What Actually Happens During a Damage-Free House Lockout

Getting locked out of your own house is one of those problems that feels bigger than it is — until someone shows up with a drill and turns a five-minute fix into a new deadbolt bill. That’s not how we do it at American Best Locksmith, and it’s worth explaining why, because most homeowners have no idea there’s a difference between locksmiths on this call.

The first thing we do is nothing destructive

When we arrive for a residential lockout in Philadelphia, South Jersey, or Wilmington, the first move is always non-destructive entry — picking or bypassing the existing lock. Most standard pin-tumbler deadbolts, and a surprising number of smart-lock models, can be opened this way by a technician who does it every day. Drilling is the last resort, not the first move, and we’ll tell you honestly if your lock is one of the exceptions before we touch it.

Why some locks do need to be drilled

A handful of high-security cylinders and certain damaged or corroded locks genuinely can’t be picked in a reasonable time. If that’s the case, we say so up front, explain the cost difference, and get your approval before doing anything irreversible. You should never be surprised by a drilled lock on the invoice.

What to have ready when you call

A photo of your front door lock (if you can get one from a neighbor or a prior listing photo) helps us bring the right tools the first time. Proof of address or ID helps us confirm you’re the resident — we ask every time, no exceptions, because that’s part of doing this job responsibly.

Our hours are honest, not infinite

We’re open 8 AM–8 PM daily. We don’t claim 24/7 service because we’d rather set a window we actually keep than promise something we can’t. If you’re locked out outside those hours, call first thing when we open and we’ll get you back in fast.

Licensed, bonded, insured — and it matters here

Entering someone’s home without a key is exactly the kind of work that should require licensing and insurance, and in New Jersey it legally does (NJ #34LS00075200). We carry that license, plus bonding and insurance across every market we serve, because a lockout call is a trust call before it’s a lock call.

If you’re locked out right now, call the number for your area — Philadelphia, South Jersey, or Wilmington — and read more about what we cover on our residential locksmith page.