Open a lock without damage
You recognise a good locksmith by what you can see after your door is opened: nothing. Damage-free opening is my standard, not an extra option.
Damage-free opening as the starting point
With every emergency opening my first goal is to open the door without damage to the lock, door or frame. With a door that has slammed shut — by far the most common situation — that almost always works. Afterwards you simply use your own lock and keys, and nothing about your door reveals that a locksmith has been there.
I use professional opening techniques that leave the lock intact. Which technique it becomes depends on the type of door and lock; I assess that on the spot and am happy to explain it to you.
When is damage-free opening not possible?
Honesty is part of this trade: not every door can be opened without damage. If the door is on the deadbolt, the cylinder is faulty or a broken key is stuck fast in the lock, it may be necessary to drill out and replace the cylinder.
Even then the damage is limited to the cylinder itself: your door and frame stay undamaged, and you get a new cylinder with new keys right away. I tell you in advance what the chance of success is and what each outcome costs, so you're never caught off guard.
Removing a broken key
A key that snaps off in the lock is annoying, but often easy to resolve. With special tools I remove the broken part without damaging the cylinder where possible. I then assess whether the cylinder still works smoothly and securely, or whether replacement is wiser. Removing a broken key can start from €79.
Frequently asked questions — open a lock without damage
What if you can't get the door open? Do I still pay?
No. In the unlikely event that I can't get you back inside, you pay nothing — no call-out charge and no labour costs. You only pay once the problem is solved. With a door that has slammed shut the chance of success is very high; if anything more is unexpectedly needed, I always discuss that with you first.
Does damage-free opening always work?
With a door that has slammed shut, almost always. With a deadbolt, a faulty cylinder or a stuck broken key, not always — in that case I discuss the options and costs in advance.
Will my lock still work after a damage-free opening?
Yes. With a damage-free opening your lock stays fully intact and you keep using your own keys.
What does damage-free opening cost?
It falls under the normal emergency-opening rate: from €89 during the day, €119 in the evening and €149 at night, including VAT.
And if drilling turns out to be needed after all?
Then you hear that first, including the total price with a new cylinder (from €188 during the day). I only continue after your approval.
Does drilling damage my door?
No. When drilling, only the cylinder becomes unusable; the door and frame remain undamaged. I replace the cylinder with a new one right away.