Where to Hide a Spare Key Safely (and Where NOT To)
Never hide a key: under the doormat, under a flower pot, above the door frame, inside a fake rock near the front door, or in the mailbox. Burglars check all of these locations first — surveys show these are the top 5 hiding spots thieves look for. Better options: inside a combination lockbox mounted out of sight (behind a fence, inside a meter box), with a trusted neighbor within walking distance, at your workplace in a secure drawer, or in a coded lockbox at a nearby friend's house. The key is using a location that requires knowledge to find — not just casual observation.
Lockbox vs Magnetic Hide-a-Key vs Neighbor — Which Is Safest?
Combination lockbox (our top recommendation): a 4-digit lockbox mounted with screws or a shackle provides real security. A thief would need the code AND know the location. Models like the Master Lock 5400D or Kidde AccessPoint work well in DFW weather. Magnetic hide-a-key: these small magnetic boxes attach to metal surfaces. They're better than under-the-mat, but they can fall off in Texas heat and are easily found by anyone looking. We rate them as a C-minus solution. Trusted neighbor: the classic approach works if your neighbor is home when you need them. The downside: they may be on vacation, at work, or asleep at 2 AM when you're locked out. Best strategy: use a lockbox as your primary backup and a neighbor as secondary.
Technology Solutions: Smart Locks and Keypad Entry
The most effective lockout prevention technology is a keypad deadbolt or smart lock. Keypad deadbolts (like Schlage BE365) cost $100-180 installed and let you enter a PIN code instead of using a key. No batteries to worry about on mechanical models. Smart locks (like August, Yale Assure, or Schlage Encode) add WiFi connectivity, phone unlocking, and the ability to create and revoke codes remotely — perfect for Airbnb hosts, families with kids, or anyone who regularly grants access to others. In DFW, we install 20-30 smart locks per week, and customers consistently report zero lockouts after switching.
What a Locksmith Does When You're Locked Out of Your House
When you call MyKey for a house lockout, here's exactly what happens: our dispatcher confirms your location, verifies residency, and sends the nearest available technician. The tech arrives in 15-25 minutes with a specialized toolkit. For most residential locks, we use non-destructive bypass techniques — lock picking, bump keys, or specialized tools that open the lock without any damage. The process typically takes 2-10 minutes. For high-security locks (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock), it may take longer but is still non-destructive. After entry, we can immediately rekey or upgrade your locks if desired.
House Lockout FAQ
How much does a house lockout cost in Dallas?
Residential lockout service in DFW typically costs $65-95 during business hours and $85-125 after hours. We always quote the price before arriving so there are no surprises.
Can you unlock my door without damaging the lock?
In 95%+ of residential lockouts, we gain entry without any damage to the lock, door, or frame. Non-destructive entry is always our first approach.
What if my key broke inside the lock?
We extract broken key fragments using specialized tools, then test the lock to ensure it works properly. If the cylinder was damaged, we can rekey or replace it on the spot.