Locked out of the office? Causes, fixes and prevention
An office lockout stops everyone's day. Understanding why it happened makes it easier to fix and to stop it happening again.
Common causes of office lockouts
Lost or misplaced keys
Keys left at home, lost on the commute or taken by someone who's left the company.
Worn or broken locks
Locks on busy doors wear out and can jam without warning.
Snapped or stuck keys
A key breaks or sticks in the cylinder and the door won't open.
Forgotten codes or fobs
Keyless locks still lock people out when a code or fob goes missing.
Why DIY isn't a good idea
Forcing a commercial door damages expensive hardware and can leave the premises unsecured. A locksmith can usually open the door with far less damage.
What to expect from a commercial locksmith
Expect to show that you're authorized to enter, such as a business card, lease or a manager confirming by phone. The technician will open the door, check the lock and, if keys are missing, offer to rekey on the spot.
How to prevent the next one
- Keep a spare with a second keyholder.
- Replace locks that stick before they fail.
- Delete codes for departing staff straight away.
- Consider a master key system so fewer keys are in circulation.
Need help now? Call 617-206-2136.
