Do you ever find yourself locked out of your house or garage, and unable to get inside? It can be quite an exasperating experience—especially when you don’t have a spare key on hand. Fortunately, many times being stuck outside isn’t necessarily the end of the world, as there are some ways to open a chain lock from outside (without having to call a locksmith).
This post on how to open chain lock from outside will outline how to do just that – providing helpful tips on where to look for hidden keys and the best techniques for breaking or unlocking the chains. Keep reading if you want to know more about this handy problem-solving skill!
Why Do You Want to Open a Chain Lock From Outside?
The primary reason someone may want to open a chain lock from the outside is because they have been locked out of their home or garage. This can happen for multiple reasons, such as forgetting your keys at work or losing them in the street. If you don’t have a spare key or can’t contact someone who has a key, then the only way to get back inside is to open the chain lock from outside.
10 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Open Chain Lock From Outside
Step 1: Check for Hidden Keys
Look around the lock and its surrounding area to see if there are any spare keys hidden nearby. This is a common practice amongst homeowners who want a backup plan in case they get locked out of their house or garage. You can also try jiggling the lock to see if a key falls out. But don’t be too hopeful – it’s not that common for people to hide keys near their locks.
Step 2: Understand the Types of Chain Locks
There are two main types of chain locks – padlock style and keyless entry. Padlocks require a key to open, while keyless entry locks can be opened with a combination code or RFID tag. Knowing which type you have will help you decide how best to proceed in opening the lock. It’s also important to know the make and model of your lock, as this can influence how easy or difficult it is to open.
Step 3: Look for Weak Points
If you’re trying to open a padlock chain lock, then look for any weak points in the links that may be vulnerable to breaking. You can use bolt cutters or a hammer and chisel to carefully break the weak link without damaging the surrounding locks. It’s important to be careful and take your time if you don’t want to end up with a broken lock.
Step 4: Try Using Lockpicking Tools
Lockpicking tools can be used to open chain locks, as long as you have the right equipment. A tension wrench and pick are often used in combination to insert and turn the pins until the lock opens. But this isn’t a foolproof method, as the lock may be too strong or have too many pins for the tools to work properly.
Step 5: Try Jiggling or Bumping the Lock
Sometimes a padlock chain lock can be jiggled or bumped open if the pins or tumblers happen to be out of alignment. This is a tricky technique, and not always successful, but worth trying if you have no other way to open the lock. However, don’t try this method too often or you may end up damaging the internal mechanisms. It’s also important to note that this technique will not work on keyless entry locks.
Step 6: Attempt Lockpicking Without Tools
If you don’t have any pick sets lying around, then you can try using a paperclip or bobby pin to pick the lock. This technique usually doesn’t work but can be a last resort if you have no other options. It’s important to be gentle and patient, as it can sometimes take time to get the pins aligned correctly. It’s also important not to damage the lock, as this will render it unusable.
Step 7: Use a Hammer and Chisel
If all else fails, then you may have to resort to using a hammer and chisel to break open the chain lock. Again, this is best done when the chain is exposed and not surrounded by other locks. You must be careful when doing this, as you don’t want to break the lock or damage your property. This technique is also not suitable for keyless entry locks.
Step 8: Try to Open Keyless Entry Locks
Keyless entry locks can be opened using a combination code or RFID tag, depending on the model. Look for any labels on the lock that may indicate how to open it without a key. It’s important to note that if you don’t have the code or RFID tag, then you won’t be able to open the lock. But if you know the code, this can be a relatively simple and straightforward way to open your chain lock from outside.
Step 9: Call in Professional Help
If you’re still unable to open the chain lock, then it might be best to hire a professional locksmith. They have the tools and expertise necessary to quickly and safely open almost any type of chain lock without damaging it. It may be expensive, but it’s worth it if you need to get back inside your house or garage.
Step 10: Replace or Upgrade Your Lock
Once you’ve managed to successfully open your chain lock, it’s important to consider replacing or upgrading it with a more secure lock. This will help prevent future instances of being locked out and ensure your home or garage is kept safe from potential intruders. But if you’re looking for an easy solution, then try investing in a keyless entry lock – this can provide added convenience and security without the hassle of having to carry around a key.
Following these 10 steps on how to open chain lock from outside can help you open a chain lock from outside quickly and efficiently—without having to call in a professional. It’s also important to remember that these techniques may not always work, so it is best to be prepared with a spare key or alternate entry method just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I Open a Chain Lock Without a Key?
A1: Yes, you can open a chain lock without a key if it is the right type of lock. Keyless entry locks can be opened with an RFID tag or combination code, while padlock-style chains can sometimes be jiggled or bumped open. You may also need to use bolt cutters or a hammer and chisel to break the lock open.
Q2: Is There an Easy Way to Open a Chain Lock Without Damaging It?
A2: Yes, if you know how to pick a lock then you can use a tension wrench and pick set to slowly turn the pins until the lock opens. This is usually done by inserting and turning the picks until the lock pops open. Alternatively, you can try jiggling or bumping the lock to loosen it without having to use force.
Q3: What Should I Do if I Can’t Open My Chain Lock?
A3: If all else fails, then you may need to call in a professional locksmith for help. They have the tools and expertise necessary to quickly and safely open almost any type of lock without damaging it. You may also want to consider replacing or upgrading your lock with a more secure option afterward.
Q4: What are the Risks of Breaking a Chain Lock Open?
A4: Breaking open a chain lock can have serious risks and consequences, so it is important to be aware of these before attempting any type of lock-breaking technique. There is always the risk that you will damage or break the chain as well as other locks in the vicinity, which could leave your home or garage exposed to potential intruders.
Additionally, using too much force may also cause irreparable damage to the lock itself. For these reasons, it is best to call a professional locksmith if you are unable to open your chain lock.
Conclusion
Learning how to open a chain lock from the outside can be a convenient and helpful skill for many situations. Whether you’ve lost your keys or need a way to quickly secure a bike, now you have the tools and knowledge to do it yourself. Before attempting this process, make sure to double-check any local laws that may restrict opening a chain lock in specific locations or circumstances.
And if you decide that this method isn’t perfectly suited for you, there are plenty of other locking options on the market. No matter what decision you make, always take the time to secure your possessions with some kind of reliable security system. With enough research and understanding, you can easily explore your options and find an effective solution that works for you and your needs! Thanks for reading this article on how to open chain lock from outside.
