It’s been a long week, you’re right outside your front door, waiting to crash onto the couch when you get inside; then the worst thing happens- your key breaks inside the lock. Surely this has happened to you like it has happened to everyone, and it’s left you wondering, why?
When a key breaks in a door lock, a wave of panic and confusion can set in especially because you don’t know why.
If you’re just dying to know why keys break inside of locks, and more importantly how to prevent it from happening again, we’ve got just the answers.
Why do keys break inside locks?
Normal wear and tear
There’s just nothing you can do when it comes to Mother Nature. Like anything else in life, over time your lock and key begin to deteriorate. Either your key weakens and breaks inside the lock, or the lock itself, such as the tumbler mechanism breaks, and breaks your key. Both instances are a very normal and natural occurrence, you just hope it doesn’t happen to you.
Too much pressure
In addition to normal wear and tear, keys are already made of soft metals such as brass or nickel. This means that they could already be worn down over time and they’re particularly soft, so whenever too much pressure is applied by your hand turning the key, this may cause the key to break. You just don’t know your own strength.
Warped doors and locks
Yet another thing no one considers is that warm, humid air may cause doors, locks, and even keys to warp. Warped and changed locks won’t fit your key perfectly anymore, which is why it most likely broke in the lock in the first place.
Tips to prevent broken keys
Loosen your locks
Did you know you can lubricate your locks? If you didn’t, it’s most likely because you haven’t consulted a professional locksmith service. A professional locksmith will tell you that lock and key lubrication is available, and should be applied regularly for the best lock and key health. This allows your key to slide right into the rock, without having to worry about damaging it.
Replace your keys
Before you break your key or ruin your lock, if you notice a key that is shaped funny, not working properly, replace it. Make a new key as soon as possible. The more you place broken keys into the lock, the more likely they can both become damaged.
Don’t misuse keys
We’ve all used our keys once or twice in a pinch to cut something, pick something, or scratch something, but what people don’t realize is how much this ruins their keys. The best way to prevent your key from braking, is by not using it for other things. Scratching, poking, etc. wears down the teeth, causing it not to work in your lock and potentially break.
However, if you still couldn’t prevent your key from breaking, it happens to the best of us. All you need to do is contact and hire a professional locksmith service to come out to your door and fix the problem.
It’s never a good time when you have a key and or door lock emergency. Rest assured, Action Locksmith can help with our emergency lockout service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a family owned and operated business for over 30 years, our dedication and hard work has made us one of Michigan’s best locksmith companies around. We provide residential locksmith services as well as commercial locksmith services, automotive, home safes and much more! Call us today to learn more about how our locksmith company can help your home and business!