Lock slipping tips
smslocksmiths • July 29, 2025
Breaking down lock slipping, how it's done & how to avoid it being done to your property.
Here we go through how to slip your lock if you closed your door behind you and how to avoid burglars doing the same thing
We noticed one of our older posts has been a hit. The hot topic of whether or not your lock can be slipped, we assume you're here for the same reasons. So, to begin.....
Can my lock be slipped? Can I slip my lock? I've shut the door behind me, how do I slip my lock ? Is popping a lock and slipping a lock the same? How do I stop burglars from slipping my lock? How do locksmiths slip & open locks?
Bedroom door handles not working and it seems like the latch is broken inside?
We plan on answering all of these questions and will walk you through opening your slipped lock and advice on security.
- Can my lock be slipped?
- Well, if you have a lock that looks like the one in the above image the simple answer is yes. There are cases there the door is installed very tightly and a card won't fit, but chances are a locksmith will make easy work of it. Burglars also notice the simple front round lock and assume its basic and will try slipping your lock. If your door opens outwards slipping your lock won't be possible, however most front doors open inwards.
- Can I slip my lock?
- Again, if it looks like the below or above image, you may be able to. Keep in mind locksmiths practice as it's their job and are very efficient. Burglars will often practice on their own doors and will also be fairly good at it. If you can get hold of the right tool for the job there is a chance you may also be able to do it.
If you have this on your door, chances are you can slip and we can definitely gain access for you if you need
- How do I slip my lock?
- Now we're assuming as you're here and looking at how to slip "my" lock that you have shut the door behind you and are looking to slip open the top lock to get your keys. Whatever you do don't use your credit card, it's almost always impossible to use a credit card to open a night-latch or any other form of latch. Chances are you will lose or break your card. If you follow the steps below and hopefully you can get back into your house.
1. Find a coke bottle, milk bottle, plastic folder or any other slim piece of plastic slightly larger than your hand. Cut it so it's roughly the size of your hand and in the shape of a rectangle.
2. Slide the plastic between the frame and the door either above or below the lock you are trying to slip.
3. Slide the plastic towards the lock until it won't slide any further, what you are feeling now is most likely the lock/ latch.
4. Press the plastic against the object stopping it from sliding further and slightly pull the door towards you.
When done correctly in this order you should be able to slip your own lock . Sometimes it helps to repeat steps 2-4 until it pops open. Due to pressure on the latch with the door being closed, pulling the door toward you releases that pressure enabling the lock to be opened, bypassing the key.
In the above lock, the brass part is the part that you are aiming to move with your plastic. Now back our original questions.
- Is lock slipping and lock popping the same?
- Yes. Lock slipping indicates the slipping of the plastic between the door and the frame. The lock popping indicates the sound the latch/ lock makes when it's pushed in. Especially under pressure it can make a loud popping sound when the door opens.
- How do I stop burglars from slipping my lock?
- There are a few simple ways, one way is just to upgrade your lock to a BS 3621or a BS 8621 lock. You can even get night-latches that are BS3621 now that are anti drill, anti pick and anti bump. Obviously insurance companies know of this and advise you have one BS3621 or a 5 Lever lock on your door. If you have a mortice lock on your door with the "old" style key (a Chubb type lock) it cannot be slipped. Digital locks and entrance knob-sets can be anti-card if installed correctly, otherwise they can also easily be slipped.
- How do locksmiths slip locks?
- Locksmiths can purchase specialised tools that are designed to bypass locks in many ways. They can use a specially designed card, or a flexible metal shiv type object to easily bypass latches of many types. Locksmiths will usually employ many methods of lock opening and use a variety of tools to pick locks . Each locksmith will have different preferred methods of opening locks and gaining access to properties and prefer using different types of tools.
- My bedroom door handle isn't working
- Now this can be a tricky one, but there is a simple procedure to follow and if you follow it correctly we can just about guarantee you access to your room.
1. Remove the handles from the door.
The handles can be removed by either unscrewing the holding screws into the door, or removing the Alan key situated underneath the handle. Sometimes the screws can be hidden under a metal cover that is easily popped off with a flat head screwdriver. Just pop it off and get unscrewing.
2. Check the spindle is sitting comfortably inside the handle.
Sometimes the spindle can slip too far into one side leaving one side inoperable. This will usually result in the non working side feeling very light.
3. Check that the square hole the spindle goes through isn't cracked.
If it's cracked it means the latch sitting inside the door has failed. This square hole controls a small hook that in turns pulls the latch backwards. If you can't open the door we advise calling a locksmith as this can be tricky to open.
