How to avoid troubles with keys and locks

Locks and keys - whether automotive, residential, or commercial - play a huge part in our business and personal lives, day in and day out, even though we hardly ever think about it. We normally don’t give our keys and locks a second thought...until that one time...when an emergency occurs. It’s unnerving to be locked out, but you need not let it get to you. There are many ways you can stay safe and secure, and prevent most of the problems that could arise.

Avoid lockouts with preventive maintenance. When you are pro-active, making sure your locks very well maintained, you may never have to call a locksmith at all. Keep an eye out for:

• wear and tear
• having to struggle when you try to put your key in the lock mechanism
• rust
• difficulty turning the key in the lock

If you do happen to observe any of these issues, you ought to change out the locks, because worn-out locks are prone to break or get stuck, and lock you out. Faulty and old locks make you more susceptible to robbery.

There are indeed things you can do to extend the life of your locks:

• Replace your keys periodically. Our keys suffer a lot of abuse: We use them every day, throw them around who knows where, and store them in all sorts of peculiar places. If you notice that your keys are wearing down, or if you observe any damage to your keys, then make a new key. Be sure to throw out the old keys.
• General lubrication. If you experience any excess friction or grinding inside the lock mechanism, then at least twice a year, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the keyholes.
• If the key doesn’t turn, don’t worry. The pins can get jammed up. Spray the lock mechanism with silicone spray or WD-40, and this will usually solve the problem so you won’t need to call a locksmith.

Do you have a broken or stuck key? Don’t hurry with your keys, or you may find yourself in a lousy predicament. Your key could break off in the lock! Haste makes waste. So take that extra few seconds to be patient with your key, and you’ll likely always avoid the misery of a lockout.

If, nevertheless, you’re unfortunate enough to have your key break inside the lock mechanism, if it happens before you close the door, then you won’t be able to lock it, which obviously leaves you vulnerable to theft. If you break the key off in the lock mechanism after you have closed the door, probably you won’t be able to open the door again. A broken key can even damage the lock itself. Here’s what you can do:

• If part of the key is stuck inside the lock, and there’s a slight bit of it sticking out, you might be able to get it out yourself. If there is enough of the key visible, you may be able to pull it out with pliers or with your fingers. Do you see any damage? Then consult with a professional locksmith.
• If no part of your key is sticking out of the lock, it may be worth a try, even though you’ll risk causing damage. Use a flathead screwdriver - one that’s tiny enough to fit inside the keyhole. Pry the key inside, just to the point where it comes out of the lock somewhat. Then you could be able to remove it with needle-nose pliers or your fingers.

Take extra security measures. Depending upon your living circumstances, if you’re feeling acutely vulnerable at your home, at your commercial property, or regarding your vehicle, there are a good many ways to give yourself peace of mind.

Additional ways you’ll feel more secure and safe:

• combination locks
• magnetic locks
• safes for business or home
• keypad systems
• install deadbolts
• keyless remotes
• transponder keys
• alarm systems
• hire only a local, dependable professional locksmith who is bonded, licensed, background-checked, insured, and certified

Most expert locksmiths recommend deadbolts. Be sure they’re properly installed. Get only a reputable superior-quality brand, at least a grade 2. A deadbolt ought to have at least a one-inch throw. On the strike side, there should be a security plate with screws that are at least three inches long, going all the way into the wooden frame of the door. In case you have a window near or on your door, keep in mind that a thumbturn deadbolt isn’t going to do much good, since an intruder can knock out the glass, reach in, and turn it. To stop this from occurring, install a double-cylinder type of deadbolt lock, which requires a key on the inside.