How You Can Prevent Problems with Keys and Locks

We normally don’t think about keys and locks, but the truth is, ~ whether automotive, residential, or commercial ~ they play a major role in our personal and business lives, day and night, although we hardly ever give it a second thought. For all of us, there’s that one time...when an emergency comes up. It’s annoying all right, but you don’t have to let it get to you. There are numerous ways to keep yourself secure. Keep your locks well maintained so that you can avert most of the issues with locks and keys that could arise.

Take extra security measures. Depending upon your circumstances, if you’re feeling vulnerable at your place of residence or at your commercial building, there are a good number of ways to provide yourself with peace of mind.

Most professional locksmiths recommend deadbolts. Deadbolts are an effective way to increase your security and safety. Make sure your deadbolts are installed properly. A deadbolt should have at least a 1-inch throw. On the strike side, there needs to be a security plate with screws at least 3 inches long, going all the way into the door’s wood frame. If you have a window near or on your door, a thumbturn deadbolt won’t do you much good, because an intruder can knock out the glass, reach a hand in, and turn. To prevent this from happening, install a double-cylinder deadbolt lock, since it requires a key on the inside.

There are other ways you’ll feel more safe and secure:

keyless remote entries
safes for business or home
magnetic locks
choose only a local, reliable professional locksmith who is licensed, bonded, insured, background-checked, and certified.
keypad systems
use only reputable top-quality brands, at least a grade 2
combination locks
alarm systems

Preventive maintenance will help you avoid lockouts. When you make the effort to keep your locks well maintained, you may never have to call a locksmith. Keep an eye out for:

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

If you come across any of these issues, it’s probably best to change your locks, because worn-out locks typically break or get stuck, making it more likely that you’ll get locked out. Old and malfunctioning locks also make you more susceptible to burglary.

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

If the key doesn’t turn, don’t worry. Sometimes the pins will get jammed. Spray the lock mechanism with silicone spray or WD-40. This will usually solve the problem.
General lubrication. At least twice annually, or anytime you observe excess friction or grinding in the lock mechanism, apply a silicone-based lubricant spray to the keyhole.
Replace your keys periodically. Keys sustain a great deal of abuse. We use them day in and day out, we keep them who knows where, and we throw them all over the place. If you see your keys are starting to wear down, or if your key is bent or otherwise damaged, it’s time to make a new key. Remember to throw out your old keys.

When is it time to change your locks?

A new home. If you move into a new place, change the locks right away. You never know what previous residents could be still out there with their old keys.
New tenants or roommates. The same rules that apply to your home apply to your rentals. If you rent out space in your home or your apartment, it’s necessary to replace locks each time you switch tenants. Even if the former occupants returned their keys, you can’t be sure that there aren’t still extra copies of their keys floating around.
Lost keys. If you’re sure you’ve lost your keys, then change your locks, since you don’t want the possibility of a stranger getting into your property.
After a break-in. If there’s been a robbery, all exterior locks should be replaced. Then replace any interior locks in order of your personal security priorities.

Do you have a broken or stuck key? If you rush with your keys, you may find yourself in a real bind, because your key could break off in the lock! Haste makes waste. Just take the extra few seconds to be patient with your key, and save yourself grief.

However, if you’re unfortunate enough to have your key break inside the lock mechanism 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’ve closed the door, you likely won’t be able to open the door again. A broken key can possibly cause damage to a lock. Here’s what you can do:

Is part of your key stuck inside the lock? If there’s a slight bit of the key sticking out, you may be able to pull it out yourself. If there’s enough of it showing, you may be able to get it out with pliers or with your fingers. If you see any damage, call a professional locksmith.
Is any part of the key sticking out of the lock? You’re risking doing damage, but it’s worth a try. Use a flathead screwdriver ~ one that’s tiny enough to fit in the keyhole. Pry the key inside, to the point where it comes out of the lock just a little. Then you might be able to remove it with your fingers or with needle-nose pliers.

Sometimes you really will need to hire a professional locksmith. If your property is any place in San Tan Valley, Arizona, then you ought to call a reputable locksmith company such as AA San Tan Valley Locksmith, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, always ready to get you out of a jam.