Staunton home lockout help

Lockouts in Staunton's older houses

In a newer house, a lockout usually means one modern deadbolt and a quick pick. In many Staunton homes it can mean a spring latch on a century-old mortise lock, a rim lock with a night latch that snapped shut behind you, or an interior door that locked with a bit key nobody can find. A locksmith who knows old hardware can open these without splitting the door edge or damaging a lock that can't easily be replaced.

The night latch that locked behind you

Some older rim locks and mortise locks have a small button or slide that holds the latch locked. Flip it by accident on the way out, pull the door closed, and you're outside. These locks can usually be opened from the outside by a locksmith without harm, and afterwards it's worth learning which position is which so it doesn't happen again.

A child locked in a room with a skeleton-key door

Interior doors in old Staunton houses often have bit-key locks, and children find them fascinating. If a child turns the key from inside and can't turn it back, stay calm and keep talking to them. Many of these locks can be opened from the other side by a locksmith; if the child is in any danger or distress, call 911.

When the old key finally breaks

Bit keys that have been in use for decades get thin and brittle. If one breaks in the lock, don't try to dig the piece out with a screwdriver — an antique lock's internal parts can bend. A locksmith can extract the broken piece, open the door, and often make a new key to fit the same lock.

Proof you live there

Whatever the lock, expect to confirm the address with ID, a utility bill or a lease. If the proof is inside, the locksmith can usually check it with you once the door is open.

Need something else in Staunton?

See everything on the Staunton locksmith page, or browse Virginia locksmiths.

Want the background first? Read our guide: Home Lockout.