Preventing Broken Keys in Locks at your Chicago Business

In this blog entry, the professional Chicago residential and commercial locksmith service team here at Chicago Locksmith will detail the best ways to prevent broken keys in commercial locks at the entrance to your Chicago business.

What are the most common causes of broken keys in locks?

  • Old, cracked, bent, or worn out keys can easily snap off inside locks
  • Locks that are jamming, sticking, or requiring excess force to operate will stress out keys and cause them to break
  • Locks that are exposed to extreme weather or rain can rust or or accumulate debris, which creates resistance that stresses out keys and can cause them to break
  • If you’re forcing keys to open stuck locks or use keys as tools to scrape off substances like dried paint or gum, it can cause extra pressure on them which can cause them to break

What are the best ways to prevent broken keys in commercial locks?

  • Clean grime and dust off keys and locks, and use a soft bristle brush and compressed air to clean out the lock mechanism itself
  • Lubricate locks with a silicone or graphite based lubricant in order to keep internal ock components smoothly operated. Don’t use oil based lubricant, as this mor easily attracts debris and dirt
  • inspect keys for cracking, bending, and wear. Replace damaged keys as soon as you notice signs of key damage
  • Never force keys to work in stiff locks
  • Install weather-resistant shields or covers on all exterior locks in order to keep away corrosion and rust caused by snow or rain

What are the best key use practices for commercial locks in order to avoid broken keys?

  • Carefully turn keys with a gentle hand, and never brute force
  • Don’t add heavy keychains on keys, as this can add stress to them as well as the internal components of your locks
  • Never use keys to poke objects, to open boxes, or as a tool – as this can easily break or bend the key’s metal and increase the chance of snapped or broken keys
  • Always make sure the lock and key are perfectly aligned before turning, as turning or pulling keys at an angle can cause damage and potential snapping
  • Contact a professional locksmith as soon as your lock jams or sticks, as waiting to fix the problem or trying to fix the problem yourself can cause further damage
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