Make your locks last longer.

• Replace your keys periodically. Because we use them day in and day out, many times each day, store them all over the place, and throw them who knows where, keys take a great deal of abuse. So if you notice that your keys are beginning to wear down, or if a key gets bent or somehow damaged, then you ought to have new keys made. Throw out your old keys ~ or, much better, drop them off at a recycling facility.
• Lubrication. At least twice a year, or anytime you notice grinding or excess friction in the lock mechanism, apply a silicone-based lubricant spray to the keyhole.
• If the key doesn’t turn, don’t despair. Sometimes the pins bind up. Spray the lock mechanism with WD-40 or silicone spray. This often resolves the problem.

More ways to feel safe and secure:

• use only fine-quality brand locks, at least a grade 2
• magnetic locks
• choose a local, dependable professional locksmith who’s certified, bonded, insured, licensed, and background-checked
• keypad systems
• combination locks
• safes for home & business
• alarm systems
• keyless remotes

When should you change your locks?

• a new home. When you move into a new place of residence, immediately change the locks. You just never know, there might be former residents still out there who are in possession of their old keys.
• New occupants or roommates. The same rules apply to rentals. If you rent out space in your apartment or your house, replace your locks every time you change tenants. Even if the previous residents returned their keys, you cannot be completely sure that there may still be old keys floating around somewhere.
• After a break-in. If a burglary ever happens, replace all exterior locks right away. In the order of your personal security priorities, also replace any interior locks.
• Lost keys. If you realize you’ve lost your keys permanently, change your locks. You don’t want to risk the possibility of an intruder entering your property.

Haste makes waste. If you hurry with your key, you can put yourself in a tight spot: Your key might break right off inside the lock mechanism! Take an extra several seconds to be patient with the key, and you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.

Is your key stuck, or broken off? If you’re unlucky enough to watch your key break off inside the lock before you shut the door, then you won't be able to lock it, which, of course, makes you susceptible to theft. If you break your key off inside the lock after you’ve closed the door, then you likely will not be able to open the door again. And, a broken key can cause damage to the lock.

You may be able to get the key out yourself. Is there part of the key stuck in the lock? If you see a tiny part of the key sticking out, you may be able to pull it out yourself. If just enough of the key is visible, you ought to be able to extract it with your fingers or needle-nose pliers. You do risk damaging the lock, but if you decide it’s worth a try, then get yourself a flathead screwdriver ~ small enough to fit in the keyhole. Pry the key inside, only to the point where it slightly comes out from the lock mechanism. If you end up doing any damage, hire a professional locksmith.

Even for the best of us, at some point, something will happen to make it necessary that you call a locksmith expert. If you’re in Arvada, Colorado, then consider hiring a reputable locksmith company, such as Locksmith Arvada CO. The mobile staff locksmith technicians there are always at the ready to come to your rescue.

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• Signs better security is needed
• Lockouts, why call a locksmith
• What locksmiths do
• Lock and Key Types
• What to do, jammed safe
• What to do to prevent lockouts
• Transponder keys, problems
• When to replace locks
• Lock Maintenance