A Guide from Rainbow Locksmith NY Your Local NYC Apartment Lockout Experts
If you live in New York City, chances are your apartment lock is more unique (and more secure) than the average suburban front door. NYC buildings from pre-war brownstones to high-rise condos feature a variety of lock types, many of which are designed to prevent tampering, prying, or forced entry.
That’s great for your security but not so great if you get locked out.
At Rainbow Locksmith NY, we’ve helped thousands of New Yorkers get back into their apartments without damage or drama. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common apartment locks in NYC and how we safely unlock each one.
🏙️ Why NYC Lockouts Are Different
Unlike typical residential locks, NYC apartments often include:
- Extra layers of security (like jimmy-proof deadlocks)
- Older lock types (like mortise locks)
- Upgraded tech (like smart locks or key fob entry)
- Intercom or buzzer-connected systems
That’s why you need a licensed NYC locksmith with experience in local building styles, lock brands, and entry procedures especially during emergencies.
🔐 The Most Common Apartment Locks in NYC And How We Unlock Them
🔑 1. Deadbolts (Single & Double Cylinder)
Where You’ll See Them:
Everywhere from East Village studios to Upper West Side condos.
What They Are:
Standard deadbolts have a keyhole on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside (single cylinder). Some units use double cylinders (key required on both sides) for added protection.
How We Unlock Them:
We use lock-picking tools or bump keys to safely unlock deadbolts without damage. Drilling is only used if the lock is broken or tamper-proof and only with your permission.
🏛️ 2. Mortise Locks
(Common in Pre-War & Brownstone Buildings)
Where You’ll See Them:
Upper East Side, Brooklyn brownstones, Harlem walk-ups.
What They Are:
Built into the door, mortise locks include a latch, deadbolt, and sometimes a thumb-turn. Older units may use skeleton keys or classic turn mechanisms.
How We Unlock Them:
We use specialized mortise lock tools to manipulate the internal locking mechanism. Experience is key not every locksmith can handle these locks without damage.
🧲 3. Jimmy-Proof Deadlocks
Where You’ll See Them:
Older walk-up apartments in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
What They Are:
These surface-mounted locks are designed to resist forced entry (like “jimmying” the door). They’re strong, secure and tricky to bypass.
How We Unlock Them:
We use tension tools and specialty picks to disengage the deadlock without affecting the mounting hardware or door frame.
🚪 4. Key-in-Knob Locks
Where You’ll See Them:
Rental apartments, older units, and interior apartment doors.
What They Are:
Basic locks with a keyhole in the doorknob. Often used in combination with a deadbolt.
How We Unlock Them:
These are relatively simple to unlock using bump keys or picking tools. We avoid any damage unless the lock is faulty or rusted.
📱 5. Smart Locks & Keypad Entry Systems
(August, Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, etc.)
Where You’ll See Them:
Renovated apartments, short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and new developments.
What They Are:
Keyless locks that use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, apps, or PIN codes to unlock. Batteries can die, apps can crash, and access can fail.
How We Unlock Them:
We use manufacturer-approved reset tools or bypass techniques depending on the model. In many cases, we can restore access without replacing the unit.
🛡️ 6. High-Security Locks
(Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, ASSA Abloy)
Where You’ll See Them:
Luxury condos, high-end rentals, and doorman buildings.
What They Are:
Tamper-resistant, drill-resistant locks designed to withstand picking and forced entry.
How We Unlock Them:
We carry high-security decoding tools and bypass kits designed for each brand. Unlocking these requires precision and certification but we can get it done cleanly.
🏢 7. Electronic Buzzer / Intercom-Connected Entry
Where You’ll See Them:
Multi-unit buildings and co-ops with shared front door access.
What They Are:
Electric strikes and buzzer systems controlled from your apartment or the front desk.
How We Unlock Them:
We assist tenants locked out of their unit after getting past the building door, and can help troubleshoot interior lockouts or entry systems.
🧷 8. Key Fob & RFID Entry Locks
Where You’ll See Them:
Modern apartment buildings, luxury complexes, and mixed-use developments.
What They Are:
RFID-based key fobs are used for building access, elevators, and sometimes even apartment doors.
How We Unlock Them:
If you’re locked out, we manually bypass the door lock. In many cases, we can clone or replace your fob on-site if it’s compatible with your building’s system.
💬 Final Thoughts: If It Locks, We Can Unlock It
Every apartment in NYC is different and so is the lock on your door. That’s why you need a local locksmith who understands the nuances of city living, security upgrades, and building regulations.
Whether it’s a traditional lock or modern access control system, Rainbow Locksmith NY is ready 24/7 to help you regain access quickly, safely, and without damage.
📞 Call Now for Apartment Lockout Help: 212-879-5516
📍 Serving All NYC Boroughs | Fast, Damage-Free Entry | Licensed & Insured
