HOME & FAMILY
Locked Out at Home!
Locked out of the house is an inconvenience. Locked out of a room with a little one inside is an emergency — get help right away. If everyone’s safe outside, try the checklist and options below first; save the destructive fixes for last.
Grandpa TJ's Quick Takes
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Grandpa TJ's Cautionary Tale:
A neighbor’s aunt accidentally locked the bedroom door where the niece's baby was napping. Waiting for a locksmith was not an option because it could take hours and she was frantic — Long story short: we got in without even waking the baby by
. Knowing how to handle minor lockouts like this can prevent expensive and sometimes long delays. But if you find yourself in this situation with a child or invalid at risk, don't wait! Call 911.
But before you try to force the door or break a window!
I know it's frustrating and more than a little inconvenient but before you try anything destructive, ask yourself these questions:
Are there any alternate access methods that I can use?
Have you walked around the house to see if there is an unlocked window or dog door that you (or your kid) can slide through?
Is there someone else in your household that will be home soon or can get a key to you?
Do you have a neighbor with a key?
Did someone hide a spare key somewhere? Hopefully not under the flowerpot or the front doormat where anyone can guess?
Here is a video with some very creative suggestions for hiding a key.
If it's not an emergency, what are your choices?
But what if you can't find an open window or have a hidden key or perhaps the neighbor or family member won't be home for hours...
Here are some options.
Call a locksmith
Pros: Easy — a pro can handle almost all lockouts and usually picks the quickest fix.
Cons: Trip fee $20–$50+; night calls may surcharge; often means a new knob set and keys. Hard on a tight budget.
Interior doors — unlock tools & tricks
Pros: Easy and quick when you have (or can make) the right tool.
Cons: Needs the right tool for that lock style and a bit of know-how.
Interior doors — defeat the latch
Pros: Often easy and quick; usually not very difficult even when it takes a few tools.
Cons: Needs skill to slip the latch; cutting the latch can leave cosmetic frame damage; door stays weaker until a new latch is in.
Keyed doors — lucky key method
Pros: Easy and quick if you get lucky.
Cons: Needs other similar keys and some skill trying them.
Keyed doors — shim the latch
Pros: Worth a few minutes if there are no better options.
Cons: Needs a shim; only works if the latch (especially the deadlock plunger) is weak or mis-installed.
Keyed doors — drill the lock
Pros: Quick with the right tools — the method locksmiths use most often.
Cons: You must replace the whole keyed knob set and swap keys with everyone; door stays open until then.
Keyed doors — break through the door
Pros: Several methods; can be very quick (and noisy).
Cons: Usually expensive carpenter repairs; significant door/frame damage; leaves the home unprotected until fixed.
Keyed doors — pick the lock
Pros: Usually no damage to door or lock.
Cons: Needs tools, skill, and sometimes a lot of patience.
Need help with your situation?
Email Grandpa TJ for free, unbiased advice, or join the Inner Circle when you need a real conversation with a real person.
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