Locksmiths like ours all offer emergency lockout services. What does that mean? It means no matter the day or the time, we will be there when you lock yourself out of your hose, car, office, etc. But what exactly is it that we do? You must be curious and it’s always good to be informed, not matter the topic. Let’s look at some of the more popular ways professionals work on your locks
Lock Picking
A classic. You see it on all the shows and they make it seem so effortless. Insert the tool, jiggling it a bit, and voila! An open door. Is it really that easy? Well, that depends on how much practice you’ve had and your knowledge of the locks you’re picking. Most professional lock pickers have a lock picking set to assist them. While youtube videos can show you have to do it with paper clips and bobby pins during an emergency, you got to admit it would be pretty cool pulling out your own tool set.
The basic idea with picking locks is that you insert the tools and mess with the pins until they slot into place and the lock is released. This may sound easy, but trust me; it’s really not if you’ve never done it before. Of course, professionals can get you into the door in a few minutes, but if you decide to give it a try, it’ll probably take a bit longer.
Lock Bumping
Lock bumping is another method locksmiths may use when you have an emergency lockout. They have something known as a “bump key” which they insert into the lock. This key is cut with even ridges. Once the key is inside, it is hit or “bumped”. The idea is that the force of the key being hit will cause the pins to jump. Knock it a few times and in theory the pins all jump into place and open the lock.
Air Bags
Inflatable airbags are occasionally used, depending on the situation. Armed with an air pump, you slip them between the crack of the door and the door frame near the lock. Inflate it and it should push the door away from the frame, creating a space that should be enough for the door to swing open.
Credit Cards
The classic Nancy Drew method of picking a lock. What you need is a flexible card. It doesn’t really matter if it’s a credit card or not. Actually, it’s probably best it isn’t considering the potential damage. Membership cards and gift cards work just as well. You insert in between the door and the doorjamb. Your goal is to catch the bolt and force it back into the door. It may take a couple of tries and a broken card, but this is the most simplistic method of picking a lock.
Drilling
Drilling a lock is usually the last measure locksmiths employ so if the one you hire goes straight to drilling, something is not right. What happens is that a drill is inserted into the lock and it destroys the pin inside. Once the pins are destroyed, you simply turn the lock and the door is opened. If that doesn’t work, a bigger drill has to be implemented. The problem with this type of lock picking is that it completely destroys the lock. There is no way to fix it so on top of paying to get your door unlocked, you have to pay for a brand new lock.
Chicago Locksmith
Chicago Locksmith is the name you want in an emergency. Serving the local Chicago area, we guarantee efficiency during your time of distress. No matter the time or date, we promise fair prices and expert services. All of our professionals are trained to be in and out in a matter of minutes. So save our number to your phone. You never know when you’ll need our services.
