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To many of us, the concept of having our keys break sounds like a fantasy. Keys are strong, right? Why would they just break, then? Well, keys are just metal objects. They can bend and weaken just like any other piece of metal; over time, that can cause the key to break apart entirely. The key might snap in your door lock, or you might pull it out of your pocket only to find it’s in several pieces!
Either way, it’s best to take the time to look at replacement keys before you need to start Googling “key cutting near me” or phoning local locksmiths. To help you understand when you might need keys cut, we asked Lock & Key Leeds, a trusted UK locksmith, for some advice. What are the signs of worn-out keys? How can you tell when a key is about to break? And when should you think about replacing a broken or damaged key?
The Risks of Using Damaged, Worn And/Or Bent Keys
Look, we understand: life is busy. Finding the time to go to a locksmith and get your keys replaced is not easy. Most of the time, we put off things like key cutting because our keys still work and because we often work during the hours we assume a key-cutting service would operate.
However, run a quick search for “key cutting near me”, and you’ll find all manner of 24-hour locksmiths in the UK – including Lock & Key. You can hire a key-cutting service at any time of day, which is just as well, because if you keep using those worn-out, weak keys, you might need to phone an emergency locksmith in the near future!
There are several risks that come from continuing to persevere with those keys that you know, deep down, are not fit for purpose. They include:
- The aforementioned risk of your keys breaking when you go to use them, leaving you stuck indoors/outdoors at (usually) a time when you can ill-afford to be held up.
- The further risk is that your keys snap in the lock, leaving you with a door that cannot be fixed without the help of an emergency locksmith, costing you even more money.
- Lock damage caused by turning a broken key in the lock. Parts of the key can snap off into the lock itself, meaning you need the lock to be repaired or replaced instead.
- Potential for physical harm. Keys are made of metal, right? If that metal breaks or shatters, that leaves you with a potentially sharp object you could cut yourself with.
These four issues alone should give you pause when it comes to using worn keys. Key cutting services are abundant in the UK, and usually operate beyond typical working hours. So, finding a replacement key-cutting service really isn’t as difficult as it might first appear.
How Worn Keys Lead To Breakages & Lock Damage
Continuing to use a key that is damaged is an easy way to leave yourself with a headache in the near future. Some of the most common problems that you might find yourself dealing with if you use a worn-out key include:
- The key sticks in the lock, potentially getting jammed and thus will not come back out.
- The key will not turn as it gets stuck inside the keyhole, stopping the locks from turning.
- The key itself snaps in the lock, leaving you with debris that needs to be removed.
- The lock is damaged by the worn key, which is no longer compatible with the lock.
- The lock needs to be replaced as the worn key has caused irreparable damage.
The longer you use a worn-out key, the more likely it is that the above issues will emerge. What are the main signs to look out for? How do you know you need keys cut and a replacement set of keys?
What Are The Main Signs Your Keys Need To Be Replaced?
The above should give you pause before using that key that you have doubts about. If you are unsure about whether your key is damaged, look out for the following signs of wear and tear:
- The key seems to feel increasingly loose when it is put into the lock. A key that no longer feels stable in the lock is one that needs to be replaced.
- Sharp or rough edges on the key. If any part of your key feels rougher than usual, it might be time to think about a replacement ASAP.
- The key has become rusty or has other signs of wear and tear. Rusty keys can be cleaned, but most of the time it’s better just to replace them.
- Dents or dings in the key that might impact its operation or usage.
- Cracks on the key; this is a sign that the key is close to breaking.
If you spot any of these signs with a key, it’s time to start searching for “key cutting near me” and to get a locksmith out to your property ASAP. The longer you wait, the more serious the issue becomes!
Pro Tip: Hire A Key Cutting Service At The First Sign Of A Problem
So, we hope now that you can appreciate the value of hiring a key-cutting professional as soon as you spot a problem with your keys. If something seems amiss or different about your key, get it checked!
A locksmith can give you a full appraisal of whether the issue is worth replacing the key. If you have had your keys for years, though, it is likely that, eventually, they will need to be replaced. Luckily, key cutting is a service that takes minutes, even for advanced and highly specific key types.
Contact a local locksmith and arrange a key-cutting service; you can get replacement keys cut that same day and stop worrying. Why take the risk? Replacing your keys before a problem emerges is far easier – and much cheaper – than waiting until the inevitable!
