At a glance
- 01
A local shop answers
Your call goes to a Kitchener store that has been here since 1976.
- 02
After hours: call anyway
After-hours emergency service may be available; the shop will tell you.
- 03
Lost keys? Rekey next
If the keys are gone, not just inside, rekeying closes the gap.
- 04
Check easy exits first
A quick walk around the house sometimes saves the call.
Being locked out of your house is stressful, especially in a Waterloo Region winter. This page is the honest version of what to do: what to check first, how to reach us, what to expect when a locksmith opens a door, and what to do about the keys afterwards.
If someone is in danger, call 911 first
If a child or a vulnerable person is alone inside, something is on the stove, or anyone is at risk, call 911 before you call a locksmith. Emergency services can act faster than anyone else in that situation.
Before you call
- Walk around the house. A back door, a patio door or the door from the garage may be unlocked.
- Think about who has a spare: a partner, a family member, a neighbour, a landlord or property manager.
- If you rent, your landlord or building manager may be able to let you in, and some leases expect you to ask them first.
- Don’t break a window or force a door. The repair almost always costs more than a lockout call, and broken glass is a real injury risk.
Calling us
Call the shop at 519-894-7055. We’re open Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, and Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Outside those hours, after-hours emergency service may be available: call the shop and we’ll tell you what we can do. We won’t promise an arrival time we can’t keep.
When you call, it helps to tell us your address, the kind of lock on the door (a standard deadbolt, a keypad, a high-security cylinder), and whether the keys are lost or simply inside.
What happens at the door
Most standard residential locks can be opened without damage by a trained locksmith using picking or bypass techniques. High-security cylinders are designed to resist exactly that, so opening one can take longer and, occasionally, means drilling and replacing the cylinder. That is the trade-off you made for better security, and it is still usually the right one.
Expect a reputable locksmith to ask for proof that you live there, such as photo ID with the address or a document with your name and address on it. It can feel like a hassle when you’re standing in the cold, but it’s the same check that stops a stranger from getting into your home.
A word about lockout ads
Search for an emergency locksmith and you’ll see ads quoting very low call-out prices. A common pattern is a low phone quote followed by a much higher bill at the door, sometimes after drilling a lock that could have been picked. Ask for the full price before work starts, and ask where the business is actually located. Our locksmith cost guide explains what lockouts and related work typically involve.
After you’re back in
If the keys were locked inside, you’re done once you’re in. If they were lost or stolen, especially with anything showing your address, rekeying the locks makes the missing keys useless without replacing your hardware.
Then think about next time. Hiding a key under a mat or a fake rock is the first place anyone looks. Better options are a spare with a trusted neighbour, or a keypad deadbolt so there’s no key to forget at all.
Fix the warning signs early
Plenty of lockouts start with a lock that had been failing for months. If you notice any of these, deal with it while you’re still on the right side of the door:
- A key that only turns if you jiggle it, lift the door or pull it toward you.
- A key that’s bent, cracked or worn smooth; keys often snap in the lock at the worst moment.
- A deadbolt that has to be forced to throw or retract.
- A keypad lock warning about low batteries.
A worn key can be replaced from a better copy, a misaligned strike can be adjusted, and a tired lock can be replaced, all for less hassle than a lockout.
Car keys
This page is about houses. If your trouble is a car key or fob that’s lost, broken or not working, see our page on car keys and fobs for replacement and programming.
We serve homes in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and the surrounding area from our store at 300 Manitou Drive.
Questions people ask
Can you open my door without damaging the lock?
Most standard residential locks can be opened without damage. High-security cylinders are built to resist that, so they occasionally have to be drilled and replaced.
Do you do lockouts after hours?
After-hours emergency service may be available. Call the shop at 519-894-7055 and we’ll tell you what we can do.
What will you need from me?
Proof that you live at the address, such as photo ID or a document showing your name and address. If it’s inside, you can show it once the door is open.
Should I change my locks after losing my keys?
If the keys were lost or stolen, rekeying is the sensible step, especially if anything with your address was with them. It makes the old keys useless and keeps your existing hardware.
How much does a house lockout cost?
It depends on the time of day, the lock and how it has to be opened. Call the shop for a price before any work starts, and see our locksmith cost guide for the factors involved.