Residential, automotive, or commercial ~ the truth
is, keys and locks play a big part in our personal and business lives,
throughout the day and night. We usually don’t give it a second thought...until
that one time...when an emergency comes up. It’s almost always exasperating,
and never convenient. There are numerous ways, however, to keep yourself
secure, so you can avoid many of the hassles with locks and keys that can occur.
Preventive
Maintenance for Your Locks
If you do your part to keep your locks well
maintained, your need to call a locksmith will be rare. Keep an eye out for:
- wear and tear
- rust
- trouble putting the key into the lock mechanism
- difficulty turning the key in the lock
If you notice any of these factors, it may be best to
change your locks, since worn-out locks are easier to pick and break. With old
and faulty locks, you are vulnerable to burglary. There are things you can do
yourself to prolong the life of your locks:
- If your key won’t turn, don’t panic. Sometimes the pins get jammed up. You may not need a locksmith at all if you simply try spraying the lock mechanism with WD-40 or silicone spray. Although not always, many times this will solve the problem, so it’s worth a try.
- Replace your keys periodically. We subject our keys to quite a lot of abuse, as they’re thrown around a lot and kept who knows where. Plus, we use them every single day. So if you notice that your keys are starting to wear down, or if you see any damage to your keys whatsoever, make a new key, and be sure to toss out the old ones.
- General lubrication. Twice a year, apply a silicone-base lubricant spray to the keyholes, or anytime you notice any grinding or excess friction.
Handling Broken
and Stuck Keys
Haste makes waste. Don't hurry with your keys! If
you do, you may find yourself completely stalled in your tracks, because you’ve
broken your key off in the lock! Take that few extra seconds with your key, and
you’ll save yourself a lot of grief in the future.
If you are unfortunate enough to have your key break inside the lock before you shut the door, you won’t be able to lock it, which
will leave your home, place of business, or vehicle vulnerable to burglary and
theft. If you break the key off in the lock mechanism after you’ve closed the
door, you will probably be unable to open the door again. Of course, a broken
key can also cause damage to the lock.
- If part of the key is stuck inside of the lock, and there’s still a little bit of it sticking out, you might be able to get it out yourself. If there’s enough of the key sticking out, you may be able to pull it out with your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Still, if there’s any damage, it’s time to call an expert locksmith.
- If you can’t see any part of the key sticking out of the lock, it’s risky, because you may cause damage, but it could still be worth a try: Use a flathead screwdriver ~ it has to be small enough to fit into the keyhole. Pry the key inside to the point where it comes out of the lock just a tiny bit, and then you may be able to remove it with your fingers or pliers.
Taking Extra
Security Measures
For
whatever reason, depending on your living situation, if you’re feeling
particularly vulnerable at your place of residence or at your business, there
are many ways to allow yourself peace of mind.
Expert
locksmiths recommend deadbolts. Make sure your deadbolts are properly installed.
It should have at least a 1-inch throw. On the strike side, there should be a
security plate with screws at least 3 inches long that goes all the way into
the door’s wooden frame.
Also keep in mind that if you have a window on or near the door, a thumb-turn deadbolt isn’t going to do you much
good, because a thief can knock out the glass, stick a hand in, and turn. To
prevent this from happening, get a double-cylinder lock that requires a key on
the inside.
Some additional ways to feel more safe and secure:
- keyless remote
- keypad system
- use only reputable premium-quality brands, at least a grade 2.
- magnetic lock
- keep your valuables and important documents in a safe
- combination lock
- alarm system
·
hire only a local, dependable professional locksmith who is background-checked,
insured, bonded, certified, and licensed
When Is It Absolutely Time to Change Your
Locks?
·
New roommates or tenants. If you rent out space in your home or apartment, or
have any rental properties of any sort, you must replace locks every time you
change occupants. Even if the last tenants gave back their keys, you can’t be
completely certain that there aren’t extra copies out there.
·
A new home. If you’ve just moved into a new place, change the locks right
away. The same rules that apply to your rentals apply to your residence. You
simply never know who may still have an old key.
- Lost keys. If you really and truly have lost your keys, then your locks should be changed soon as possible. You don’t want a stranger to have access to your home without your knowing it.
- After a break-in. All outdoor locks, which would allow an intruder access, ought to be replaced immediately. After that, replace any inner locks in your order of personal security priorities.
Of course, there are times when a professional
locksmith is truly needed. If you’re anywhere in Atlanta, Georgia, the good news is, you’re
able to hire Atlanta Fast Locksmith, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, to get you out of trouble.
