Getting locked out of your home, car, or office is one of life’s most frustrating experiences.
When you’re stuck in unpleasant circumstances, you need to know how do locksmiths open doors quickly and efficiently. This guide is your go-to source for anything you need to know about opening doors quickly!
Understanding Your Lock Mechanism
It’s important to understand that modern residential locksmiths are trained professionals who understand the intricate workings of different lock types. They don’t force their way in. Instead, they use methods based on how locks are designed to function.
Most residential locks operate on a pin tumbler system, where metal pins of varying lengths must align perfectly at the shear line to allow the lock to turn.
Commercial locksmith services handle a wide range of advanced security needs. Commercial locks may use more sophisticated mechanisms, including wafer locks, disc detainer locks, or electronic systems. Understanding these mechanisms allows locksmiths to choose the most appropriate and fastest opening method.
Techniques for Fast Door Opening
1. Lock Picking
Professional locksmiths use tools such as tension wrenches, hook picks, rake picks, and ball picks to pick locks. The process typically involves:
Single Pin Picking (SPP): This method involves manipulating each pin individually until all pins reach the correct position at the shear line.
Raking: Much faster than SPP, raking involves using a specially designed pick to quickly bounce multiple pins while applying tension. Locksmiths can often rake open standard residential locks in under 30 seconds.
Bump Key Method: Using specially cut keys, locksmiths can bump locks open by inserting the key and striking it with a tool, causing the pins to jump momentarily to the correct position.
Also Read: How to Decide If Lock Rekeying is Right for Your Home
2. Lock Bypassing
Sometimes the fastest approach isn’t through the lock itself, but around it:
Credit Card Method: For spring-bolt locks without deadbolts, a flexible card can be slid between the door and frame to depress the bolt. This only works on certain door configurations and lock types.
Shimming: Using thin metal shims, locksmiths can manipulate the locking mechanism from the gap between the door and frame.
Under-door Tools: For doors with accessible handles from underneath, tools can manipulate the handle mechanism from the outside.
3. Impressioning
This technique involves inserting a blank key into the lock, applying pressure while turning, then filing away the marks left by the pins. Through several iterations, locksmiths can create a working key in 10-15 minutes.
Factors That Can Affect the Speed It Takes to Open Locks
- The Lock Quality and Age: Higher-end locks naturally take longer to defeat, while older locks may have worn pins that actually make them easier to pick.
- Door and Frame Condition: Warped doors, tight frames, or damaged hardware can complicate the process.
- Weather: Cold weather can make metal tools less responsive, while rain can make surfaces slippery.
- Lighting: Poor lighting conditions will need additional time.
- Lock Maintenance: Well-maintained locks with proper lubrication often open faster than neglected ones.
What Can You Expect When You Call a Locksmith?
When you get in touch with an emergency locksmith, here’s the typical timeline:
- The initial response can take anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes for emergency calls
- The assessment takes around 2 to 5 minutes to evaluate the situation and choose the best method
- The entire process can last 30 minutes, depending on the lock type and the technique your locksmith has decided to go with
- Cleaning up and security checking will add another 5 to 10 minutes, and then you’re done!
That’s around an hour of your time, and you’ll be back on your schedule!
Get Back Inside Quickly!
The speed at which locksmiths can open doors depends on their training, experience, and the right tools for each specific situation.
How do locksmiths open doors so efficiently? Through years of practice, knowledge of lock mechanisms, and professional-grade tools that aren’t available to the general public.
When you find yourself locked out, remember that Lockwiz Locksmith combines all these professional techniques with quick response times and transparent pricing. We can get you back inside quickly and safely. Reach out to us for a quote!
