Why the Keys Keep Breaking in Your Business's Locks
Your first line of defence against burglars is your window and door locks. If these fail, your business premises could be at risk of burglary. However, the risks to your locks don't just come from without. They also come from within.
Certain practices by office staff or cleaning staff can compromise your locks — for instance, through the misuse of keys. When this happens, the keys to your business may begin to break in the locks.
If your business has recently suffered several key breakages, the following factors may be to blame.
Your Keys Are Worn
Sometimes, wear and tear causes keys to break in locks. Over time, keys break down, becoming misshapen and bent. Keys with worn teeth will also begin to jam or break in locks if they aren't replaced.
However, aside from general wear and tear, keys can fall victim to bad habits, such as:
- Staff using keys for other tasks, like jimmying open containers.
- Incorrect key storage — for example, in a container with other keys.
- Forcing keys into locks.
Because keys are generally composed of soft metals, such as brass, mistreatment will warp their shape and cause them to break.
Your Locks Need Lubricating
Keeping your business's locks lubricated helps to ensure that your keys interact with them seamlessly. If you haven't oiled your locks in a while, you'll find that your keys begin to stick a lot more than usual. This leads to breakages as you are forced to exert more effort each time you open your business.
To lubricate your locks, simply spray a graphite or Teflon lubricant into the keyhole, and then insert your key into the lock several times. Wipe away any excess lubricant each time.
Keep your locks well oiled to avoid breakages.
Your Locks Need to be Replaced
Eventually, all door locks deteriorate. Constant use over years wears out the inner workings until, finally, the lock jams and you end up with a broken key and business premises you can't access. If you have seldom lubricated your locks, this has likely contributed to their deterioration.
In this case, you'll probably need a commercial locksmith. Not only can a commercial locksmith remove a broken key, but they can also assess your locks and recommend replacement if necessary. Commercial locksmiths are forever learning new techniques and technologies in the field of locksmithing. As a result, if your keys keep breaking or you suspect your locks have seen better days, call a local commercial locksmith.