When you lose your keys and have no one to lend you theirs, you might want to consider hiring a locksmith to come out and open your lock. However, you might be wondering how a locksmith can open your door without the key. There are several different ways that a locksmith can get inside your home or car without a key. Depending on the type of lock and security system in place, a locksmith may have different methods of getting inside your property. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common methods used by locksmiths to get inside your home or car without the key:
Bump-Key
A bump-key is a key that has been modified by the locksmith so that it doesn’t open the lock, but it can be used to “bump” the lock’s mechanism to alert the operator that the lock has been activated. This is commonly used with older-style cylinder-based padlocks that are commonly used on construction sites or as a secondary lock to an entry gate. Bump-keys are commonly used when dealing with older padlocks that don’t have electronic access control panels. Once the padlock has been activated, the operator will have to replace the key in the lock to reset it.
Razor-Blade Key Making
Razor-blade key making is a method that is commonly used to open certain types of electronic access control systems, such as those that use magnetic cards or electronic key fobs. The locksmith will use a thin blade to break through the outer casing of the lock to expose the internal mechanisms. Once the locksmith has exposed the internal mechanisms, they can use a small pick to manipulate the mechanisms and open the lock.
Bending-Wrench Technique
The bending-wrench technique is commonly used to open cylinder-based padlocks. This method involves using a wrench to bend a portion of the lock’s housing to allow the operator to open the lock without the key. The bent portion of the lock’s housing will need to be replaced after the lock has been opened.
Core-Drill Technique
The core-drill technique is commonly used to open lever-based padlocks. The operator will use a core-drill to bore through the lock’s housing to expose the internal components. The operator can then use a pick to manipulate the lock’s internal components and open the lock.
Conclusion
Locksmiths use a variety of methods to open a lock without a key. The method used will depend on the type of lock being opened. If you have a problem with a lock on your home or car, don’t hesitate to contact a local locksmith for assistance.