Opening doors

Door Opening Methodology by a Locksmith

Opening a door may be necessary in several situations: a door locked with a key, an armored door, or a door that has simply been slammed shut. In all cases, a qualified locksmith uses an appropriate method to guarantee a quick opening without damaging the door or compromising its security, while respecting the price quoted over the phone. Here are the different steps of a professional intervention to open a door under these conditions:

1. Assessment of the Situation

When a locksmith arrives on site, they begin by assessing the door’s situation. They identify whether the door is simply slammed shut, locked with a key, or if it is an armored door. Each case requires a different approach to ensure an efficient and damage-free opening.

• Slammed door: This is a door that is locked due to simply being slammed shut, often without the key inside. This situation is the easiest to resolve.
• Door locked with a key: The lock is engaged with the key inside the door. A more specific method is needed to avoid breaking the lock.
• Armored door: An armored door has reinforced security devices. It requires special tools and particular expertise to avoid damaging the door structure while respecting its integrity.

2. Use of the Radio Card and Technical Expertise

To open a slammed or locked door without damage, the locksmith uses specific tools such as a radio card, a master key, or other suitable professional tools. Here’s how these tools are used:

• Radio card: For a door that is simply closed but not locked, the radio card, a thin and flexible tool, is inserted between the door frame and the lock bolt. This method allows the lock mechanism to be manipulated without damaging the door or the lock. The card is used with great expertise to slide between the bolt and the locking mechanism, allowing the door to be opened without a key.
• Technical expertise for locked or reinforced doors: For a locked door or a reinforced door, the locksmith uses more specialized tools. Expertise is crucial to avoid damaging the lock or the door. Sometimes, it may be necessary to use a tubular lock pick or a lock extractor to bypass security systems without causing damage.

3. Damage Prevention

One of the key objectives when opening a door is to preserve the integrity of the door and the lock. The locksmith uses high-quality tools to avoid causing unnecessary damage. If a door is reinforced, they ensure that the security systems remain intact during the intervention.

4. Adherence to the Quoted Price

Before undertaking the door opening, the locksmith always confirms the price with the client. The price quoted over the phone is the price the client will pay, provided the situation matches the initial assessment (door closed but not locked, simple lock, etc.). If unforeseen complications arise, such as a reinforced door requiring more specialized equipment, the locksmith will immediately inform the client to discuss a possible update to the quote. However, any change in price will be clearly communicated before any work begins.

5. Completion of the service

Once the door is open, the locksmith checks that the mechanism is working correctly. He ensures that the lock and door are in good working order and explains to the customer how to avoid similar situations in the future, for example by servicing the locking mechanisms or recommending additional security solutions.