Who has not had this aggravating experience of being locked out with a broken key? Picture this: all of us have been in that situation where we are rushing to get into our house by inserting our keys into the locks, only for one of the keys to be broken inside the lock. What do you do next? What is it that you can do to avoid having this happen in the first place? We will give you answers to many questions we have all asked ourselves in this thorough article. Indeed, in a modern world that has keys in every step of their life, we should learn about factors contributing to key break up, how to avoid it, and what to do if it happens. Let’s move forward in an effort to discover the secrets of how to fix damaged keys competently.
Also Read – The Importance of Regular Lock Maintenance
Understanding the Common Causes of Broken Keys
Most of us fail to understand the fact that keys are as durable and useful as any other item. Nevertheless, knowing why keys break is useful at times when one avoids stressful lockouts and expensive re-entry services. It discusses how one can avoid these inconveniences due to key breakage.
- Key Material and Durability: It is important to note that the strength of a key depends on what it is made of. Weaker keys made of poor-quality materials tend to break when subjected to undue pressure. The quality chosen should be good preferably made from brass or steel that bends less easily.
- Environmental Factors: The durability of your keys may also be affected by environmental conditions. Key materials become brittle after long exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, and corrosive fluids leading to their failure. This risk could be reduced by storing keys in a dry and moderate environment.
- Forceful Usage: Locks usually break because one tried too hard to turn the key. Therefore, while working with keys, one must use a soft, slowly-driven hand to ensure they are not overloaded.
- Worn Locks: Locks may over time cease functioning effectively due to being worn out. This may cause the user to apply an excessive amount of pressure causing jam or breakage.
The importance of selecting good-quality keys, keeping them properly, and using them with care cannot be overemphasized. It is these simple ways of managing one’s keys that can help prevent the unwanted pain of having to deal with a broken key.
Tips for Preventing Key Breakage
Key breakage must be prevented because it causes inconvenience and security challenges. Here are some valuable tips to keep your keys in excellent condition and prevent breakage:
- Choose High-Quality Keys: Ensure that the keys are made of hard-wearing materials, such as brass or even steel. Better quality of keys leads to their hardness, which reduces the risk that they will bend or snap when put under pressure.
- Regular Maintenance: Check out your keys regularly for any traces of damage or defects. In case of any breakages or defects, seek a new key.
- Proper Handling: Be gentle when inserting and rotating the keys into lockers. Exercise care to avoid pressuring the key excessively because it may snap off.
- Keep Keys Dry: Time can cause moisture to rust the important substances. Remember, your keys need to be dry so that they do not rust.
- Avoid Excessive Weight: Your keys may also be stressed when you carry heavy keychains. Reduce the amount of weight on your keys by trimming down your key chain.
- Regularly Lubricate Locks: Ensure smooth operation of your locks by using lock-specific lubricant. Proper locks save on hard opening key turns.
- Duplicate Keys: Make copies of your keys and keep using those keys on a day-to-day basis. Make sure you store the originals safely to reduce the stress they undergo.
Adhering to these preventive steps will make sure that your keys last longer, reduce the possibility of breaking them, and enjoy problem-free usage with locks. Always remember that only a bit of care and upkeep will help keep your keys and your security.
What to Do When a Key Breaks
It is a stressful moment when a key breaks. There are necessary measures that one should undertake such as calling the company and requesting for another copy. Firstly, one needs to stay calm and patient. Determine the nature of the breach by assessing its scope. You can attempt to extract such a key if a portion of its part is still visible by use of the same tools of needle nose pliers. Nevertheless, home remedies should be avoided if they might aggravate the condition. In case it doesn’t come off the key or there is damage in the keyhole you should call a locksmith who knows how to fix this problem properly and safely.
Ensuring Key Safety and Functionality
These practices will help to make sure that your keys are safe and functional over a long period of time. Ensure you regularly check out your keys for signs of wear and tear and replace them where necessary. Regular maintenance involves using a lock-specific lubricant for each individual lock so that it functions smoothly. Have as few items hanging on the keys as possible, and make duplicates that you can keep on hand but original ones must remain safe. It is also advisable to invest in keys constructed from robust materials that will rarely or never break so as to ensure that your locks remain secure while giving access in the process.
Also Read – Automotive Locksmith Services: Car Keys and Lockouts
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my key broke into the lock?
The first thing that you should do calmly is when your key breaks in the lock. Evaluate the condition to know how serious it is. If you can manually extract the key inside then go ahead but it is advisable to call in a competent locksmith.
Q: How do I avoid key breakage?
Consider regular key maintenance in order to avoid key breakage. Check your key for wear and tear, and replace it when required. Use lock-specific lubricant for the proper functioning of the device. Minimize your keychain while making duplicate sets of those used every day but holding onto the originals. It is also advisable to invest in keys with a good quality cut from strong materials to reduce the chances of breakage.
Q: How to repair a worn-out key?
It is more often than not advisable that one does not try to do DIY repairs of broken keys or locks since these problems are usually complicated. Such efforts by DIY may only aggravate the problem and cause more destruction. Professional locksmiths equipped with the necessary skills and equipment are better suited for dealing with key and lock issues.
Q: What lubricate should l use for locks?
Lock-specific lubricants should be used for lock maintenance. They include greases that work well on all locks and assist in easy operation. It is advisable not to use any ordinary or oil-based lubricants since they attract dirt which might result in locks after a prolonged period of time.