11 Lockout Myths That Will Absolutely Make Your Situation Worse (And Why You Need An Emergency Locksmith in NZ)

As an emergency locksmith in NZ, we understand how a simple slip of leaving your keys inside can feel like the end of the world. 

You stand outside in the dark, rain trickling down, and every DIY “hack” you find online promises a quick fix. Yet most of these so‑called solutions do more harm than good. They can damage your door frame, bend internal components or even put you at risk of injury. 

Trying to save a few dollars often leads to hefty repair bills or medical expenses, especially when you factor in average locksmith response times and rural travel fees. By calling us at Armstrong Security, you get certified expertise backed by over 40 years of experience, along with transparent after‑hours locksmith costs. 

We guarantee a fast, damage‑free entry so you can return to safety and comfort. Let’s explore 11 common lockout myths that put you in deeper trouble, and why relying on a professional is always the smarter choice.

1. “You Can Just Use a Credit Card”

Many assume a credit card will slide through a latch‑bolt and pop the door open. That might have worked on old spring‑latch doors, but modern latch‑bolts are too thick and angled to allow any shimming.

Why this makes things worse:

• Card damage: You’ll likely snap the card, leaving behind fragments lodged in the lock.
• Lock damage: Bending or forcing the card can scratch the internal bolt face or bend the strike plate.
• Frame damage: Repeated shim attempts can cause the door frame to split or crack.

Repair reality

A simple latch‑bolt repair can cost a lot in parts and labour, before you even consider replacing your broken credit card.

What we do instead

We use specialised non‑invasive tools that engage the bolt properly, releasing the lock without harming your door. Our methods avoid costly lockout damage costs in NZ and ensure your lock continues to operate smoothly.

2. “A Wire Hanger Will Pop the Lock in Seconds”

This myth often stems from old TV dramas. You straighten a wire hanger, poke it through the door gap, and voilà… unlocked. In practice, most interior locks resist simple hook tools, and you end up with scratched paint and a bent hanger.

Common pitfalls:

• Surface damage: Scratches around the door edge and frame ruin your paint finish.
• Bent tools: The wire bends under pressure, leaving you worse off than before.
• Lock jamming: Poking around inside can displace internal components, resulting in a jammed or irreparable lock.

Why professional tools matter:

• Precision picks: We carry a set of picks designed for every lock cylinder type.
• Non‑abrasive entry: Our tools minimise scuffs on the door and frame.
• Training: Years of hands‑on experience let us feel the bolt’s subtle movements, something a makeshift hanger can’t match.

By choosing a certified 24/7 locksmith NZ like us, you dodge unnecessary repainting bills and bent‑tool frustrations.

3. “You Can Just Remove the Door Handle”

Removing the handle seems straightforward: locate the screws, turn the screwdriver, and off it comes. Yet most modern handles conceal hidden clips or security screws.

What often happens:

• Stripped screws: Standard screwdrivers slip, stripping heads and making removal next to impossible.
• Broken spindle: Forcing the handle off can snap the internal spindle, leaving no way to retract the latch.
• Seized mechanism: Misaligned reassembly means the lock no longer engages or disengages properly.

Real‑world cost

A broken mechanism often requires a full handle and lockset replacement, which can be expensive in hardware alone, plus labour.

Our approach

We dismantle hardware using factory‑specified tools that access hidden fasteners, preserving your existing lockset. If replacement is necessary, we match your handle style and finish, ensuring seamless function and appearance.

4. “Just Climb Through the Window”

Windows may look like easy entry points, but they pose serious safety hazards. ACC fall statistics NZ show over 7,800 claims each year for window‑related falls, with average treatment costs above NZ$2,000 per incident.

Risks involved:

• Slips and falls: Wet sills and narrow frames lead to loss of balance.
• Sharp edges: Broken glass cuts can result in deep lacerations.
• Height dangers: Even single‑storey windows have enough drop to cause sprains or fractures.

ACC data highlights

Approximately 20% of home‑entry falls involve glass breakage, compounding medical bills and property damage.

Secure entry instead

Our locksmiths carry compact ladders and glass‑safe entry tools. We lift sashes carefully, without cracking the pane, and slip a hook behind the latch, all while you stay safely on firm ground.

5. “Break a Window… It’s Cheaper”

Shattering glass seems like a one‑step solution, but the hidden costs add up fast. A single double‑glazed panel can cost between NZ$600 and NZ$1,200 once you include new glass, frame realignment and professional installation.

