The door slammed, but the key remained inside the apartment

The client's name has been changed.

Let's call the client Natalia. She left the apartment for just a few minutes. The keys were left on the table. The door closed behind her. At first the situation seemed almost funny.

Then Natalya remembered that there was no spare key nearby.

“The door is not locked. It just slammed shut. Do you still have to break the lock?

In most of these situations, this does not automatically mean that the lock needs to be damaged.

A slammed door and a locked door are not the same thing

This is a very important distinction. If the door is simply latched, the position of the mechanism differs from the situation when the lock is additionally locked with a key for several turns.

Therefore, it is useful to immediately inform the master:

• whether the door was locked with a key;
• how many locks are installed;
• is the key located on the inside;
• what door is installed;
• is there any additional protection.

The solution depends on this.

Why you shouldn’t immediately try to open the door with random objects

The Internet contains many tips with cards, screwdrivers, wire and other items. But modern doors and locks are very different from each other. An unsuccessful attempt may:

• damage the seal;
• scratch the door;
• break fittings;
• complicate further discovery.

Sometimes a simple door slamming after trying on your own turns into a much more expensive repair.

What if the key is inserted from the inside?

You must inform the master about this. For different cylinders, the situation with the key inside may affect the ability to use a second key outside. You should not assume in advance that the door cannot be opened without damage.

What does a specialist do?

First the wizard determines:

• whether the door is locked or just slammed;
• what kind of lock is installed;
• what is the latch position;
• is there additional locking?

After this, a minimally traumatic opening method is selected.

What is useful to send in advance

If possible:

• photo of the door;
• photo of the lock from the outside;
• model or brand of lock;
• description: “the door just slammed” or “locked with a key.”