Short answer: A home lockout means you cannot get into your own house, condo or apartment. Home lockouts are usually handled non-destructively; drilling a lock is a last resort, and a drilled lock then needs replacing.
A home lockout happens when the keys are inside, a key is lost or has broken, or a lock has stopped turning. The aim of the visit is to restore access with the least damage to the door, the frame and the lock. Home lockouts are usually handled non-destructively. Drilling a lock is a last resort, and when it is used the lock then needs to be replaced, which is why it is worth asking what the plan is before work starts.
Different doors behave differently. A standard deadbolt, a keypad or smart lock, a lock on a sliding door and a multi-point lock on a newer entry door each fail in their own ways, so describe what you see: what worked last, whether the key goes in and will not turn, or whether the key does not go in at all.
San Bruno has a mix of single-family homes, condominiums and apartment buildings, and who can authorize work on the door depends on which one you are in. At a rental or in a managed building, the landlord or property manager may hold a spare key or may need to approve changes to the lock, so it is worth contacting them first. In a condo or an HOA property, check whether the association has rules about the entry hardware.
Have your location and a safe callback number ready, and be prepared to show identification and some connection to the property, such as a lease, a utility bill or mail addressed to you at that address. A reputable locksmith checks that you are entitled to enter before opening the door. Mention anything that affects access: a gated driveway, an alarm, a child or pet inside, a shared entrance.
If you think someone has broken in, or anyone inside is at risk, call 911 first and do not enter.
When keys are lost rather than merely left inside, the lock is the next question. Anyone who finds the keys also has your address, so many people choose to change who holds a working key. Rekeying changes the lock internal pins so old keys stop working while the lock hardware stays in place; see lock rekeying. If the lock itself is worn or damaged, a replacement may make more sense, and lock change and deadbolt installation explain the options.
A key broken off in a lock can usually be extracted with purpose-made extraction tools, after which a replacement key can be cut. Avoid pushing the fragment deeper or forcing another key in. See broken key extraction.
Ask the locksmith to test the lock from both sides and to confirm every key that works. Then decide on a spare: keep one with someone you trust or in a secure location, and avoid hiding one outside where it can be found. For a broader look at residential work, including smart locks and high-security options, see residential locksmith in San Bruno and smart lock installation.
Home lockouts are usually handled non-destructively. Drilling a lock is a last resort, and a drilled lock then needs replacing. Ask what the plan is before work begins.
Expect to show photo identification and some connection to the property, such as a lease, a utility bill or mail. The locksmith needs to confirm you are entitled to enter.
Often it is worth it. Rekeying changes the internal pins so the old keys stop working while the lock hardware stays in place. If the lock is worn or damaged, replacement may be the better choice.
A reliable total needs a defined scope, and timing depends on the door and the situation, so ask for both to be confirmed on the call before work starts. Call (650) 489-0999 with your location and what the lock is doing.
Call for help: (650) 489-0999