We tend to lock-outs every day and slip hundreds of locks a year. If you're looking for a locksmith company to slip your lock for you for a great price and be at your door in record time we're the locksmith company for you, just check here and see if we operate nearby. For any other questions you can contact us here.
This information is only to be used on your own property. It is illegal to open or gain access to a property that isn't being rented or owned by someone other than the homeowner or tenant. We do not promote illegal activities but act to provide advice to homeowners and tenants both in respect to them being locked out and being aware of their home security.
If you live in Wimbledon’s SW19, you know the vibe - gorgeous tree-lined streets, the buzz of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the charm of the Village or Common just a short walk away. But between the stunning Victorian houses, sleek modern flats, and lively shops on the high street, there’s a catch: lockouts after a late night cheering at the All England Club or the odd break-in, in quieter spots can throw a wrench in your day. Even thing like moving homes or updating your home insurance can come with challenges. That’s when you need a local locksmith you can count on to sort things out fast. At SMS Locksmiths, we're proud to serve Wimbledon and the SW19 area (including Southfields, Merton Park, and Colliers Wood) with 24/7 emergency and planned services. Our DBS-checked, fully insured technicians arrive within 30 minutes, using non-destructive methods and transparent pricing - no hidden fees or call-out charges. Whether you're a homeowner securing your Edwardian semi-detached or a business owner in the Wimbledon Broadway retail hub, we're here to keep you safe. In this guide, we'll cover the top 5 locksmith services we provide to SW19 residents, tailored to local needs like upgrading heritage locks or handling post-match rush lockouts. Read on for practical tips, and remember: prevention is key to peace of mind. 1. Emergency Lock Opening: Back Inside in Minutes, No Damage to basic locks Nothing disrupts a Wimbledon evening stroll like realising you're locked out - keys forgotten after a coffee at Gail's or a tennis viewing party. Our lock opening service gets you back in fast using advanced pick-and-decode tools, bypassing tools and years of skill and experience, avoiding costly door damage. • Why Wimbledon residents love it: SW19's mix of old sash windows and modern uPVC doors means quick, non-destructive entry is essential. We handle everything from front doors to sheds and post boxes without a trace. • Real-life example: A local family in Southfields called us at 10 PM after misplacing keys during a dog walk on the Common. We arrived in 25 minutes, opened the lock in under 10, and advised on a spare key safe. • Pro tip: Always keep a copy of your keys with a family member or a person you trust, but call us immediately for lockouts - DIY attempts often lead to bigger bills. No matter the time, our 24/7 team ensures you're not stranded. Customer review: "SMS saved our night - professional and stress-free!" – Wimbledon Village resident (5 stars on Trustpilot). 2. Lock Changing: Fresh Security for New Starts in SW19 Moving into a charming Wimbledon flat or after losing keys? A lock change is your first line of defence against unknown access. We replace old locks with high-quality, British Standard (BS3621) compliant options that meet insurance requirements. • Tailored for Wimbledon: Many SW19 homes have outdated rim locks on period properties; we swap them for secure euro cylinders or deadbolts that fit seamlessly. • The process: On-site assessment (free quote), removal of old locks, installation (under 45 minutes), and a full test. Costs start from £110, with a 1-year warranty. • Local insight: With rising lettings in Merton Park, tenants often request changes post-move—we've helped dozens secure their new homes and flats without voiding deposits. Don't risk spare keys circulating; a quick change brings instant security. Book via our site for same-day service. 3. Lock Upgrades: Boost Protection Against Wimbledon Burglary Trends SW19 saw a spike in bike thefts and shed break-ins last year, per Merton Council reports. Our lock upgrades modernise your setup with anti-snap, anti-drill cylinders and multi-point systems, deterring thieves in high-traffic areas like Haydons Road. • SW19-specific benefits: Upgrade Victorian night latches to snap-resistant models or add 5 lever British standard deadlocks for Colliers Wood flats – we supply multiple brands for you to choose from on site. • Why upgrade now?: Standard locks fail 70% of tested break-ins; our BS-approved options slash that risk and keep premiums low. • Quick win: A Wimbledon Broadway shop owner upgraded their rear door after a near-miss; no incidents since, and they saved on insurance. We offer free security audits to spot weak points - perfect for families near the tennis grounds during tournament season. 