We’ve all been there, standing outside the house, keys taunting you from the kitchen bench, wondering if you’re about to spend the night in the car.
Being locked out of your home can turn from a mild inconvenience into full-blown panic, especially when it happens late at night or during bad weather.
Before you call a professional, there are a few quick fixes and safe tricks you can try to get back inside. And if all else fails, you can always count on the experts at Lost My Key for fast, reliable lockout assistance across New Zealand.
10 Quick Fixes to Try Before Calling a Locksmith
1. Double-Check All Doors and Windows
It sounds obvious, but in the heat of frustration, many people forget to check every possible entry point.
Try your back door, laundry entrance, or side garage access. Sometimes one of them isn’t locked properly or the latch didn’t engage fully.
Be careful not to damage screens or frames — the goal is to get in safely, not create another repair bill.
2. Look for an Unlocked Sliding Door
Sliding doors can be tricky; many people forget to secure the bottom latch.
Check if your patio or deck door slides open. Use gentle pressure and avoid forcing it — that can bend the frame or break the lock mechanism.
3. Try Using a Spare Key
It’s worth asking yourself: “Did I leave a spare key with someone I trust?”
A spare key hidden with a neighbour, friend, or family member can save you from a locksmith bill.
If you don’t have one now, make it a priority after this ordeal. Having a spare key can prevent another emergency.
4. Remove the Doorknob (If Possible)
Some doorknobs can be disassembled from the outside with a small screwdriver or a paperclip.
If the screws are exposed, remove them carefully and pull the knob apart.
This won’t work on high-security locks, but for standard interior-style knobs, it might do the trick.
Avoid using this method on deadbolts or modern smart locks you could cause more damage.
5. Use a Plastic Card (Credit Card Trick)
A thin, flexible plastic card can sometimes slip the latch open on spring bolt locks (the kind that click shut without turning a key).
Insert the card between the door and frame while wiggling the handle.
It’s an old-school trick, but it can still work, just don’t try it on deadbolts or reinforced doors.
6. Check for Alternative Entries
Sometimes you can enter through a garage, basement, or window that’s partially open.
If you go the window route, ensure it’s wide enough and safe to climb through; you don’t want to end up in the ER because of a fall.
Safety first, always!
7. Ask for Help from Someone Inside
If you live with family, flatmates, or tenants, try reaching out via phone or messaging apps.
They might be home but unaware you’re stuck outside.
If you rent, contact your property manager or landlord; they may have a master key for emergencies.
8. Try a Locksmith Tool Kit (Only If You Know How)
There are small lock-picking kits sold for legitimate lock training or emergencies.
If you’re familiar with how pin tumbler locks work, you might get in without damage.
However, if you’re not trained, stop right there.
DIY lock-picking can damage your lock and may raise legal issues if you’re not the property owner.
9. Call a Trusted Friend or Neighbour
Sometimes, your best option isn’t technical, it’s social.
If you’re stranded, ask a neighbour if you can wait inside while you sort it out.
They might even help with tools or remember a local locksmith in your area.
10. When All Else Fails, Call a Professional Locksmith
If nothing works, it’s time to bring in the pros.
A licensed locksmith can unlock most doors quickly without damaging your lock or frame.
Avoid forcing the door or drilling the lock yourself; it’s almost always cheaper to have it done right the first time.
Lost My Key provides 24/7 emergency house lockout service across NZ.
Visit House Lockout Services to get fast help and prevent further damage to your lock.
How to Prevent Future Lockouts?
Make Spare Keys
Keep one with a trusted friend or neighbour, or in a secure key safe outside your home.
Consider Smart Locks
Upgrade to keyless entry systems that use codes or your phone.
These eliminate the risk of being locked out completely.
Rekey After Moving In
If you’ve recently moved, rekey your locks to ensure old keys no longer work, and keep track of your new ones properly.
Keep Locksmith Contact Handy
Save Lost My Key in your phone contacts now, because no one ever plans a lockout, but it’s nice to be prepared when it happens.
Final Thoughts
Lockouts can happen to anyone, even the most careful.
The key is to stay calm, try simple fixes first, and know when to call for help.
And next time, maybe keep a spare key in a safe spot (or better yet, go keyless).