How can I prevent my key from breaking in a lock?

Have you ever been in a rush to leave the house, only to find your key has got stuck or even worse, broken in the front door?

We've all been there!

Here's why keys break and get stuck In locks, and how you can avoid that horrible snapping sound.

Why do keys break In locks?

Like all things, keys are subject to wear and tear over time. Most keys are made of soft metals like brass and nickel, which means they get weak, especially if used daily or with heavy-handed force. 

Dry and rusty locks can also play a part in keys snapping. Poorly-maintained locks can put pressure on a key, meaning it's more likely to break or get stuck.

How you can prevent a key from breaking in a lock

The good news is there are lots of things you can do to reduce the risk of your key breaking in a lock. Here are some of our top tips.

1. Keep your lock well-lubricated

Making sure your lock is in good condition is a simple way to ensure your key doesn't get stuck. The easiest way to do this is to coat your key in a lubrication spray like WD-40 and gently insert it into the lock. 

Do this every six months, or more frequently if you notice any sticking or friction.

2. Avoid using your key for the wrong reasons

Ever used your house key to open a tin of paint, a parcel or even worse, a beer? This can cause your key to wear faster as you're putting pressure on it.

Only use your keys for what they were intended for - opening doors.

3. Don't use the wrong key

When you have lots of keys or it's dark outside, it can be hard to know which key opens the right door. Putting the wrong key in a lock increases the chance of it getting stuck or jamming inside. 

You can avoid the risk of this happening by clearly labelling your keys. Putting a motion-sensitive light outside your door can also help you see which key Is the right one.

4. Replace your key regularly

If your key looks cracked or bent in the middle, or is hard to remove from your door lock, it's time to replace it. 

A locksmith (like DB Locksmiths) will be able to cut a brand new key for you so you can continue to lock your door with confidence.

Broken key in your lock? You can rely on DB Locksmiths

If your key has got broken or stuck in your front door, we're the locksmiths of choice in Bristol, Bath, and the surrounding areas.

Give us a call, and our expert locksmith team will be at your home or commercial property as soon as possible. We'll recover your key quickly and provide you with a replacement so you can go about your day.

Contact us on 07772 962 247 - we're available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.