Emergency Locksmith Services

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Locks act up at the worst possible time, when you’re headed to work, closing a shop, or trying to get the family inside.

IN-N-OUT Locksmith handles urgent home, business and vehicle problems across Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, Harford and Carroll Counties. We focus on two things: getting you back in or securing the door, and doing it in a way that protects your property so you don’t inherit a bigger repair later. You’ll get a clear, itemised estimate before any tools come out, and we’ll explain each step in plain language.

For help or questions, call (240) 885-6557. Phones are answered 8 AM–12 AM, seven days a week.

What counts as an “emergency” (and what we actually fix)

“Emergency” doesn’t always mean sirens. It means the lock, door or key problem is stopping you from being safe or continuing your day. Common situations we handle:

Homes

Locked out of the house or garage (ID required for re-entry)
Broken or stuck key in a deadbolt or knob
Door won’t latch and can’t be secured for the night
Burglary or attempted break-in: damaged jamb, split frame, broken strike, kicked door
Lost keys and you need same-day rekeying for peace of mind
Keypad issues: battery died, keypad won’t accept codes, hardware needs a reset
Sliding/patio door locks that won’t engage

Businesses

Storefront won’t lock at closing because the latch won’t catch or the key turns without grabbing
Exit device (panic bar) problems: won’t re-latch, vertical rods misaligned, false alarms
Door closer slamming or won’t close; wind or stack pressure keeping the door open
Access control hiccups: reader offline, strike buzzing but not releasing, maglock not releasing on exit
Suite turnover: rekey needed today after a staff or tenant change
Burglary damage: replace hardware, reinforce the frame, board-up if necessary

Vehicles

Locked out of the car (non-destructive entry methods)
All keys lost and you need a new key or smart fob paired to the car
Ignition won’t turn or key stuck in the cylinder
No start after battery replacement because the immobilizer needs pairing
Broken blade in the door or ignition, needs extraction and a proper cut replacement

What you can expect when you call us:

Experienced, knowledgeable technicians

who understand how to handle even the most complex locks.

Clear communication

about the work required and transparent pricing before we begin.

Versatility

we can service standard locks, high-security systems, and modern electronic locks.

A customer-first mindset

we work around your needs and situation, not just the locks.

Our Full Range of Emergency Locksmith Services

We provide a wide selection of emergency locksmith solutions, including but not limited to:

Automotive lockouts: Regain access to your car, truck, or van without damage to your vehicle.
Home lockouts: Whether your keys are misplaced or stuck in the lock, we can help.
Office and commercial lockouts: Protect your business operations by efficiently regaining access.
Lock repair and replacement: From worn-out locks to malfunctioning mechanisms, we restore or replace them.
Broken key extraction: If your key breaks inside the lock, we have the tools to remove it safely.
Rekeying and master key systems: A smart solution when you want to update security without replacing all your locks.
Key replacement and duplication: We can create new keys on-site if your set is lost or damaged.

How we prioritise calls (so you know what to expect)

We triage by safety and security first, then by location and parts availability. A home that can’t be secured for the night, a storefront that can’t lock at closing, or a driver stranded after hours will be prioritised. We’re transparent about time windows, and we’ll never promise something we can’t deliver. If a job needs very specific parts, we’ll explain options, temporary securing tonight, permanent repair at the next available window.

Need Help Regarding Emergency Locksmith?

Call us or fill out the form below to get a quote.

The Emergency Process

When Should You Call an Emergency Locksmith?

An emergency locksmith is not just for lockouts. There are many situations where reliable professional assistance is the safest and most efficient choice:

You’ve lost or misplaced your keys and have no spare set available.
A key has broken off inside the lock, leaving you unable to open the door.
You’ve recently moved or experienced a security concern and need locks rekeyed for safety.
Someone you no longer trust has a copy of your keys, and you want to ensure they can’t access your property.
Your lock is damaged or malfunctioning, leaving your home, office, or vehicle unsecured.

In each case, our team will look at the situation. We will suggest the best solution, whether it is fixing the lock, rekeying it, or replacing it completely.

