If you get locked out of your house or car, making a lock pick out of a paperclip or toothpick could cause more harm than good. A good locksmith can get you in your house without destroying the locks. The experts at Jim’s Bike & Key Shop in Columbia, MO, have seen every type of lock and lockout situation and don’t want the people of the Columbia area to cost themselves unnecessarily.

By trying to pick your own lock, you risk damaging the finely machined parts of the lock, especially if it’s a car. Lock installation in cars can be incredibly expensive because each car company has a proprietary locking mechanism, and damaging it can cost up to hundreds of dollars. That’s quite a price for an impulsive attempt with a makeshift lock pick.

Picking the locks in your house can have similarly disastrous results. You could try with a bobby pin or paperclip and have it stuck or even break inside, meaning you’ll need a professional locksmith anyway. You could also shred the entire interior mechanism of the lock, essentially sealing the door.

This is why it’s essential to rely on the professionals to open locked doors for you. Locksmiths are trustworthy by default since they have to have a clean criminal record to be certified. An experienced locksmith will bring the right tools and the knowledge of a wide range of lock types and designs. They have lock picks made purposely for every type of lock, so you can save your bobby pins and toothpicks. Plus, locksmiths are generally available 24 hours a day, so they can help you whenever you get caught outside of your home or car. They’ll provide rekeying and new lock installation as well if it boils down to this. 

Save Jim’s Bike & Key Shop’s phone number, (573) 442-7011, in your phone, so you can call as soon as you realize you are locked out. The team is happy to provide service to anyone in a 40-mile radius around their shop. You can stay updated on social media by liking them on Facebook.