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.
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