Do you have a broken or stuck key? Haste makes waste. Don’t ever hurry when you insert a key in a lock. You don’t want to find yourself in a jam when your key actually breaks off in the lock mechanism! Take that few extra seconds to be patient, and you’ll save yourself some grief.

If you’re unfortunate enough to see your key break off in the lock mechanism, if this happens before you close the door, then you won’t be able to lock it, of course making you susceptible to an intruder. If your key breaks off after you’ve closed the door, you likely will not be able to open the door again. A broken key can damage the lock itself. What you can try:

• If you cannot see any part of the key sticking out of the lock, it will be risky to try pulling it out, because you could easily damage it; however, it’s still worth a try: Take a flathead screwdriver ~ one little enough to fit into the keyhole. Pry the key, very gently, to the point where it comes out just slightly. If you do it the right way, you should be successful getting it out just with your fingers, or with needle-nose pliers. If you observe any damage, hire a locksmith expert.
• If the key is stuck in the lock, and a part of it is visible, it could be possible to get it out. If there’s enough of the key observable, you may be able to remove it using needle-nose pliers or using your fingers. If there’s any damage, contact a professional locksmith.

Prolong the life of your locks. Here’s what you can do to make your locks last longer:

• Lubrication. If you ever observe any excess friction or grinding in the lock mechanism ~ or, at least twice a year ~ you should apply a silicone-based lubricant to the keyhole.
• If your key doesn’t turn, don’t despair. At times, a lock’s pins bind up. Spray the lock mechanism with silicone spray or WD-40, which generally resolves the issue so you won’t need a locksmith.
• Periodically replace your keys. Our keys endure a great deal of abuse, because we use them many times a day, keep them who knows where, and throw them all over the place. If you notice that your keys are beginning to wear down, or if they’re damaged somehow, then you ought to get a new key. Remember to throw out your old keys responsibly; a recycling center is best.

Additional Security Measures

If you’re concerned about any dicey circumstances at your residence or at your commercial property, there are a number of ways to give yourself peace of mind.

Know when it’s time to change your locks.

Locksmith professionals recommend deadbolts as the most effective way to augment your security. Be sure they’re installed correctly. A deadbolt ought to have at least a 1-inch throw. On the strike side, there ought to be a security plate with screws at least 3 inches long, going all the way in to the door’s wooden frame. Do you have a window on your door or is there a window close by? If so, a thumbturn deadbolt won’t really do you very much good, because a burglar can break the glass, reach in, and turn. To prevent this from occurring, put in a double-cylinder deadbolt, which requires an inside key.

• A new home. When you move into a new place, change your locks right away. You never know which previous residents might still be in possession of their old keys.
• New roommates or tenants. If you rent out space in your home or apartment, or if you have any rental properties, replace the locks every time you switch occupants. Even if the former residents returned their keys, you cannot be positive that there aren’t some duplicate keys remaining out there some place.
• After a break-in occurs. If you’ve had a robbery, replace all outdoor locks immediately. Then after that, replace any indoor locks in the order of your personal security preferences.
• Lost keys. If you know for sure that your keys are lost permanently, then change the locks as soon as possible, since you don’t want to risk a burglary.

Make preventative maintenance a regular routine, and you’ll avoid most lockouts. Do your part to keep your locks well maintained, and you might never need to hire a locksmith. Stay on the lookout for:

• rust
• wear and tear
• difficulty putting the key in the lock mechanism
• trouble turning the key in the lock mechanism

If you notice any of these issues, it’s smart to change the locks, because worn-out locks will, without a doubt, get stuck or break eventually, meaning that it’s more likely you’re going to find yourself locked out some time in the future. Faulty locks will also make you more vulnerable to theft.

More ways to feel safe and secure:

• keyless remote entries
• keypad systems
• magnetic locks
• combination locks
• use only reputable fine-quality brands, at least grade 2
• alarm systems
• safes for your home and business