House lockouts are one of the most common calls I get as a locksmith, and for good reason—they often happen when you least expect it. Most lockouts occur because of a simple mistake: locking the bottom doorknob from the inside and forgetting the key. While it’s easy to do, it’s also easy to prevent with the right strategies. Here are my top tips for avoiding a house lockout, based on what I’ve seen and what I recommend to my customers.

Stop Using the Bottom Doorknob Lock

The bottom doorknob lock is the number one culprit of house lockouts. It’s all too easy to turn the lock, close the door, and realize too late that your keys are still inside.

The Fix:

• Make it a habit to lock your door with the key from the outside only. This simple change forces you to have the key in your hand whenever you lock the door.

• Better yet, replace your keyed knob with a non-locking passage knob. This eliminates the risk of accidentally locking yourself out because the deadbolt becomes your main point of security.

Switching to a passage knob also increases your home’s security since it encourages consistent use of the deadbolt, which is much harder to bypass than a standard doorknob lock.

Give a Key to Someone You Trust

A trusted family member or neighbor with a spare key is a classic solution that never goes out of style. It’s a simple and effective backup plan in case you forget or lose your keys.

What I Recommend:

• Choose someone who lives close by and is reliable.
• Avoid giving a key to someone you don’t know well, even if they seem trustworthy.

This method doesn’t involve extra gadgets or setups, and it’s a great way to ensure you always have an accessible backup.

Consider Digital Keypads—But Use Them Right

I’m a fan of digital keypads, but only when they’re used with a non-locking passage knob or lever. This setup eliminates the risk of accidentally locking yourself out, while still giving you the convenience of keyless entry.

Important Features to Look For:

• Backup Keyways: Always choose a keypad lock that has a physical key override in case the batteries die or the system malfunctions.
• Secure Placement: Pairing a keypad with a deadbolt provides the best combination of convenience and security.

While digital keypads are more expensive than traditional locks, their flexibility and ease of use make them a solid investment for preventing lockouts.

Avoid Lockboxes for Spare Keys

Lockboxes might seem like a convenient way to store a spare key, but they’re not as secure as many people think. In my experience, lockboxes are vulnerable to tampering or outright theft.

Why I Don’t Recommend Them:

• Many lockboxes can be manipulated or broken into.
• If the key inside is stolen, you’ll need to rekey or replace your locks to secure your home again.

Instead, rely on trusted individuals to hold spare keys or consider other solutions like a digital keypad for safer and more reliable access.

Make Deadbolts Your Main Locking Point

Deadbolts are stronger, more secure, and much harder to bypass than standard doorknob locks. By making your deadbolt the primary lock on your doors, you’re not only improving your home’s security but also reducing the chances of a lockout.

How This Helps:

• It’s impossible to accidentally lock a deadbolt from the outside without a key.
• Keeping deadbolts locked at all times creates a consistent habit of carrying your key.

If you haven’t already, consider upgrading your deadbolt to a Grade 1 or Grade 2 model, both of which offer excellent residential security. While Grade 1 is the highest standard, Grade 2 is still a great choice for most homes and offers solid protection.

Final Thoughts

Preventing a house lockout isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating habits and using tools that work with your daily routine. Whether it’s switching to a passage knob, using digital keypads correctly, or giving a spare key to someone you trust, these steps can drastically reduce the chances of finding yourself locked out.

As always, if you need help upgrading your locks or want professional advice on securing your home, I’m here to help. At AW Locksmith, my goal is to make your life easier while keeping your home safe and secure.