Ask Mr Locksmith: Can a Credit Card Open a Lock?: Ever seen someone open a lock with a credit card in movies? Terry from Ask Mr. Locksmith reveals the truth! Learn which simple latch locks might be vulnerable (like bathroom or bedroom doors) and why a credit card will NEVER open a deadbolt. Discover better, safer tools for ‘slipping’ a latch, and why professional security is always your best bet. (Source: Terry Whin-Yates)
Source: Mr. Locksmith Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/24hrMrLocksmith
Ask Mr. Locksmith: Can a Credit Card Open a Lock?
Mr. Locksmith Automotive (604) 259-7617
Locksmith Reveals the Truth!
Hi, I’m Terry from Ask Mr. Locksmith! Okay, I get this question all the time: “Can a credit card actually open a lock?” You always see it on TV and in the movies, right? It looks so easy! Let’s clear up the myth versus reality.
The Movie Myth vs. Reality: Which Locks Can a Credit Card Open?
Let’s break down the truth behind this popular cinematic technique.
- Simple Latch Locks (Bathroom/Bedroom Doors): For very basic interior locks, like those found on some bathroom or bedroom doors, a credit card *may* be able to open the lock. These locks typically have a spring latch bolt that is beveled, and with enough force and the right angle, a thin, flexible card can sometimes push the bolt back into the door frame, allowing it to open. However, this doesn’t work on all simple locks.
- Deadbolts: Absolutely Not! This is where the movie magic ends. A credit card cannot open a deadbolt. Why? Because a deadbolt’s mechanism is designed differently. The bolt is solid and does not retract when pressure is applied to its side. It requires the internal mechanism to be turned (either by a key or a thumb-turn) to retract. I have several videos on my YouTube channel that show the internal workings of deadbolts, illustrating why this method won’t work.
So, while a credit card might get you out of a minor inconvenience with a simple interior door, it offers no defense against a properly installed deadbolt, which is why deadbolts are a crucial part of your home’s security.
Better Tools for Slipping a Latch (If You Must!)
While a credit card *can* sometimes work on simple latch locks, it’s often not the most effective or easiest tool, and it risks damaging your card! There are much better and easier things to use if you ever find yourself needing to “slip” a simple latch lock.
I have many videos on how to make a “Lloyd” (a common locksmith tool for this purpose). You can easily create one from readily available materials like a milk jug or a plastic washer fluid jug. These homemade tools are more flexible, less likely to break, and far more effective for slipping a latch than a stiff credit card.
Professional Security is Key!
Understanding how locks work – and how they can be defeated – is essential for true security. While it’s fun to see these tricks in movies, relying on them for real-world security is a mistake. For genuine protection, always ensure your home and business are secured with high-quality, professionally installed locks.
For expert advice on your home or business security, or if you’re locked out, call Mr. Locksmith today: 604-330-9915
Ask Mr. Locksmith: Your Questions Answered!
Do you have a question about locks, keys, or security that you’d like me to cover in a future video? Please leave your questions in the comments section below! Just ask the question, and I’ll do my best to make a video for “Ask Mr. Locksmith.” Source: Terry Whin-Yates Mr. Locksmith Linkedin
Connect & Contact Terry Whin-Yates:
- Call or Text Terry: 604-773-5625
- Email: Terry@mrlocksmith.com
- Mr. Locksmith Training Website: https://mr-locksmith-training.thinkific.com/
- YouTube Channel: 24Hr Mr. Locksmith YouTube Channel
- LinkedIn: Terry Whin-Yates LinkedIn
Mr. Locksmith Automotive (604) 259-7617
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Contact Terry Whin-Yates email: Terry@MrLocksmith.com
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Mr. Locksmith™
Mr. Locksmith is your trusted, professional locksmith service offering expert residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith solutions across British Columbia. Whether you’re locked out, need your locks changed or rekeyed, or require high-security lock systems like Schlage Primus, Mr. Locksmith delivers fast, reliable, and damage-free service. With mobile locksmith units fully equipped for key cutting, lock repair, and security upgrades, our certified technicians are ready to respond quickly to your needs. From emergency car lockouts in Langley to commercial master key systems in Richmond. “Mr. Locksmith has the tools, training, and experience to keep you secure.” (Source: Terry Whin-Yates)
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