hiding the key that unlocks your front door, it might just unlock your gate or garage. In that manner, even if the key is discovered, it will not unlock the door. The key will allow you to enter your property, which is where the true key may be found. This will work in the case of a detached garage and a property with a secure backyard. However, the layers do not have to stop there. You can use any or all of these strategies to ensure that you have access to your home without jeopardizing its security.
Conclusion
There should be at least one method on the list that you can utilize to ensure you are not powerless if you ever lose or forget your keys. However, once you have implemented your method(s), you are not finished. Consider your security flaws and revise your strategy. For example, you could sew your key inside your wallet. If your wallet is stolen, the criminal will have your address (which is on your ID) as well as your house key. If that key does not unlock your front door, you can combine it with another security precaution. To maintain your precautions practical and effective, refine and reconsider them. Do not reduce your security because you are afraid of being locked out; there is always a way back in.
Try your hardest to have your cake and eat it as well. A balance can undoubtedly be struck in any lifestyle that protects your property from robbery while also protecting you from being locked out. This list should not be used to jeopardize the security of another person. Handle your security in compliance with all applicable laws, and be careful. Also, the team of Desert Locksmith is here to help you with anything at any odd hour, so you can contact them whenever you want.