Benefits of Choosing In-N-Out Locksmith

Choosing us means you get a trusted, local locksmith service. We understand the special security needs of homeowners, businesses, and drivers. Here’s why customers trust us:

Skilled technicians with years of hands-on locksmith experience.
Modern equipment and advanced techniques to work on all lock types.
Residential, commercial, and automotive expertise under one roof.
Focus on customer satisfaction—we ensure the job is done correctly the first time.

Respectful service—we treat your property as if it were our own.

Proof of ownership and ID (why we ask)

For residential and vehicle lockouts, we need proof of occupancy or ownership (photo ID and a matching address on a bill, lease, registration or title). It’s the right way to protect you, the property and our technicians. If documents are inside the property, we’ll work with law enforcement or a landlord when appropriate.

Pricing clarity (no surprises)

Emergencies are stressful. Pricing shouldn’t be. Your estimate lists labour, parts, and any programming or rekeying steps, so you know what you’re approving. If we uncover hidden damage, very common after a forced entry or a failed DIY attempt—we stop, show you photos, and agree on the next step before continuing.

Safety and damage prevention

We treat your property like it’s ours. That means:

Non-destructive methods first. For home and office entries, we pick, bypass or manipulate hardware whenever possible.
Drill only when sensible. Some locks are damaged beyond repair or are built to resist picking. If drilling is the right choice, we replace with quality hardware.
Clean installs. We use proper screws, reinforced strikes and hinge work so the fix lasts.
Trim and electronics care. On vehicles, we protect trim, avoid airbag zones, and keep electronics safe.

What to have ready (saves time and money)

County and location: address or a nearby landmark
Clear photos: door edge, strike, lock face, keypad, or the key/ignition for vehicles
Special access info: gate codes, garage instructions, building security desk
For cars: year, make, model and VIN if handy
Any prior work: let us know about replaced cylinders, used fobs, or recent door adjustments

Residential emergencies in more detail

Locked out of your home

We aim for non-destructive entry. If your lock is a high-security model or already damaged, we’ll explain the options. After re-entry, we can rekey the lock so any lost keys no longer work, and we can recommend strike reinforcement and long screws to harden the door without changing how it looks.

Burglary or damage repair

After a forced entry, we stabilise the door and frame, install a reinforced strike or wrap plate where appropriate, and rekey to new keys. If the jamb is split, we can perform a tidy repair or arrange for a more extensive carpenter fix. We’ll provide photos for your insurance claim.

Doors that won’t latch

If a door won’t stay closed, the problem is usually strike alignment, hinge wear, weatherstrip drag or closer settings—not necessarily the lock itself. We correct alignment, tune the closer and verify smooth operation so you’re not fighting the door tomorrow.

Keypads and smart locks

When batteries die or firmware glitches, keypads can lock owners out. We reset, replace batteries, re-pair components and confirm codes and auto-lock settings. If the keypad is failing repeatedly, we’ll recommend a model with better reliability for your door style.

Business emergencies in more detail

Storefront won’t lock at closing

This is a common stressor. We look at strike alignment, latch throw, closer latch speed, and handle set wear. Often the fix is a combination of a minor adjustment and a small part, not a full replacement. If the cylinder is stripped or the handle spins, we’ll replace the worn pieces and rekey to your existing keyway where possible.

Exit devices and closers

Panic bars that don’t re-latch are usually alignment problems at the top or bottom rod, or a closer set too weak at the latch stage. We re-align, replace worn tips, and tune backcheck/sweep/latch so the door closes without slamming and still catches firmly. On alarmed bars, we ensure the alarm functions the way you expect.

Access control hiccups

We service electric strikes, maglocks, REX sensors, egress buttons, door contacts and power supplies. If the reader is down, we check cabling and power first. If a maglock won’t release, we verify REX, the button, and any fire-panel tie-in. We don’t sell you a new system when a simple wiring issue or power supply swap will do.