4. New Lock Installations: Seamless Fits for Home or Business Renovating your Wimbledon townhouse or fitting out a new office near Plough Lane? Our lock installation service handles everything from single deadbolts to full master key systems for multi-unit properties. • Local expertise: We specialise in SW19's diverse builds -reinforced locks for ground-floor flats or heavy-duty ones for garage conversions in quiet Merton Park cul-de-sacs. • Step-by-step: Site visit for measurements, custom sourcing (e.g., thumb-turn cylinders for easy exit), professional fitting, and handover with keys and instructions. Most jobs completed in the first visit. • Business perk: For Wimbledon shops and cafes, we install mechanical digital access control for staff shifts, reducing downtime. Invest in lasting quality - our installations come with lifetime advice and no-fuss guarantees. 5. After-Burglary Services: Restore and Reinforce in SW19 A break-in is every homeowner's nightmare, and Wimbledon's green spaces can attract opportunists. Our after-burglary response includes immediate boarding-up, full lock replacements, and forensic-safe repairs to get you secure overnight. • Comprehensive support: We coordinate with police (providing reference numbers for claims), replace damaged frames, board up broken doors and windows to restore security providing you with peace of mind and giving you time to change doors. • Wimbledon focus: In areas like Southfields, where gardens back onto commons, we add perimeter advice like gravel paths for noise alerts. • From the frontlines: After a recent Merton burglary wave, we helped a family in SW19 board up, reinstall high-security locks, and claim via photos - back to normal in 24 hours. Act fast: Delaying repairs invites further risk. We're your second call after the police post-incident, with compassionate, efficient service. Why Choose SMS Locksmiths for Your Wimbledon SW19 Needs? As a family-run business with over a decade in South West London, we know SW19 inside out - from the rush of match days to the serenity of the Common. Our services aren't just fixes; they're tailored solutions with free quotes, 30-minute responses, and eco-friendly practices (we recycle old locks!). Plus, we're fully insured and DBS-vetted for your peace of mind. Ready to secure your Wimbledon home or business? Visit smslocksmith.co.uk to book online or request a free security check. For emergencies, we're just a click away - no postcode too far in SW19! Stay safe, Wimbledon - SMS Locksmiths has your back. #WimbledonLocksmith #SW19Security #EmergencyLocksmith #LockChangeWimbledon #MertonLocksmith ________________________________________ FAQs for SW19 Residents: Q: How quickly can you arrive in Wimbledon? A: Typically 20-30 minutes, 24/7 - no exceptions for rush hour on the A3! Q: Are your services insured for SW19 properties? A: Yes, all work is given a 1 year warranty and compliant with UK standards. Q: What's the cost for a basic lock change in Wimbledon? A: From £110, with no surprises - get a quote today. For more security tips, check our blog or follow us on social for Wimbledon updates!
Below is a more detailed breakdown of each service, which you can place under “Locksmith services we provide in Hounslow”: Lock Changes & Upgrades
If you’ve just moved into a new home or want to increase your security, we can replace your locks with better, more secure models. Whether it’s euro cylinders, mortice locks, deadbolts or master key systems, we can recommend and install insurance-grade products. Lock Repair & Adjustment Locks wear out over time - maybe the key sticks or you force it to turn. We diagnose whether parts can be repaired (springs, levers, cylinders) or whether it requires replacement. We can also realign misaligned mechanisms so things work smoothly again. Emergency Lockout / Non-Destructive Entry Locked out at an inconvenient hour? We specialize in non-destructive entry, meaning we’ll open your door without breaking it. We carry a full set of specialised tools, from lock picks to tensioners, to gain entry safely and professionally. Burglary & Forced Entry Repair If your property has been broken into, we can repair or replace damaged locks, door frames, or hinges. We can also strengthen weak points and offer recommendations to prevent future incidents (e.g. reinforced strike plates, heavy-duty cylinders). Door & Frame Carpentry / Refurbishment Sometimes the door frame, jamb or door edge is also damaged or poorly aligned. We can carry out carpentry, reinforce the frame, repair door edges, or adjust the door fitting so your locks work properly. UPVC / Multi-Point Door & Window Mechanisms UPVC doors and windows often have multipoint locking systems that require delicate handling. We service, repair, or replace gearboxes, locking rods, handles, and cylinders. We can also realign or replace stuck mechanisms so your windows and doors seal properly. Commercial & Business Services For offices, shops, and commercial premises, we offer: Master key systems Restricted key zones Keyholding & emergency access Panic bars, exit devices, and high-security door furniture Mechanical Digital keypad / access control installations Lock re-keying when staff changeover occurs Area Coverage & Availability We cover the TW3 area and nearby zones in Hounslow, including Feltham, Heston, Cranford, and West Drayton. Wherever you are in Hounslow, we strive to reach you fast. We operate 24/7, every day. Even during weekends and bank holidays, we remain on call.
