What Should I Do if I’ve Been Locked Out of My Business?

May 4, 2023

Commercial lockouts can cause a lot of issues for your company and can result in loss of income as well as loss of trust from your clients or customers. This is why if a commercial lockout does occur (and they do more often than you think), you should address the issue immediately. But what should you do? If you ever find that you’ve been locked out of your office or store, read the tips below.

Stay Calm and Consider Your Options

Experiencing an office lockout or store lockout can be stressful, but you must take a deep breath and try to remain calm. No matter what you do, don’t kick or force the door open. Doing this will cause more harm than good since you’ll have to pay more for repairs. Instead, consider other possibilities. Have you been locked out during work hours? If so, it’s likely that another employee is already at work and can let you in. If no one is at work, give your employees or co-workers a call and ask if they have a spare key and what time they’re coming in. 

If you work alone or share a key with several people, you can try getting into your building through alternative entries. Does your business have any side or back doors that are unlocked? If the lockout occurred during business hours, one of them may have been left open. 

Call a Locksmith

If you’ve exhausted all immediate options and have had no luck, it’s time to call a commercial locksmith. Depending on what time of day (or night) you were locked out, you may need to contact a locksmith who offers 24/7 commercial lockout services . Once you make the call, the commercial locksmith should waste no time heading over to your location to get you back inside. The locksmith will likely gain entry to your workplace by either picking the lock or cutting a new key without requiring the original.

During Your Meeting With the Locksmith 

Once the commercial locksmith arrives at your location, you should discuss any concerns that you may have considering your situation. For example, if you have reason to believe that your keys were stolen or that you lost them in a public place where they can be traced back to you, your commercial locksmith may suggest that you rekey or replace your door locks.

Even if you’ve promised yourself that you’ll be extra careful with your keys because you don’t want to go through another office lockout, there’s no telling that you won’t make the same mistake twice. If you haven’t already gotten your keys duplicated, now’s the time to do so. Your commercial locksmith can duplicate a spare key for you on-site which will only take several minutes! Keeping a spare key in a secure location outside of the building can save you a lot of trouble if another commercial lockout occurs. Another option is to consider switching out your locks for electronic or keyless locks. Electronic locks don’t require the use of a lock and key but require keycards or codes (depending on what type of system you choose to install) and can save you a lot of time and money if you are experiencing commercial lockouts frequently. Ask your locksmith for recommendations. 

 

Looking for a Commercial Locksmith?

If you’re looking for a reputable locksmith company in the New York City area, reach out to Brothers Locksmith! Brothers Locksmith has plenty of experience resolving all kinds of commercial lockout-related issues from broken door locks to keys that are stuck in doors. We can also solve:

 

Brothers Locksmith is available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time of the day!

Call Us Any Time!

Call Now
Why Some Locks Become Difficult to Use After Renovations
By Ghulam Mustafa July 15, 2026
Learn why some locks become difficult to use after renovations. Discover how door alignment, new flooring, trim installation, paint, and structural changes can affect lock performance and how to fix the problem.
How to Prevent Lock Wear in High-Traffic Homes
By Ghulam Mustafa July 14, 2026
Learn how to prevent lock wear in high traffic homes with simple maintenance tips. Discover how proper cleaning, lubrication, door alignment, and early repairs can extend your lock's lifespan and improve security.
What Causes Internal Lock Corrosion?
By Ghulam Mustafa July 11, 2026
Learn what causes internal lock corrosion, including moisture, humidity, dirt, salt exposure, and poor maintenance. Discover the warning signs, prevention tips, and when to repair or replace a corroded lock.
Why Does My Key Need Extra Force to Turn?
By Ghulam Mustafa July 8, 2026
Why does your key need extra force to turn? Learn the common causes, including lock wear, door misalignment, dirt buildup, worn keys, and weather changes, plus how to fix the problem before it gets worse.
Can a Locksmith Repair a Lock Instead of Replacing It?
By Ghulam Mustafa July 6, 2026
Can a locksmith repair a lock instead of replacing it? Learn when lock repair is possible, what issues can be fixed, when replacement is necessary, and how to choose the most cost effective solution.
Why Your Door Lock Keeps Catching on the Strike Plate
By Ghulam Mustafa July 4, 2026
Why does your door lock keep catching on the strike plate? Learn how door misalignment, loose hinges, weather changes, and strike plate issues can affect your lock and how to fix the problem.
How to Tell If a Lock Problem Is Mechanical or Structural
By Ghulam Mustafa July 3, 2026
Is your lock problem mechanical or structural? Learn how to identify the difference between internal lock issues and door alignment problems, plus the signs that help you find the right solution.
By Ghulam Mustafa July 2, 2026
What causes a deadbolt to stop extending fully? Learn how door misalignment, strike plate issues, loose hinges, lock wear, and weather changes can affect deadbolt performance and home security.
More Posts