Suite turnover and key control

When a key walks away with a former employee, rekeying is usually the efficientest, cleanest solution. We can move you to a restricted or high-security keyway so future copies require an authorization card. If multiple doors and suites are involved, we’ll propose a small master-key plan that’s easy to manage.

Vehicle emergencies in more detail

Vehicle lockouts

We use methods designed for your specific vehicle to avoid damage to weatherstrips, paint and sensors. If you’re in a garage or a lot with rules, let us know so we can plan access and parking.

All keys lost

We originate a blade from code or decode, then program the transponder or smart fob to the vehicle’s immobiliser. We can delete lost keys from memory so a found key won’t start the engine. You leave with a labelled working key or fob and an invoice showing part numbers.

Ignition won’t turn / key stuck

Worn wafers and debris cause many ignition problems. We rebuild the cylinder, re-key it to your existing door key where possible, and verify accessory/run/start positions. If the housing or switch is broken, we replace and test end to end.

No start after a battery change

Some vehicles lose security sync during a battery replacement. We re-establish the handshake between the key/fob and the immobiliser, clear related codes and verify a clean start/run cycle.

Practical prevention tips

Carry one spare. Keep a labelled spare key in a safe place—or with someone you trust.
Replace weak hardware. A soft strike plate or short screws are an invitation to repeat problems.
Service the door, not just the lock. Hinges, weatherstrip and closers matter just as much for reliable locking.
Photograph your setup. A couple of clear photos on your phone make future troubleshooting efficienter.
After a move or turnover, rekey. It’s affordable, and it closes the loop on old keys.

Service Areas (Maryland)

Baltimore County: A family returned from vacation to a split jamb and a missing deadbolt. We reinforced the frame, installed a Grade-1 deadbolt with a long-screw strike, rekeyed the side door and provided photos for insurance.
Howard County: A storefront couldn’t lock at closing because wind kept the door from latching. We tuned the closer, shimmed the strike and replaced a tired latch. Closing was smooth that night.
Anne Arundel County: A keypad on a rental home stopped accepting codes. We reset the lock, replaced batteries, re-enrolled the owner and cleaner codes, and scheduled a hardware upgrade for the off-season.
Harford County: A warehouse exit device wouldn’t re-latch; inspection was looming. We aligned the rods, replaced worn tips and adjusted the closer. The marshal signed off the same week.
Carroll County: A driver lost the only smart fob for a work van. We originated a blade, paired a new fob to the immobiliser, deleted the missing key and tested remote functions in the parking lot.

GET A QUOTE BELOW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are you 24/7?

No. Phones are answered 8 AM–12 AM daily. Evening service is available up to midnight as routes and parts allow. If you contact us after midnight, leave a message and we’ll reach out when phones reopen.

Will I get a price before you start?

Yes. You’ll receive a written, itemised estimate before tools come out of the van.

Do you verify ID for lockouts?

Yes. For homes and vehicles we require proof of occupancy or ownership (ID plus matching document like a lease, bill, registration or title).

Can you rekey the same day?

Often, yes, especially on standard residential and many commercial cylinders. We’ll confirm part availability on the call.

Can you program my European car key or fob?

We support many European models. Some platforms require specific parts or extra steps; we’ll confirm by VIN.

Will you damage my lock or door to get in?

We use non-destructive methods first. If drilling is the correct path due to damage or hardware type, we’ll explain why and replace the hardware so you’re secure again.

Do you handle access control problems?

Yes. maglocks, electric strikes, keypads, card/mobile readers, REX, door contacts and power supplies. We also confirm that exit remains free and predictable.

What payment methods do you take?

Major cards and common digital payments. Your invoice will list parts, labour and any programming steps.

Call Us for Emergency Locksmith Services

Call (240) 885-6557 and tell us your county, the address or nearest intersection, and what happened. If possible, text a couple of photos of the door edge, lock face, keypad, or the vehicle key/ignition.

We’ll confirm parts, send a clear estimate, and set a service window that fits your day or evening. When we’re done, you’ll have access restored, a door that locks and latches, or a vehicle that starts, and a simple invoice you can keep for records or insurance.