What to Do When You're Locked Out — A Step-by-Step Guide from a Spokane Locksmith

Getting Locked Out Happens to Everyone

It doesn't matter how careful you are — at some point, you're going to find yourself standing outside your own home, car, or business, patting your pockets and realizing the keys are on the other side of a locked door.

It happens at the worst possible time, too. Early morning before work. Late at night after a long day. In a parking lot with groceries in one hand and a dead phone in the other.

The panic sets in fast. But before you do something you'll regret — like kicking the door, breaking a window, or jamming a credit card into a deadbolt — take a breath. You've got options, and they're all better than property damage.

Here's exactly what to do, step by step, from a locksmith who's handled hundreds of lockouts across Spokane.

Step 1: Stay Calm — Don't Force Anything

This is the #1 mistake we see. People panic and try to force their way in. We've responded to calls where homeowners kicked in their own front doors, broke windows, bent car door frames with coat hangers, and jammed credit cards into deadbolts so hard they snapped the card and damaged the lock.

Every single one of those situations cost more to fix than a locksmith service call would have. A broken window can run $200-$500+. A bent car door frame can cause thousands in body work. And a damaged lock still needs to be replaced — now you're paying for the damage AND the locksmith.

Bottom line: Don't touch the lock. Don't force anything. Move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Check for Other Entry Points

Before you call anyone, do a quick walkthrough:

• Did you leave a back door or garage side door unlocked?
• Is there a window cracked open? (Ground floor only — don't climb anything)
• Does a family member, roommate, or neighbor have a spare key?
• For your car — check every door handle. Sometimes the passenger side or rear door is unlocked

You'd be surprised how often there's a way in you didn't think of. We've gotten calls where the customer found an unlocked back door while we were on the way — and we were happy to cancel the trip. No charge.

But please — if you do get in on your own, call us right away to let us know. We don't want to drive across town only to find out you're already inside. A quick call or text saves everyone time and keeps the schedule clear for the next person who needs help.

Step 3: Call Your Locksmith — Not a Random Google Ad

This is where it really matters who you call. Scam "locksmith" companies run fake Google ads all the time — they quote $35 on the phone, then show up in an unmarked car and charge $300+ once they've already started working on your lock. Some of them will even intentionally damage your lock to upsell you on a replacement.

Here's how to spot a legit locksmith vs. a scam:

✅ Legit locksmith: - Answers the phone with a real business name - Gives you a clear price range upfront — before they head out - Has real Google reviews from real people with photos and details - Shows up in a branded vehicle - Can show you a business license if asked - Doesn't pressure you into unnecessary replacements

🚩 Red flags: - "$19 service call!" advertised online (bait-and-switch pricing) - Can't give you a price range on the phone - Generic business name like "Local Locksmith Services" - No reviews, or reviews that all sound the same - Shows up in a personal vehicle with no signage - Wants to drill your lock immediately without trying non-destructive entry first

At Precision Lock & Key, we give you an honest quote on the phone before we ever head out. No surprises. No bait-and-switch. What we quote is what you pay.

One more thing — if you've already called another locksmith, let us know. Double-booking happens more than you'd think, and it's not a good situation for anyone. We show up ready to work, and so does the other company — now someone drove out for nothing. Just be upfront about it and we'll figure out the best plan together.

Step 4: Stay With Your Property

While you're waiting for the locksmith, stay near the door or vehicle.

• If it's a car in a parking lot, let a nearby business know what's going on
• If it's your home and it's late at night, stay visible and well-lit
• If you're at a business, check if any employees have a spare key or if there's a lockbox

Safety first — don't wander off looking for help and leave your property unattended.

Step 5: Have Your ID Ready

A reputable locksmith will ask for proof that you live there or own the vehicle. This is actually a good sign — it means they take security seriously and won't just open anyone's door for anyone.

If a locksmith doesn't ask for any identification, that's a red flag. It means they'd open your neighbor's door just as easily.

Step 6: Ask About Preventing Future Lockouts

Once you're back inside, talk to your locksmith about options to make sure this doesn't happen again:

• Smart locks or keypad deadbolts — no keys to lose. Punch in a code and you're in
• Spare key service — we can cut extra keys on the spot for family members
• Lockbox installation — a secure way to hide a spare near your entry point
• Car key duplication — always have a backup in your wallet, purse, or with a trusted person

A few dollars now saves you a service call later.

Real Story: A Free-Spinning Lock That Left a Business Stranded

We got a call from a local business — the owner showed up to open the shop and the front door lock was completely free-spinning. The key went in and turned, but nothing happened. The cylinder had come loose over time and the tailpiece was no longer engaging the lock mechanism.

We drilled the cylinder to manually override the tailpiece, got the door open without damaging anything else, and installed a brand new deadbolt on the spot. Business was open within the hour.

The takeaway: If your lock feels loose, gritty, or requires you to jiggle the key — don't ignore it. That's your lock telling you it's about to fail. Get it replaced before you're stranded at 6 AM.

What NOT to Do When You're Locked Out

Let's make this crystal clear:

• ❌ Don't call a random 1-800 number from a Google ad — scam locksmiths are everywhere
• ❌ Don't try to pick the lock with a bobby pin — this isn't the movies, and you'll likely damage the lock
• ❌ Don't break a window — replacement costs way more than a locksmith
• ❌ Don't use a coat hanger on your car — modern vehicles have anti-theft systems and you'll damage the door frame or wiring
• ❌ Don't leave your property unattended while you go find help
• ❌ Don't try to remove the hinges — exterior doors have security hinges for a reason

The Bottom Line

Lockouts are stressful, but they don't have to be expensive or dramatic. The smartest move is always the same — stay calm, call a locksmith you trust, and let the pro handle it.

If you're locked out right now in Spokane or the Coeur d'Alene area, call or text (509) 370-4370. We're available 24/7 and we'll give you a straight answer on price before we head out.

And if you're reading this before a lockout happens — smart move. Save our number. You'll be glad you did.