We’ve all been there: you’re standing outside your office or home, patting your pockets or checking your bag for the third time, hoping the keys will magically appear. Whether you’re rushing to meet a client or just trying to beat the traffic home, getting locked out is frustrating—and it’s surprisingly easy to make it worse.
For business owners, the stakes are higher. One wrong move can lead to property damage, liability issues, or operational delays. And while kicking in the door might feel like a fast fix, it usually ends up being the most expensive mistake on the list.
If you want to avoid turning a lockout into a costly disaster, it’s not just about what to do—it’s about what not to do.
Photo by Marcin Szmigiel from Pexels
Don’t: Try to Break In Like a Movie Thief
If you’ve ever seen someone slide a credit card through a door latch in a movie, forget it. Those scenes are pure fiction (or at best, outdated). Trying to pick your lock or force entry usually does more harm than good—especially with commercial doors that are reinforced or connected to security systems.
Trying to break in also creates issues beyond just the door. For instance, damaging your lock might void your insurance coverage or trigger a security alert. A much smarter approach is to contact a 24 hour locksmith, someone trained to resolve lockouts without damaging property. They’ll have the right tools—and more importantly—the legal expertise to get you back in without leaving a mess behind.
Don’t: Call the Wrong “Helper”
It’s tempting to phone a buddy, the building handyman, or even a neighbor with a toolbox. But unless that person has actual locksmith training, they might end up damaging your lock, your frame, or even injuring themselves.
This is especially risky for business owners. If someone gets hurt trying to help you break in, you could be liable. And if they damage the door? You’re paying for both the repair and a new lock. The better move is to call a vetted locksmith service with insurance and credentials.
Don’t: Smash Windows or Force Doors
You might think, “I’ll just break this small window—it’ll be cheaper than calling someone.” But even a small broken window can cost hundreds to repair, especially with modern double-glazing or commercial-grade glass. Not to mention the safety hazard of sharp glass shards or leaving your property exposed afterward.
And forcing doors open? You might cause structural damage to the frame, which could result in misalignment issues, long-term wear, or the need for a complete replacement. It’s always more cost-effective to let a professional handle it.
Don’t: Ignore the Risk of Business Interruption
Getting locked out of a home is one thing—getting locked out of your business can snowball into bigger problems. If employees can’t access the premises, deliveries are delayed, or clients are left waiting, your bottom line takes a hit.
Time-sensitive industries—like retail, hospitality, or healthcare—can’t afford those delays. Yet some business owners waste precious time trying to MacGyver their way in or waiting for a landlord instead of calling a professional immediately. That delay alone can cost far more than any locksmith fee.
Don’t: Post About It Online in Real Time
In a moment of frustration, you might feel tempted to post something like, “Locked out of the shop again 😡.” But this can signal to others—especially opportunistic thieves—that your property is unattended.
Oversharing can also damage your brand image. Clients may wonder about your preparedness or reliability if you’re frequently locked out and tweeting about it. Keep the updates offline until you’ve resolved the issue.
Don’t: Forget to Document Lockouts for Business Liability
If your business operates in a shared space or you rent your commercial unit, any lockout that causes lost access should be documented. This helps in case there’s a landlord dispute, delivery interruption, or insurance claim.
Skipping documentation might mean you’re left footing the bill later on. A quick email, time-stamped photo, or even a receipt from the locksmith can protect you down the road. It’s boring, sure—but future-you will thank present-you for being organized.
Don’t: Assume All Locksmiths Are Created Equal
The internet is full of “cheap locksmith” ads, but not all of them are licensed or reputable. Some may quote low, then charge hidden fees on arrival. Others might not be trained in non-destructive entry methods.
If you’re running a business, you need more than just someone with tools—you need a locksmith who understands commercial-grade systems, complies with building regulations, and is insured. Before an emergency happens, research a trusted locksmith service in your area and save their contact. Think of it as part of your business continuity plan.
Don’t: Leave Yourself Without a Backup Plan (Again)
Lockouts often happen more than once—especially if your business has multiple employees, rotating staff, or shared access. Yet most people treat the first lockout like a one-off, then fail to plan for the next time.
After resolving the current issue, take some time to create an access strategy:
- Have a duplicate key secured in a lockbox or with a trusted staff member.
- Consider smart locks with temporary access codes for rotating staff.
- Train employees on what to do (and not to do) if they’re locked out.
Having a protocol in place not only saves time and money—it keeps your operations running smoothly.
What You Should Do Instead
Now that we’ve covered what not to do, let’s talk about smarter steps that can keep your property, people, and peace of mind intact.
1. Call a Licensed Emergency Locksmith
A true professional won’t just open the door—they’ll do it with minimal disruption and provide documentation if needed for insurance or liability purposes.
2. Secure the Premises Post-Entry
If you’ve had to breach a door or window—or if the lock was tampered with—don’t leave it unsecured. A good locksmith can rekey or replace the lock on the spot.
3. Assess Why It Happened
Was it a missing key? A faulty lock? A miscommunication with staff? Solving the root issue will prevent repeat events.
4. Establish a Key Management System
Whether it’s a coded key cabinet or a digital log of who has access, putting a system in place makes you less vulnerable to human error.
The Business Case for Being Prepared
Think of it this way: a lockout is an interruption. And in business, interruptions have costs—both tangible and reputational. If a client can’t get in for a scheduled meeting, or a delivery driver is stuck outside during a snowstorm, it reflects poorly on your reliability.
Preparedness isn’t just about having a spare key. It’s about recognizing that access issues are part of property management and treating them with the same professionalism you’d apply to IT outages or inventory errors.
Photo by COPPERTIST WU from Pexels
Final Thoughts: Your Lockout Doesn’t Need to Be a Meltdown
Whether it’s your storefront at 7 AM or your home office at 10 PM, a lockout feels like everything is working against you. But staying calm and skipping the impulse-driven decisions is key (pun intended).
Don’t break, force, or improvise your way back in. Think smart, act fast, and have a trusted 24 hour locksmith in your contacts before you actually need them. Your property—and your sanity—will be better off for it.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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