Introduction – Broken, Stolen or Lost Keys: What to Do?
Today, many people are dealing with breakage, lost or stolen keys. Such a phenomenon can generate a source of stress. It can also lead to overspending and surprises. What do you do when you find yourself in such a situation? We’ll talk more about what to do when you’re dealing with a broken, stolen, or lost key.
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Lost keys: what are the first reflexes to have?
Have you lost your keys? If this is the case, then you should try to remember. Above all, try to remember your specific route to determine where your keys may have fallen or been forgotten. If you don’t want to find yourself in such a situation, the ideal would be to leave a spare of the keys at the home of a loved one. You can also entrust it to your building’s caretaker. Such a precaution helps to minimize problems related to lost keys. At the same time, it saves you from spending high fees for a locksmith in your home. In the case of a tenant, they can go to their landlord to find out if the landlord has a backup key.
However, sometimes a person can’t find their key and doesn’t have a duplicate. Faced with such a situation, the ideal would be to call a locksmith. If your keyring is labeled with your name or address, you may face a possible burglary. In this case, opt for changing the lock on your door immediately. However, if the keychain does not have a label, then the risk of infringements will be minimal, but it should not be ruled out to redo the keys.
In case of loss of key, the intervention of a professional locksmith is the ideal solution. Although such an option may seem expensive, it allows you to be certain of the work that needs to be done. Do not hesitate to ask the professional for a complete quote by phone in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Such a precaution should not be neglected, especially when the intervention will be carried out at night, during public holidays or at weekends.
Lost or stolen keys: why do you need to change the lock?
If you lose your key, the best solution would be to replace the lock. This is part of the safety of your well-being and that of your family. If you lose your key, you don’t want to waste time because malicious people can break into your home knowing you’re away.
Changing the locks on the doors of your home can also be done as part of a door release. At this level, the intervention of the locksmith will allow you to have a new set of keys with possibly the duplicates. If the keys are stolen, you must report it to the police station. This document will be essential for your insurer, as they will need it to reimburse the costs incurred by the theft.
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Slammed or blocked doors: what to do?
In general, problems with slammed or stuck doors can be resolved quickly. All you have to do is contact a locksmith so that they can intervene as soon as possible. In this case, you don’t have to change the locks on your doors. However, some people want to take care of the door themselves, without resorting to professional intervention. If you are considering using such a solution, then be careful as the technique used varies depending on the type of lock.
To unlock a door with an ordinary lock, you need to have a thin accessory in your possession. To successfully open the slammed door, you need a good dose of agility. In fact, start by stabilizing the hook and turn your accessory to activate the lock. If you don’t have a thin accessory, then make use of a plastic element specifically designed to unlock the locks. However, such a technique is quite effective on locks where the latch and handle are one and the same.
Using a drill will be a must when your front door has a 5-pin barrel. This tool will be very important for disassembling the springs from the locks. This will make it easier for you to reach and deactivate the lock mechanism. However, if you don’t have a drill, then make use of a hammer. Strike the handle until the latch falls off. In this way, the door will open easily. In this specific case, you should expect to replace the lock on your front door.
Today, many people tend to memorize the numbers engraved on their front door key. Such a precaution is taken in order to save time, especially when ordering duplicates from the manufacturer or locksmith. In this case, all it takes is a phone call to give the identification numbers of your key to the expert. The latter will take care of sending you the duplicate of your set of keys.
Broken keys in locks: what are the solutions to consider?
When you are faced with a broken key in the lock, there are several solutions available to you.
Remove the broken key from the lock
If you are facing a broken key, you should try to remove the piece from the lock. To achieve this, start by finding the original meaning. At this point, the wrench must be straightened using a small screwdriver to return it to the original position. Have a needle and tweezers in your possession.
To start the removal process, try to thread the needle as far into the cylinder as possible through the small hole to the left or right of the broken key. Using small movements, try to pry the key towards you. Then, use the tweezers to grab the end of the key before removing it.
Using a magnet
There are some magnets that have a high magnetic force. You can use them to remove the broken steel rod in the cylinder or pin of your lock. To buy them, go to DIY stores. You can also find these magnets with high magnetic strength in old appliances.
