It’s a sinking feeling. The door clicks shut behind you, and your keys are inside, or you turn the key, and it snaps in the lock. Whether you’re in Stratford, Bow, Hackney, Canary Wharf or Leyton, being locked out is frustrating. But it’s rarely as bad as it first seems.
Locked out right now? Call E-Locksmith on 07551 050 284. We’re a local locksmith covering East London 24 hours a day, and we typically reach you within about 30 minutes.
If you have a minute, this guide explains what to do when you’re locked out of your house, what to do when keys break, and when calling a professional is the best option.
Locked out of house: what to do
Stay calm
Panic leads to rushed decisions, like forcing a window or kicking the door. That usually causes further damage and a much bigger bill. Take a breath and assess the situation. Most people are back inside within the hour, and the first step costs nothing.
Make safety the priority
If a child, a vulnerable person or a pet is shut inside, or something is cooking on the hob, call 999 immediately. Otherwise, if it’s late at night or raining, wait somewhere safe and warm, such as a nearby coffee shop or a neighbour’s home, rather than standing on the street.
Check every door and window
Walk around and check the back door, patio doors and any ground-floor window that might be open or on the latch. Don’t climb to an upper floor, and don’t break a window to get access. Replacing glass usually costs far more than a locksmith.
Find a spare key
The quickest solution is often a spare key. Think about who might have a spare set of house keys: a partner, a housemate, a family member, a neighbour or a friend who lives nearby. If you rent, your landlord or letting agent may hold a spare key and be able to let you in during office hours.
In many East London blocks, from the flats around Stratford’s East Village to the towers in Canary Wharf and Poplar, a concierge or building manager can help with access. It’s worth asking before you call anyone else.
If you’ve recently moved, ask whether the previous owner left a spare with a neighbour. Once you’re back inside, think about changing the locks, because you can’t know how many keys to your home are still out there.
Call a local locksmith
If there’s no spare key, calling a local locksmith is usually the best option. A local locksmith in East London will reach you faster than a national call centre, and should give you a fixed price on the phone before setting off. At E-Locksmith, a daytime lockout starts from £49 + VAT, and a call-out at night starts from £69 + VAT. See our full lockout prices.
A professional locksmith uses specialised tools designed to open the door without damage. This is called non-destructive entry, and it means that in most cases your lock still works perfectly afterwards.
Why forcing entry is a bad idea
Forcing the door by kicking it, prying it with a screwdriver or trying to snap the lock can damage the frame, the glass, or the locking mechanism inside a uPVC door. What started as a simple lockout turns into lock repairs, a new door and a replacement lock. Until it’s fixed, a damaged door also leaves your home less secure.
How easy your door is to open depends on the lock:
- Yale type locks (night latches) lock automatically when the door shuts. If the door slammed behind you, a locksmith can usually open it quickly with no damage.
- Deadlocks and mortice locks need a key to lock, so they take more skill and specialised tools to open.
- High security locks, such as anti-snap cylinders and multi-point locking systems, are designed to resist forcing. That’s good news for your security, but it means DIY attempts rarely work. Leave them to a professional.
Keys break: why it happens
Keys break more often than most people realise. The most common reasons are:
- Worn keys. Years of use thin the metal until the key snaps without warning.
- Cheap copies. Poorly cut spare keys are often made from soft metal and break easily.
- A stiff lock. If you have to force the key to turn, the lock needs attention.
- The wrong lock. Forcing a key into the wrong lock puts strain on it.
- Using the key as a handle. Pulling a heavy door shut by the key bends it a little each time.
If your key looks bent or cracked, or the lock feels stuck, replace the key or fix the lock before it breaks.
Broken key: what to do
If a key breaks in the lock:
- Stop turning. Don’t push the broken piece any further into the lock.
- Try to pull it out. If part of the key is sticking out, grip it with needle nose pliers and pull straight out, gently, without twisting.
- Don’t use glue, hairpins or paperclips. These usually push the key deeper, jam the lock or cause further damage.
- If it won’t come out, call a locksmith for broken key extraction.
Broken key extraction
For broken key extraction, a locksmith uses a thin extractor tool with a tiny hook. It slides alongside the broken key, catches its cuts, and draws the piece out without damaging the lock. Most extractions take a few minutes, and the lock usually works normally afterwards.
If the lock was damaged when the key snapped, it can be repaired or the cylinder replaced on the spot. At E-Locksmith, broken key extraction starts from £49 + VAT. Afterwards, get a new key cut so you’re not relying on a weakened spare.
Lock repairs after a lockout
A lockout often shows up a problem that’s been building for a while: a stiff lock, a worn cylinder, or a uPVC door you have to lift hard before it will lock. Lock repairs now cost far less than another emergency call-out later. Common fixes include:
- Repairing the locking mechanism on a uPVC door, from £75 + VAT.
- Replacing a worn euro cylinder, from £45 + VAT, supplied and fitted.
- Upgrading to high security locks, such as a TS007 3-star anti-snap cylinder, from £89 + VAT. Lock snapping is a common way burglars get into London homes, so this is one of the most useful security upgrades you can make.
Good locks are the first line of your home security, and they work best alongside other security systems such as alarms and doorbell cameras. See our lock replacement page for more options. We also handle lock repairs for offices, shops and other commercial properties across East London.
How to avoid being locked out again
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust who lives nearby.
- Fit a police-approved key safe if there’s no one to leave a spare with.
- Carry your keys in the same place every time, so you notice straight away if they’re missing.
- Replace worn keys before they snap, and always have new keys cut from a good original.
- Fix a sticking lock early. It’s a warning sign that the lock or key is close to failing.
Frequently asked questions
Only in a genuine emergency, such as a child or vulnerable person shut inside, or something left cooking on the hob. In that case, call 999. For an ordinary lockout, call a locksmith.
If you locked yourself out, it’s normally you. Check your tenancy agreement, and let your landlord know if any lock is changed, because they’re usually entitled to a copy of the new key.
Yes. A reputable locksmith will ask for ID or proof of address once the door is open, such as a bill or a delivery inside. This protects you as well.
Treat it as a security problem, not just a lockout. If your keys could be found with your address on them, change the locks the same day.
Locked out in East London? Call E-Locksmith
We’re a local locksmith covering Stratford, Bow, Mile End, Poplar, Canary Wharf, Hackney, Bethnal Green, Leyton, Forest Gate and West Ham, 24 hours a day. You’ll get a fixed price on the phone, damage-free entry wherever possible, and no surprise extras.
Call 07551 050 284 or see our 24-hour locksmith Stratford page.
E-Locksmith – base: 6 Romford Road, Stratford, London E15 4EA (all our locksmiths are mobile and fully equipped to assist you at your address).