Can you trust the promise “we will open any lock without damage”?

The client's name has been changed.

Let's call the client Oleg. While looking for an emergency repairman, he saw several advertisements. One thing promised:

“We will open any lock without damage.”

Sounds great. But is it possible to guarantee such a result even before the specialist has seen the door? Not always. The source material does emphasize that a professional approach should strive to minimize damage.

However, this does not mean that it is physically possible to preserve any faulty mechanism in any situation.

Why you can’t guarantee results blindly

Let's assume that inside the lock there is already:

• broken part;
• drive is deformed;
• the crossbars are jammed;
• there is a piece of the key;
• damage occurred after independent attempts.

Before the inspection, the specialist cannot know the exact condition of the system.

A better promise looks different

For example:

“We first evaluate the possibility of opening it carefully and try to minimize damage.”

It's much more honest.

What exactly is important to save

There are at least three different objects: 1. the lock itself; 2. door fittings; 3. door leaf. Sometimes it makes more technical sense to sacrifice an already faulty cylinder rather than risk an expensive door.

In another situation, you can save almost everything. Therefore, the goal is not the abstract “don’t touch anything,” but to minimize the overall damage.

Why the price also depends on the situation

The difficulty is determined not only by the name of the lock. It is influenced by:

• malfunction;
• door condition;
• protection;
• access to the mechanism;
• previous interventions.

Therefore, an exact price without a normal description and photographs is sometimes impossible.

What photos should you send?

Before calling it is useful to do:

• general shot of the door;
• lock close-up;
• handle and protective fittings;
• key;
• the end of the door, if it is open.