We’ve all been there – that sinking feeling when you realise your keys are on the other side of a locked door. Whether you’ve misplaced your keys, they’ve broken in the lock, or you’ve accidentally locked yourself out, it’s one of the most frustrating situations you can face.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, and how we can help you get back inside quickly and safely.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to do is take a deep breath. Panicking won’t help, and it might lead to poor decisions like trying to force a window or break down a door – which can cause expensive damage and even injury.
Ask yourself:
- Is anyone else home who can let you in?
- Do you have a spare key with a neighbour, friend, or family member?
- Are any windows or other doors unlocked?
If you can’t get in safely, it’s time to call a professional locksmith.
Don’t Try DIY Lock Breaking
It might be tempting to try picking the lock yourself or forcing entry, but this rarely works and often makes things worse. You could:
- Damage the lock mechanism, making it more expensive to repair
- Break your door frame or handle
- Injure yourself
- Invalidate your insurance if you cause damage
Professional locksmiths have the right tools and expertise to open your door without causing any damage. At The Lock Monkey, we specialise in non-destructive entry – we’ll get you back inside safely without harming your property.
Common Lockout Scenarios in Exmouth
1. Home Lockouts Lost your house keys or locked yourself out? This is our most common call-out. We can have you back inside within minutes without damaging your lock or door. With over 12 years’ experience and 338+ five-star Google reviews, we’re Exmouth’s most trusted locksmith.
2. Business Lockouts Locked out of your office or commercial premises? We understand time is money – our rapid response service will minimise disruption to your business. We work with businesses across Exmouth and East Devon, also covering Exeter, Teignbridge and Torbay.
4. Broken Keys If your key has snapped in the lock, don’t try to dig it out yourself – you could push it deeper or damage the mechanism. We can extract broken keys and cut replacements on the spot from our fully-equipped mobile van.
Why Choose The Lock Monkey?
When you’re locked out, you need a locksmith you can trust. Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Rapid Response Times We’re based in Exmouth and our response times are usually within 30 minutes in Exmouth and East Devon, or 45-50 minute to other areas.
✅ Expert Non-Destructive Entry We use professional tools and techniques to open your door without causing any damage to your locks, doors, or frames wherever possible. This is our speciality, and we take pride in getting you back inside safely.
✅ Transparent, No-Nonsense Pricing
- No call-out charge
- Full quote given before any work starts
- No hidden fees or surprise charges
✅ 7 days a week Emergency Service Available
Lockouts don’t just happen during business hours. We’re available 7 days a week, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
✅ Over 12 Years’ Experience
The Lock Monkey has been established for more than 12 years. We’re well-known and highly regarded in Exmouth with over 330 genuine five-star Google reviews.
✅ Fully Qualified, CRB Checked & Insured
- Active member of the UK Locksmiths Association
- Fully CRB checked
- Public liability insurance for your complete peace of mind
- 12-month guarantee on all new parts we fit
✅ Female Locksmith
This can be very reassuring for elderly, vulnerable or nervous clients.
✅ You Speak Directly to the Locksmith We’re a small, family-run, independent business. When you call us, you’ll be speaking directly to the locksmith – not a call centre. This means we can discuss your situation properly and give you accurate advice right away.
What Happens When You Call Us?
1. You call us on 07950 148 390 We answer quickly and take details of your situation. Because you speak directly to the locksmith (not a call centre), we can give you expert advice immediately.
2. We give you a clear quote No hidden costs or surprises. We’re always upfront about pricing.
3. We’re on our way We offer a quick response but we don’t want you wating in the dark or cold. You can wait in a safe warm place and we will call you 10 minute before arriving.
4. We assess the situation Once we arrive, we assess your lock and door, then give you a full quote before starting any work.
5. Non-destructive entry Using specialist tools and techniques, we can usually gain entry without causing damage to your property. We will talk you through this before starting the job.
6. You’re back inside Job done – usually completed within 15-30 minutes of our arrival.
7. Optional: New keys or lock replacement If needed, we carry a wide range of locks and can cut new keys on site from our fully-equipped mobile van.
8. You’re satisfied before we take payment We don’t ask for payment until the job is fully completed and you’re satisfied.
What Our Exmouth Customers Say
With over 338 five-star Google reviews, here’s what some of our lovely customers have said:
“Efficient service from a friendly lady. Really prompt and charged a reasonable fee. Much appreciated and would definitely recommend.”
“An absolutely 5 star company! I had a very stressful situation today and needed to gain access to my property pretty urgently. Debbie promised to be there within 45 minutes. She arrived well within that time, and sorted my lock within a few minutes. I cannot thank Debbie enough for her professional and friendly attitude.”
“First time of needing locksmith – said would be here 30-40 minutes – arrived well before – very efficient and very pleasant – will be recommending them definitely”
Prevention Tips: Avoid Future Lockouts
Get spare keys cut – Keep a spare with a trusted neighbour or family member nearby.
Consider a key safe – Install a secure key safe outside your property for emergency access.
Check your keys before closing the door – Make it a habit to check you have your keys in your hand before pulling the door closed.
Regular lock maintenance – Sticky or stiff locks can lead to broken keys. If your lock is becoming difficult to use, call us for maintenance before it becomes a problem.
Areas We Cover
While we’re based in Exmouth, we cover all of East Devon and beyond, including:
- Exmouth
- Sidmouth
- Budleigh Salterton
- Lympstone
- Honiton
- Ottery St Mary
- Topsham
- Exeter
- Torquay
- Paignton
- Brixham
- Newton Abbot
- Teignmouth
- Dawlish
- Cullompton
- Tiverton
Wherever you are in the region, we can reach you quickly.
Locked Out Right Now? Call Us Immediately
Don’t spend another minute locked outside in the cold. Our professional locksmiths are ready to help you right now.
📞 Call 07950 148 390 for immediate assistance
✉️ Email: info@thelockmonkey.co.uk
We’re available 7 days a week for emergency lockouts. Fast, friendly, professional locksmith services from your local, family-run business with over 12 years’ experience.
Usually with you within 30 minutes • No call-out charge • 12-month guarantee