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Locked Out or Can’t Open the Door? Here’s What You Can Do
There’s nothing more frustrating than standing in front of a door that just won’t open — especially when you’re in a rush or locked out of your own home. Whether it’s a bathroom door locked from the inside, a doorknob that spins but doesn’t open, or a front door that’s completely jammed, we’ve seen it all.
At CaptainLock Locksmith, these are some of the most common emergency calls we get in New Westminster, Burnaby, and Greater Vancouver. Here’s what you need to know if your door won’t budge — and when it’s time to call a pro.
🔒 Why Your Door Might Be Stuck or Locked
There are several reasons a door might not open — and not all of them are lock-related. Some common issues include:
Privacy locks accidentally activated from the inside (common with bathrooms or bedrooms)
Doorknobs turning but not retracting the latch
Deadbolts stuck halfway due to internal failure
Swollen doors caused by humidity or temperature changes
Misaligned strike plates or warped frames
Old or broken internal lock parts
Sometimes it’s a simple fix — other times, it takes the right tools and know-how.
🧰 Can You Unlock It Yourself?
If it’s an interior privacy lock, like on a bathroom door, you might be able to open it with:
A flathead screwdriver in the small hole on the knob
A paperclip or bobby pin for push-button locks
A credit card for spring-latch doors (not deadbolts)
But be careful — forcing it can cause damage. If the handle feels stuck or the lock is jammed, it’s better to stop and call a locksmith than risk breaking something.
If you’re locked out of your apartment, house, or office, don’t panic. We’ve got mobile locksmiths who can get to you fast, usually within 30 minutes, and get you back in without damaging the door or lock.
We use professional-grade tools to pick locks, bypass broken latches, and even open jammed deadbolts safely. No drilling unless it’s truly necessary — and if we do, we’ll replace the lock on the spot.
👷 What We Do During a Lockout Call
When we arrive, we’ll:
Inspect the door and lock
Use non-destructive techniques to open it
Repair or replace hardware if needed
Make sure it opens and locks properly before we leave
We always carry extra knobs, deadbolts, strike plates, and more .
💡 Quick Tip: Don’t Try to Kick It In
Yes, people still do this. And yes, it usually ends badly — cracked door frames, busted locks, or injuries. It might seem like a quick fix, but it often turns into a much more expensive repair than just calling a locksmith.
📍 Serving New Westminster & Beyond
We’re based in New West and service nearby areas including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey. Whether you’re a homeowner, a tenant, or a property manager, we’ve got your back.
📞 (604) 729-8848
📧 info@abellhomeservices.ca
We unlock doors, fix problems, and help you breathe easy again — all with one call.