In a moment of pure desperation that has since captured the internet's attention, a British woman resorted to rather unconventional methods when faced with a broken door lock. Rather than calling a locksmith immediately, she reached for the nearest household item she could find - a corkscrew.
The incident, which was filmed and shared on social media, shows the woman attempting to wedge the corkscrew into the door mechanism in a bid to secure her property. The video quickly gained traction, with viewers divided between concern for her safety and amusement at her creative problem-solving.
The Viral Moment That Divided Opinion
As the footage circulated across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, comments poured in from concerned viewers urging the woman to seek professional help. Many expressed worries about the effectiveness of such a makeshift security solution, while others praised her quick thinking in a stressful situation.
One social media user commented: "This is both genius and terrifying at the same time. Please get a proper locksmith!" Another added: "We've all been there with DIY solutions, but this takes it to another level."
Home Security Experts Weigh In
Security professionals who have seen the video have been quick to warn against such improvisation. Mark Jenkins, a London-based locksmith with over 15 years of experience, told us: "While I admire the creativity, a corkscrew provides zero real security. It might give psychological comfort, but any determined intruder could bypass it in seconds."
He added: "Proper door locks are designed to withstand significant force and manipulation. Household items like corkscrews simply don't have the structural integrity to provide meaningful protection."
The Bigger Picture: Home Security in Focus
This incident highlights a broader issue many homeowners and renters face when dealing with unexpected lock failures. Rather than resorting to potentially dangerous DIY solutions, experts recommend:
- Contacting a certified locksmith immediately
- Using temporary measures like door reinforcement bars if available
- Ensuring you have a trusted neighbour or friend who can provide temporary shelter
- Keeping emergency locksmith numbers saved in your phone
The woman's experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder that sometimes, the most creative solutions aren't necessarily the safest ones.