Being locked out is stressful, and online advice often suggests tricks that damage doors or simply do not work. Here are three safe things to try first.
1. Check every other door and window you are allowed to use
A back door, garage entry or unlocked window you can reach safely is the simplest answer. Do not climb or force anything that could injure you or damage the home.
2. Think about who has a spare
Family members, a trusted neighbour, your landlord, the superintendent or your condo concierge may have a key. For rentals, the landlord or property manager is often the fastest and cheapest route.
3. Check whether it is only the latch
If you stepped out briefly and only the spring latch caught, not the deadbolt, a locksmith can often open it very quickly. Knowing this helps the dispatcher give you an accurate estimate.
Tricks to avoid
- Credit cards in the latch: they rarely work on modern doors and can break off inside.
- Removing hinge pins: most exterior doors have hinges on the inside.
- Forcing windows: broken glass and damaged frames cost more than a lockout call.
When to call
If none of these work, call a locksmith with your address, door type and ID ready. In Toronto, we operate 24/7: house and condo lockouts.
Why stopping early saves money
Most lockout damage happens in the first ten minutes of trying to get in. A bent window frame, a scratched latch or a broken door edge often costs more to fix than the lockout itself. If a door does not open after a couple of sensible checks, it is usually cheaper to stop and call.
Safe checks that cost nothing
Look at every door and window you are allowed to use, and call anyone with a spare, including a neighbour, a landlord or the superintendent. Check whether the door is only stuck: sometimes a slight pull on the handle while turning the knob releases a bolt that is under pressure. If you rent, tell the landlord before trying anything else.
Prepare for the call
Have your address, ID and proof of tenancy or ownership ready, and describe the door type and lock. Read our safe-response guide for lockouts for what to do while you wait.