Locksmith Methods
A skilled, licensed locksmith can open most residential and commercial doors without causing any damage to the lock or the door. Non-destructive entry is the preferred method because it preserves your existing hardware, keeps costs lower, and avoids the need for an immediate lock replacement. If a locksmith's first instinct is to drill your lock, that is a red flag.
Professional locksmiths train extensively in non-destructive entry techniques. A good locksmith treats drilling as a last resort, not a shortcut. The goal is always to get you inside with your lock still functioning.
Lock picking is the most common technique for standard pin-tumbler locks -- the type found in the majority of NYC apartments and houses. Using specialized pick tools and tension wrenches, a locksmith manipulates the internal pins to the correct position, mimicking what your key does. On a standard Kwikset or Schlage residential lock, this usually takes 2 to 10 minutes.
A bump key is a specially cut key that, when inserted and tapped with controlled force, can cause the pins in a pin-tumbler lock to jump to the shear line momentarily. This technique works on many standard residential locks but is less effective on high-security locks that have anti-bump features built into their design.
Some locks can be opened using bypass tools that work around the locking mechanism entirely. For example, certain doorknob locks can be bypassed with a tool that retracts the latch directly. Spring-bolt locks (as opposed to deadbolts) are particularly susceptible to bypass techniques.
For automotive lockouts, locksmiths typically use slim jim tools, air wedges, and long-reach tools to manipulate the interior lock mechanism or door handle without damaging the vehicle. Modern vehicles with electronic locks may require decoder tools or on-board diagnostic programming instead.
There are legitimate situations where drilling is the only practical option:
If drilling is necessary, a good locksmith will explain why before proceeding and will drill only the specific point needed to defeat the lock cylinder, minimizing damage to the door itself.
Need non-destructive entry? Our licensed locksmiths use professional techniques to minimize damage during lockouts.
No. Professional lock picking, done correctly, causes no damage to the lock mechanism. Your lock will function exactly as it did before. The pins are simply manipulated to their correct positions, the same as when you use your key.
Standard residential pin-tumbler locks typically take 2 to 10 minutes. High-security locks may take 15 to 30 minutes of attempt before a locksmith determines whether non-destructive entry is feasible. Car lockouts with slim jim or air wedge tools usually take 5 to 15 minutes.
If drilling is genuinely necessary, the lock replacement cost is part of the service. Make sure to discuss this possibility and get a total price estimate before the locksmith begins. In a rental, if the lock was faulty, your landlord may be responsible for the replacement cost.