How Do Locksmiths Open Doors? 

If you’ve ever lost your keys or had a key break, you know that it can be a frustrating situation. The last thing you want to do is be stuck outside your home with no way to get inside. 

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Locksmiths have a number of tools and techniques to help them open doors without damaging anything. Here are a few of them to keep in mind when you’re locked out: 

Bump keys

One of the simplest and most effective ways to unlock a door is with a bump key. It’s easy to make and can work on many different locks. 

The process involves inserting the bump key into the lock and bumping one or more pins up, which will unlock the door. You can use a screwdriver or toothpick to bump the pins, though it’s easier to do this with a hex wrench or an Allen wrench. 

Credit card method

If you have a credit card, you can try shrimping the lock with it to open it. This is especially useful if the lock is jammed or if you have a lot of space between the frame and the lock. You can also try using a butter knife to shim the lock, but this will take more time and can be more difficult with thick-framed door locks. 

Paper clip method

Another quick and simple method of opening a door is to try picking the lock with a paper clip. This is an excellent technique that works on almost all types of locks, and you don’t need any special tools or training to do it. 

To start, insert the end of the paperclip into the lower end of the keyhole. Holding the paperclip in place, slightly turn the Allen wrench to match the direction the lock should be turning with the key. Once the pin makes contact, you can lift the paperclip back and up until it clicks into place. Repeat this process with all of the pins in the lock, and you’ll be able to unlock the door. 

Shimming the lock with a credit card

If you have a thin, flexible credit card that won’t damage the lock, it can be used to shim the door. This is an extremely effective method and can be done from the outside, as long as there’s enough space between the frame and the lock. 

Picking the lock with an Allen wrench

If your key isn’t working, or if you don’t have any other tools, try picking the lock with an Allen wrench. It mimics how a key works, and it’s an excellent technique to learn. 

It requires some practice, but once you master the skill, it’s a great way to get into your house or car without having to resort to a more dangerous solution. You can also use the method to gain access to locked cabinets, desks, and other areas that are out of reach with a normal key. 

There are a few other things that you can do to try and unlock the door, but it’s best to call a professional locksmith if you’re not sure how to proceed. This will prevent you from doing more harm than good, and it’s a better option for your safety and the security of your property.