A few professional ways to open your locked door
July 29, 2025
Slipping, picking, bumping and drilling, different ways to open your locked front door.
Are you locked out? Have you been locked out? If the answer to either of these questions is yes we will go through a number of ways you can use to open your front door. Some of them are easier then others and some require specialist tools, we will try to break them down so they can be used for an emergency lock-out.
What lock do you have?
If your door has just shut behind you and you left the keys inside , chances are you have a latch lock. In this situation you may not be as locked out as you think and we advise you to keep reading to tick off your options.
Lock Slipping
This is a common technique used to break into latch locks. Provided you can locate a bit of plastic, this method id relatively easy if possible. Id depends on the case on the inside of the car whether or not it is anti-slip or not. Surprisingly this method is effective on UPVC doors that have shut behind you and cannot be opened from the outside with the handle. We posted a lengthy blog post explaining in detail how this is done. Basically slip between the door and the frame, locate the latch and pull.
This is a common method used by the Police, Fire services, Locksmiths and burglars as well. It's fairly simple and if you're locked-out chances are you have a few minutes to give it a try. Please do not use your credit card to try and do this, many of our customers have broken their cards and best case scenario you are now locked out and down a card. Unless the door is extremely skinny this will not work, in London front doors are a minimum of 3 Inches thick, the credit card just isn't long enough.
Lock Picking
Picking is a common method used by either locksmiths who are trained and use the skill on a daily basis, or by lock picking enthusiasts. This method does require a certain level of practice and skill, as such it may not be suitable for your average locked out person.
Picking involves using a picking tool of your choice and a tension wrench. These tools can even be manufactured out of used windscreen wipers or purchased at professional locksmith shops. Apply tension in the direction of opening and either single pick the lock or use the raking method. With the single picking method you are looking to manipulate the pins one by one over the shear line to mimic the key. Raking works by slowly bumping the pins up while applying pressure at the right time again mimicking the key. Different locksmiths prefer different methods and different methods are advised for use on different types locks. Raking can only be used on Pin tumbler cylinders whereas single pin/ lever picking can be used on both Pin tumbler locks and lever locks.
Lock Bumping
Bumping a lock normally requires some tools and therefore may not be the most effective way to get inside your property when locked out. This method will only work on pin tumbler locks. If you do however happen to have bump key in your pocket and a bumping mallet/ hammer your luck is in.
Bumping works in a similar way to raking, but instead of using a tension wrench, using a bump key to apply tension and bump the pins up at the same time.
Lock Drilling
Drilling can often be used to gain access to locks and in some cases is necessary. For example, you're trying to turn your key but it's refusing to turn. Sometimes the lock can be so old and the springs can be jammed that the key won't match the pins anymore. If a key won't work, chances are picking, raking and bumping will all be completely useless. In cases there the key is in good condition we will tell our customers "If the perfect tool for the job doesn't work, we must bypass it".
When drilling a lock it is very important to understand the inner mechanics and workings of the lock. Should you drill a lock and not know what you're drilling chances are it will make the situation worse, not better. In short, if you have a failed lock we definitely advise calling a local locksmith
Using a hook
Using a hook or a bent clothes hanger is probably the easiest and you will most likely be able to ask a neighbour for a hook or find a bendable object from the street. You probably have a dry cleaner nearby who will give you a clothes hanger that can be bent into shape.
One you have found/ manufactured a tool now you can start fishing. It takes patience and determination which may not be for some people, however it is possible provided you can reach the handle on the inside of the property.
Make sure you check all windows before giving up hope as often there will be an open window as you weren't intending to lock the door or leave the property for an extended time.
If you're trying to gain access to a property and are having no luck, just call a locksmith in London on 020-3151-0531 or check out our contact us page to send us a message. Any other issues you may have feel free to check out our locksmiths FAQ's.
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