Lockout procedure

[fgarci03]

Hello all!

I'm into lockpicking as a hobby, but out of curiosity, I'd like to know how a real locksmith gets the job done in a lockout situation.
Local locksmiths here, although they aren't shaddy, usually don't bother to pick a lock and mostly use a destructive technique and that way can even charge extra to install a new cylinder (of course they first see if there is a simple way to open the door).

But how do the pro's do?
What I mean is, what is (generally) the order of trying to open a door?

I suppose you start with bypasses, if doesn't work go to picking, then impressioning, etc etc, untill a destructive entry.
But there are stuff you probably don't use like bumping (at least I've seen around here bumping is usually not tried because it may scratch or damage the lock).

Thank you!

P.S. - I know there are no "right" answers for this. Each one does whatever way he feels right. I'd just like to know what techniques are mostly used and in wich order (not looking to the exact techniques either, a bypass is a bypass, don't need to explain that further )

[zeke79]

Check to make sure the door is actually locked -----> Any easy bypass ------> Pick ------> Destructive entry.

[Altashot]

Ditto.

M.

[2octops]

A lot depends on the type of lock. I'm not sure what kind of locks are used in your area and can only answer about locks commonly found here in the USA.

Bypass first. If that does not work in about 5 minutes, try picking for about 5 minutes, then destructive and repair or replace.

We carry enough spare, used cylinders on our vans that we can usually find a replacement. If not, then we will replace with a new cylinder or even a new lock if that is what it takes.

This is no extra charge to the customer. We build enough profit into our lockout charges that we can afford to replace a lock every now and then if we have to and suck it up.

[EmCee]

Check to make sure the door is actually locked ----->

Aye....and then check any other accessible doors - back/patio/side etc - to make sure they are not unlocked (also gives an opportunity to check out which looks the easiest to pick or bypass).

I pick first, bypass second, then destructive. I don't climb ladders and go through any open upstairs windows nor do I remove roof tiles and go in through the roof (oh yes, it's been done).

I pick first mainly because a lot of the locks I come across can be an easy bypass but picking looks more professional and avoids the 'open the door in 5 seconds and argue over the bill' situation, plus I don't like to bypass unless I can distract the customer or send 'em off on an errand while I do it.

[fgarci03]

I pick first mainly because a lot of the locks I come across can be an easy bypass but picking looks more professional and avoids the 'open the door in 5 seconds and argue over the bill' situation, plus I don't like to bypass unless I can distract the customer or send 'em off on an errand while I do it.

Makes sense! I've heard about that.
Was quickly solved thoug:

Costumer: "Why do you charge so much to just (.......)?? I could have done it myself!"
Locksmith: "So you should have done it yourself. I had to stop my work at the shop to come here and do this. I spent time and gas to come here. And my price is (don't remember the cost) to open a door. I don't charge depending on the method. If I had to spend 2hrs here it would cost the same!"

So it was solved. But of course, it's better to avoid these situations that will probably make us lose this custumer next time.

So impressioning is not usualy done. I wonder why. Maybe because the stress you put the lock in?

[cledry]

Depends on the lock. I usually pick first (I include the possibility of bumping). Bypass second. On occasion I will impression. Lastly I will use minimally destructive entry.

If I run across a commercial lever for example I will often go straight for the under the door tool. If that doesn't work I will either pick or use a lever removal tool. If I come across a Kwikset Smart Key I will look for an alternate door but if none found use a forceful bypass tool.

On a residential lockout I feel bad if I am not in in 5 minutes or less. Commercial lockouts I will work a bit longer.

[Tentacle Toast]

...I'm not in the business (as of right now, at least), but I'll opine anyway. I think I'd pick first to make the customer feel as though they've gotten their moneys worth, but also to keep up on my skill, especially if it's a rarely encountered lock. Then I'd bypass, if that didn't work in a reasonable amount of time, saving any destructive method as a last resort. At least I think that's the way I'd tackle it...

[zeke79]

To be honest I rarely have any trouble with customers if I am only working for a minute to get them in their home or car. If they do complain and don't want to pay I will simply throw the keys back in the car, lock it, and shut the door or just relock their home door and shut it and leave. Most have no problem paying at that point. I would rather walk away than haggle about my price. If someone is in dire straights and not driving a $70k new car i will help them out at my discretion but overall I do not discount.

Keep your prices up to date yet competitive. Do quality work and don't worry about not taking long enough. If you aren't doing this you are devaluing your business.

[fgarci03]

If they do complain and don't want to pay I will simply throw the keys back in the car, lock it, and shut the door or just relock their home door and shut it and leave.

Wow, how hardcore!
I like that sollution. It's simple, effective, and you don't get into arguments with them.

I'm starting to see a pattern here now.
I don't personally know many local locksmiths here. But I know people who eventually had to call them on a lockout and they told me how they usually do it. Nothing like you all.
Mostly, very simple bypasses and then destructive. Some even "destroy" more than they should. But since most people don't have a clue how these things work, go along with that and pay more than enough for the job.

I know of one (only one!) who actually has a lockpick set and uses it on a lockout. I may pay him a visit one day

Thank you!

[Luissen]

If they do complain and don't want to pay I will simply throw the keys back in the car, lock it, and shut the door or just relock their home door and shut it and leave.

Wow, how hardcore!
I like that sollution. It's simple, effective, and you don't get into arguments with them.

Sometimes it takes a bit to get it through people. I don't have what it takes to face people like this.

[fgarci03]

I don't have what it takes to face people like this.

Well, it's a matter of personality. And experience too. I work part-time at a sport store (Decathlon, a French company). Sometimes I have to meet really idiot people who treat "salesmen" like garbage. At first, I didn't have "what it takes" to face their dark sarcasm. I'd just smile and pretend I didn't listen.

But after a while I started to deal with it. I had a guy once asking me if I weren't ashamed to have ruined my life by not studying (I'm studying accounting and administration by the way) and ended up on a sport store earning less than an construction worker. "I work at an accounting office. I didn't go to college but at least I took a course that gives me higher status than just the high school" - he told me.

I answered with a smile: "Well, actually I'm studying. I'm studying Accounting and Administration. And in a few years I'll have an office of my own, and I'll hire d*cks like you to work for me. Can I get you something else, or are you going to buy only that t-shirt?" I was with such a big smile he didn't know if I had insulted him or not


Well, back to the topic, if you are assertive but respectfull (I know I wasn't on my previous story ), you can get away with pretty much anything. And by doing what zeke79 did, it's them who don't have what it takes to tell you anything!

2cents

[zeepia]

I answered with a smile: "Well, actually I'm studying. I'm studying Accounting and Administration. And in a few years I'll have an office of my own, and I'll hire d*cks like you to work for me. Can I get you something else, or are you going to buy only that t-shirt?" I was with such a big smile he didn't know if I had insulted him or not

These are really pearls of life

[GWiens2001]

I answered with a smile: "Well, actually I'm studying. I'm studying Accounting and Administration. And in a few years I'll have an office of my own, and I'll hire d*cks like you to work for me. Can I get you something else, or are you going to buy only that t-shirt?" I was with such a big smile he didn't know if I had insulted him or not

These are really pearls of life

Hey look, three crazy nuts from all around the world in one post! Zeepia, I hope you and fgarci03 are getting along fine. Both of you are great. Remember, if one in three people is crazy, and you have two friends, and they are not crazy, it must be YOU!!! Or, in this particular instance, it is ME!

You two have a great night, my friends!

Gordon

[fgarci03]

Remember, if one in three people is crazy, and you have two friends, and they are not crazy, it must be YOU!!!

I'm going to beat the odds by adding myself to the equation