Cost breakdown:

• Glass panel: NZ$300–NZ$700 per unit
• Frame repairs: NZ$100–NZ$250 to straighten or replace seals
• Installation labour: NZ$200–NZ$300 for a qualified glazier

6. “You Only Need a Locksmith If It’s an Emergency”

Many homeowners assume locksmiths only react to full lockouts. In reality, we handle a wide range of situations:

• Lost keys or locked trunks
• Snapped key fragments stuck in cylinders
• Jammed deadbolts or mortice locks
• Security upgrades, such as deadbolt installations

Why proactive calls pay off:

1. Prevent larger failures
   Spotting a sticky bolt early can avoid a midday lockout.
2. Budget‑friendly scheduling
   Off‑peak service slots reduce after‑hours locksmith costs.
3. Enhanced security
   Regular maintenance helps guard against forced entries.

As a trusted rural locksmith service in NZ, we recommend annual inspections, especially for high‑use doors, to keep your property secure year‑round.

7. “My Neighbour Probably Knows How to Get In”

Relying on a helpful neighbour might save you a few minutes, but untrained hands can damage sensitive lock cylinders. A single bent pin tumbler inside your lock can render it inoperable, forcing a full re‑key or replacement.

Neighbourly risks:

• Misalignment: Improper pin stacking leads to jamming.
• Cylinder damage: Random tools knock fine components out of place.
• Security breach: Once compromised, the lock no longer offers its original protection.

Certified locksmith advantage

We respect your existing hardware, using non‑destructive entry techniques and, if necessary, offering discreet re‑keying to maintain your key code. This keeps your insurance valid and your peace of mind intact.

8. “Locksmiths Take Forever to Show Up”

A common belief is that an emergency locksmith in NZ will leave you waiting all night. Our average locksmith response in NZ time is under two hours, even for rural routes. We monitor call volumes and deploy our mobile teams strategically.

Factors affecting wait time

• Location: Urban centres versus remote areas
• Time of day: Peak traffic after‑hours requests
• Workload: High call volumes during storms or public holidays

How we ensure a swift arrival:

• Round‑the‑Clock Coverage: We offer truly 24/7 emergency locksmith services from any of our 15 nationwide branches.
• Free Child & Pet Lock‑out Service: If a child or pet is locked in a vehicle, we give those calls top priority and charge no call‑out fee.
• Licensed, Trained Technicians: Every van is crewed by a fully licensed locksmith with over 40 years of combined experience. 

Waiting longer than two hours risks exposure to the elements or personal safety issues, especially in isolated locations. When you need rapid support, we’re the local experts you can count on.

9. “Locksmiths Only Help with Front Doors”

Lockouts come in many forms. We assist with:

• Car doors: All makes and models
• Home lockouts: Manual and automatic openers
• Commercial lockouts: Office suites, shopfronts and storerooms

By calling one number, you avoid bouncing between multiple specialists. Our comprehensive service makes us a true one‑stop solution, day or night.

10. “You Can Just Sleep in the Car”

Parking up and waiting out the night might seem harmless, but phones lose charge, temperatures drop, and personal safety can become a concern, particularly in rural areas with limited cell coverage.

Overnight hazards:

• Battery drain: Flat batteries leave you stranded again.
• Weather exposure: Cold or wet conditions risk hypothermia.
• Security threats: Unfamiliar surroundings increase vulnerability.

Comfort and security restored

With a quick call, we’ll have you back inside in under 30 minutes. Our vans carry lighting, mobile charging and first‑aid kits, so you remain warm, connected and safe until help arrives.

11. “I Don’t Need to Save a Locksmith’s Number, I’ll Google It If It Happens”

Searching online in a panic can lead to unvetted operators, hidden fees and outright scams. According to recent surveys, nearly 1 in 5 locksmith services charge unexpected fees upon arrival.

Search‑time pitfalls:

• Scammers: Faulty credentials and false reviews
• Price bait‑and‑switch: Low advertised rates jump after work begins
• Uninsured trades: No cover if they damage your property

Why saving our number matters

• Verified experts: We hold full licensing and insurance.
• Transparent pricing: All fees disclosed before work starts.
• Priority status: Saved contacts get priority routing in our dispatch system.

Add our number to your contacts now and avoid the chaos of last‑minute Googling when you need help most.

A Better Way To Solve Lockouts

When you face a lockout, every minute counts and every mistake risks extra costs or worse. By believing these myths, you gamble with your door’s integrity, personal safety and wallet. 

As your reliable emergency locksmith in NZ, we commit to clear pricing, prompt national coverage and expert damage‑free entry, no shortcuts, no drama.Keep Armstrong Security’s number close. When you save it in your phone, you lock in peace of mind, knowing you have a professional just a call away. Lockouts shouldn’t ruin your day or rack up repair bills. With us on speed dial, you’ll always step back into your home or vehicle swiftly, safely and affordably, guaranteed.