Step 1: Check Every Possible Entry Point
Before panicking, do a thorough walk around your property. Check every door — front, back, side, garage, and laundry. Try all windows, particularly those you might have left ajar. Check sliding doors, which sometimes have a gap that allows them to be jiggled open. If you live in a unit or apartment, check if the building manager has a spare key, or if a trusted neighbour has one. In many older Brisbane homes, louvre windows can sometimes be gently manipulated, but be careful not to break the glass. If you find an unlocked entry point, that is your fastest and cheapest solution.
- •Walk around the entire property checking all doors and windows
- •Check if a sliding door can be jiggled open
- •Ask the building manager or a neighbour if they have a spare key
- •Check the garage — some have internal access to the house
- •Look for any window left slightly ajar
Step 2: Do Not Try to Force Entry
It is tempting to try to break in yourself, but this almost always causes more damage and costs more than calling a locksmith. Kicking a door can damage the frame, the lock, and the door itself — repairs can easily cost $500 to $1,000. Trying to pick a lock without proper tools and training can damage the lock mechanism, requiring a full replacement. Breaking a window creates a security risk and glass replacement is expensive. Credit card tricks only work on spring latches (not deadbolts) and will bend or break your card. Leave it to the professionals — a skilled locksmith can open most locks non-destructively in minutes.
- •Kicking a door can cause $500–$1,000 in damage to door, frame, and lock
- •DIY lock picking damages the mechanism, requiring full replacement
- •Breaking windows is expensive and creates a security vulnerability
- •Credit card tricks only work on basic spring latches, not deadbolts
- •A locksmith can non-destructively open most locks in 5–15 minutes
Step 3: Call a Licensed Locksmith
Once you have confirmed you cannot get in yourself, call a licensed locksmith. Through UrgentTradie, you can be connected with a verified emergency locksmith near your Brisbane suburb in minutes. When calling, provide your exact address, describe the lock type if you can (deadbolt, knob lock, sliding door), and mention if you have a spare key elsewhere that could be collected. Most locksmiths in Brisbane carry a wide range of tools and can handle everything from basic pin-tumbler locks to high-security systems. Expect the locksmith to arrive within 20 to 45 minutes depending on your suburb and the time of day.
- •Use UrgentTradie to find a verified locksmith near you
- •Provide your exact address and describe the lock type
- •Ask about the estimated cost before they begin work
- •Most locksmiths arrive within 20–45 minutes in Brisbane
- •Ensure the locksmith holds a valid QLD security licence
Step 4: What to Expect When the Locksmith Arrives
A professional locksmith will first assess the lock to determine the best entry method. For most standard locks, they will use non-destructive techniques such as lock picking, bypass tools, or bump keys. This takes 5 to 15 minutes for standard locks and up to 30 minutes for high-security systems. The locksmith should show you their security licence and provide a quote before starting. If the lock must be drilled (destructive entry), they will inform you beforehand and discuss replacement lock options. Once you are inside, the locksmith can also rekey the lock, provide spare keys, or upgrade your security if desired.
- •Locksmith will assess the lock type and choose the best method
- •Non-destructive entry takes 5–15 minutes for standard locks
- •High-security locks may take up to 30 minutes
- •If drilling is needed, they will inform you and quote for replacement
- •You can request rekeying or a security upgrade at the same time
Preventing Future Lockouts
Once you are back inside, take steps to prevent it from happening again. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour, family member, or friend who lives nearby. Consider installing a key lockbox (combination-accessed key safe) near your front door — these cost $50 to $150 and are widely used by Airbnb hosts in Brisbane. Smart locks are another option, allowing you to unlock your door with your phone, a code, or a fingerprint, eliminating the need for a physical key entirely. Priced from $200 to $600 installed, smart locks are increasingly popular in Brisbane and can be installed by a locksmith.
- •Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or family member
- •Install a key lockbox (combination key safe): $50–$150
- •Consider a smart lock for keyless entry: $200–$600 installed
- •Hide-a-key rocks and doormat keys are not secure — avoid these
- •Keep a locksmith's number saved in your phone for next time