Locked Out? 3 Things to Try Before Calling a Locksmith
- Jeff Starr
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
From your neighbors at City Lock and Key, serving Niagara Falls, Buffalo & WNY
Locking yourself out of your home happens to everyone at some point. It’s stressful, inconvenient, and sometimes even a little embarrassing but it’s nothing to panic about. At City Lock and Key, we help homeowners and renters across Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and the Western New York region get back inside safely and quickly.
Before you reach for your phone to call for professional help, here are three simple things you can try. In some cases, you might be able to resolve the situation yourself saving time, money, and a little frustration.
1. Check for Alternative Entry Points
It sounds obvious, but when panic kicks in, it’s easy to overlook the simplest solutions.
Before calling a locksmith:
Walk around your home carefully. Is there a back door, side door, or garage entry that might be unlocked?
Test sliding doors and basement entrances. Sometimes these aren’t secured as tightly as front doors.
Check first-floor windows. Only attempt to open a window if it's safe to do so & never force a window and risk damaging it.
Tip: If you manage to get in through an unsecured door or window, remember to lock it afterward! Opportunistic break-ins often happen because of forgotten secondary entries.
If all your doors and windows are locked tight, that’s actually good news, yay, it means your home is secure. At that point, it’s best to move on to the next step.
2. See If a Spare Key Is Accessible
Another potential quick fix is checking if you have a spare key nearby.
Think about:
Family members or roommates: Did someone else you live with leave a key hidden or have one on hand?
Trusted neighbors or friends: Many homeowners wisely leave a spare with someone they trust.
Hidden key boxes: If you’ve placed a realtor-style lock box or magnetic hide-a-key somewhere discreet, now’s the time to use it.
Note: If you get back inside using a spare, consider whether it's time to move or re-hide the key afterward. Once a key location has been “used,” it’s smart to change things up for security reasons.
No spare key? No worries. That’s why locksmiths like us are here.
3. Double-Check for Other Access Options
When everything else fails, it’s worth thinking about any other ways you might gain access safely:
Smart locks or keypads: If your home has a digital entry system, sometimes a temporary code can be set or reset remotely.
Garage access: If your vehicle has a garage door opener and your garage leads into your home, you might be able to get inside that way.
Housemates or landlords: If you’re renting or sharing your home, your landlord or roommate may have a copy of the key and can assist.
If none of these work, that’s the perfect time to call City Lock and Key.
Why Choose a Professional Locksmith Instead of Breaking In
At City Lock and Key, we understand the temptation to try picking the lock yourself or forcing a door open. But here’s why it’s smarter to bring in a professional:
Non-Destructive Entry: We have specialized tools that open doors cleanly, without damaging the lock or doorframe.
Save Money: Replacing a broken lock or fixing a splintered door often costs much more than a straightforward unlock service.
Stay Safe: Trying to “break in” to your own home can alarm neighbors—or worse, draw unwanted attention.
Our locksmiths serve Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and all of WNY, providing fast, respectful, and skilled service 24/7. No damage. No judgment. Just quick help when you need it.
We Respect Your Home and Your Privacy
When you call us, you’re inviting us into your personal space, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our team is trained to:
Verify your ownership or residency respectfully
Treat your property with care with no mess, no unnecessary drilling
Complete the job quickly and professionally
Our goal is simple: get you safely inside without creating bigger problems.
Call City Lock and Key When You Need Help Fast
If you’ve tried these options and are still locked out, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Thousands of people across Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and WNY face home lockouts every year.
We’ll be on our way to you in no time, ready to get you back where you belong: inside, safe and secure.