Drill and replace the lock
After trying the previous method over and over again, there may be times when you have failed to remove the broken key from the lock. This difficulty is usually encountered when the cylinder is already damaged. In this case, you will have to force the door open.
To do this, use a drill to drill the cylinder and remove the broken key. With such a procedure, you will no longer be able to use the lock again. This is possible because by piercing the cylinder to force the door open, you cause the lock to be destroyed.
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Use a Key Extractor
On the market, there are extractors specifically designed to remove broken keys from locks. In this kit, you will find different pointed or crochet accessories. The interchangeable tips of the hardware can fit on a handle. In this way, you will be able to remove the broken key from the cylinder with complete peace of mind.
Hire a professional
Despite your best efforts, if you are unable to remove the key from the lock, then call a locksmith. His intervention will be essential since this professional has all the necessary equipment to overcome your problem with complete peace of mind. In addition, he has a very good knowledge of locksmith mechanisms. By hiring a professional to remove the broken key from the lock, you avoid irreversible manipulation.
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Lost keys or a blocked door: what do you need to know about home insurance?
Anyone who has taken out home insurance should check with their insurer. This is because comprehensive insurance has the ability to cover theft and loss of keys. However, before contacting a professional locksmith, check with your insurer. Such a precaution should not be taken lightly since some insurance companies will contact a locksmith for you. This professional will come to your home to open the door and change the locks if possible. You will hardly have to pay anything since the locksmith will forward his bill to your insurer.
Lost or stolen keys: how to avoid such inconveniences?
Today, many people are facing theft or loss of keys. However, there are a few good ways to avoid finding yourself in such a situation again.
Attach your keys
To avoid losing or having your door keys stolen, the ideal would be to attach them. Such a solution saves you from stressful strokes. To achieve this, use a keychain that is large enough to be easily found. You can use a chain to connect all of your keys to your pants loop. It can also be attached to your purse. However, if you must necessarily keep a keychain with you, the ideal would be to wear your keychain around your neck. It is a particularly recommended accessory for children.
Have a dedicated space for keys in your home
“A place for everything and everything in its place.” If you’ve ever heard of this saying, then you should know that it also applies to the key level. If you don’t want to constantly search for your keys at home, opt for an entrance storage compartment. You can also attach a wall-mounted keychain panel with hooks. These are all techniques that will allow you to get into the habit of storing your keys efficiently.
If you go out of the house, it is recommended that you always fit your keys in the same pocket of your trousers or jacket. If you have a purse, reserve a zippered pocket for storing your keys.
Opt for a connected keychain
The advancement of new technologies is very beneficial for everyday life. Anyone who wants to avoid stress should opt for a connected key fob, especially when it comes to:
- House keys;
- Apartment keys;
- Car keys;
- Motorcycle keys;
- Garage keys;
- Etc.
At this level, you can choose between key fobs that work with radio frequencies or those with Bluetooth.
- Radio frequency key fobs:
Simply hang the receiver on the keys and keep the transmitter. The latter comes in the form of a small remote control. When you look for your keys at home, just press the button on the transmitter and you’ll hear a ringtone coming from your keys. So you can follow the tone emitted to find them easily. However, be aware that this mode of operation has a limited range of action.
- Key rings with Bluetooth technology:
Also at this level, you need to attach a receiver to your keychain. However, the transmitter will be your smartphone. The special thing about this is that the Bluetooth system doesn’t just ring your lost keys. Specifically, it allows you to geolocate and show each last known position based on the radius you are in. Such an option is quite convenient since it will make your searches easier. Similarly, key fobs with Bluetooth technology work in reverse. If you have lost your phone, you can use them to make it ring.
Keep a duplicate with you
To limit the intervention of a locksmith as much as possible in the event of a lost key, please always keep a duplicate with you. This emergency key should be stored in a safe and secure place. By way of illustration, it can be cited:
- Purse;
- Your car’s glove compartment;
- Purse Pouch;
- Wallet;
- Etc.
Ideally, you should choose a place that is accessible at any time, day or night.
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