When you engage a qualified, skilled and experienced locksmith they will almost never need to drill through a lock to open it. The most destructive method of gaining entry to a door is by drilling the lock, this should only be used as a last resort when all other locksmithing techniques have been exhausted.
If you inadvertently have called a non-qualified budget internet locksmith to come to your property and they attempt to drill through your locks without attempting any of the techniques listed below, then immediately ask them to stop work and leave. It’s then time to call a professional locksmith such as Temple Locksmiths & Security.
1. Lock Picking
Lock picking is a non-destructive way to bypass a lock without having the key present. It can be done through a variety of different ways but each way has the same goal in mind – to mimic the action of the key. Locksmiths go through 4 years of training before becoming qualified, and during that training they learn about how locks operate. Using specially designed tools, a locksmith is able to gain access via lock picking.
The exception to this is when a locksmith comes across a lock which has been ‘anti-pick ’designed, making it extremely difficult to open even with specific lock picking tools and techniques
2. Lock Bumping
The 2nd non-destructive technique for gaining access into a property is called bumping.
Just like picking a lock, bumping requires a specially designed tool. If a locksmith identifies your lock as having a pin tumbler design, then they may choose to try bumping your lock first to gain entry. Unfortunately, not all locks can be bumped and just the same as lock picking, there are anti-bump locks that exist too.
3. Alternative Entry
The 3rd technique that a locksmith may use if lock picking and lock bumping fail to work is by looking for an alternative entry with a different lock that can allow them access.
If other entry methods have failed, then trying to gain access by either picking or bumping a different lock may work at the property. This option should be explored first before a locksmith decides to drill your lock.
There are times where you might have a door with a different lock on it, and the locksmith can successfully pick or bump it.
Are there times when the lock needs to be drilled?
There are times where locks are too damaged to pick or bump. This means that drilling out the lock is the only option available. Before this occurs, your locksmith should inform you of their intentions and you should agree upon your lock being drilled.
Your locksmith will have a new lock to install and any professional locksmith will discuss the reason why drilling is the last option and also ensure you are informed and satisfied with the price of the new lock before it is installed.
Unfortunately there are also scams found on the internet (Google) that involve the drilling of locks as a first option to gain entry to a property.
The ‘locksmith ’that you call will arrive and begin to drill out your old lock straight away without consulting you, leaving you with a hefty fee to replace and install the new lock. Be wary of anyone offering heavily discount labour and cheap call out fees as they’re generally a scam company.
If you require professional and qualified locksmith assistance, contact Temple Locksmiths & Security today!
Temple Locksmith & Security has been providing emergency, residential, commercial, industrial and automotive locksmith services to Melbourne businesses and homes since 2016. The range of locksmith solutions includes master key systems, rekeying locks, repairing locks, lock fitting, deadlock installation, electronic locks and broken key extraction. We pride ourselves on old fashioned service that you expect, backed up with the latest in technical products and knowledge.
