HELP!! Locked out - need to take barrel out of Yale-type lock

Fire_Fox

Hi

Anyone know how easy or difficult it is to remove the barrel from a Yale lock like a locksmith does?? Do you need special equipment?

I am stuck at work as there are appointments that can't be cancelled, locksmith can't park near my flat, and will charge a mint to come out-of-hours this evening. Oh and I don't have any tools as the key to my tool cupboard in the flat ...

ormus

easier/quicker to break a window (or window lock), and get in that way.

unless you live on the 14th floor!

Ebe_Scrooge

I'd agree with Ormus - if you do this, I'd give the local police a quick call ( on their office number, NOT 999 ! ) to let them know, otherwise someone may think you're a burglar. If you can find a small pane of glass to break then it's a simple job to repair it afterwards yourself - as long as it's not double-glazed.

Failing that, are there any windows left slightly ajar that could be opened with a bit of wire or the assistance of a small child ? Hopefully not - they always say, if you can break into your own home then so can a thief :-) But worth checking.

Fire_Fox

Thanks for the swift replies! :T

I live on the third floor, with double glazed windows, off a very busy bus thoroughfare. I consider it fairly burglar-proof from the outside. So i'd need a massive ladder, tools, and a small child!! And it would probably be pretty expensive to fix the window?

Am presently in text conversation with a engineer mate who thinks he can jemmy it. Only the Yale is on, not the deadlocks, and the bit that attaches to the frame is poorly fixed. Normally I deadlock every day but my keys are inside ...

greyteam1959

Have you tried the old credit card trick ????
Specially if the fittings are a poor fit.
Or get a longer piece of thinner plastic might do the trick.

Fire_Fox

I am still at work so have not yet tried anything. Not eaten all day and taught two fitness classes so I need my bed!! I am taking home a bottle of squash so I can possibly use the plastic to get in - I have seen it done with a coke bottle.

Thanks all, I will report back!

misgrace

Fire_Fox wrote: »

I am taking home a bottle of squash so I can possibly use the plastic to get in - I have seen it done with a coke bottle.

Thanks all, I will report back!

:eek: The mind boggles, never heard of that one before.

Fire_Fox

I am back in the flat! My fab friend Andy drilled the lock out so I need a new cylinder which will only be about £25. :j Andy reckons the set up is pretty secure as the bit on the door frame that the lock slots into is sort of embedded in the wall.

Thanks very much to you all for taking the time to reply: from now on I am going to stash keys and medication in multiple locations around town.

misgrace

Great news fire fox , But I want to know about the squash bottle method!!!!!" Pleeese, I wont be able to sleep tonight lol

Locknut

Fire_Fox wrote: »

I am back in the flat! My fab friend Andy drilled the lock out so I need a new cylinder which will only be about £25. :j Andy reckons the set up is pretty secure as the bit on the door frame that the lock slots into is sort of embedded in the wall.

Thanks very much to you all for taking the time to reply: from now on I am going to stash keys and medication in multiple locations around town.

Glad you got yourself back in rather than stashing keys everywhere why not get a keysafe!

Did you actually get any locksmith quotes? just being nosey like

Fire_Fox

misgrace wrote: »

Great news fire fox , But I want to know about the squash bottle method!!!!!" Pleeese, I wont be able to sleep tonight lol

You basically cut open the fizzy pop bottle so you get a large square of bent plastic. Then slip it in between the door and the frame where the Yale lock is and wiggle it about until it pushes the catch open. :eek: I have also witnessed someone with a fairly slim arm put a broom handle in a letterbox and flick a Yale-type lock open from the inside. I don't think either trick works on a well-fitted door or good security lock as both doors/ locks were pretty old.

Please note I am NOT a professional burglar - the first was when a mate locked themselves out, and the second when I lost my house key at a squat party (an annual occurrence in my wilder years ).