Dealing with a snapped key can make many individuals panic. A snapped key may occur in the most unexpected situations, and you find yourself locked out of your house, office, or any other secure area.

Luckily for you, there is EC1 Locksmiths, a renowned name in locksmith services, to provide you with professional guidance on what to do in case of snapped keys. What to do when faced with snap keys and how to prevent future occurrences are covered below.

About the Problem of Snap Keys

A snapped key is when the key gets broken in the lock or the key itself gets broken. This can occur for numerous reasons, such as wear and tear, rust, or plain old brute force when attempting to turn the key.

If you’ve ever had snapped keys, you know how annoying and frustrating it is. Fortunately, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a disaster. Having an idea of what to do when it occurs can spare you time, money, and stress.

Signs You Have Snap Keys

Not all key-related issues are the same, and sometimes it can be hard to tell if your key is truly snapped. Here are some signs to look out for:

1.    Inability to Turn the Key: If the key seems stuck or doesn’t turn in the lock despite your efforts, there’s a chance it has snapped off inside.

2.    Shattered Key Pieces: In other instances, the key can seem like it has broken but remains in one piece within the lock mechanism.

3.    Key Does Not Fit: If your key is bent or is missing a section, chances are you’ve had snapped keys.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to be quick about it. You don’t want to force the snapped key, as it can compound the problem.

Why Do Keys Snap?

Knowing why keys snap can assist you in avoiding this problem from arising in the future. Some of the most frequent causes are:

1.    Wear and Tear: Keys wear out over time because they are constantly being used, and this wears them down.

2.    Corrosion: Keys that are constructed from specific metals tend to corrode after a while, which weakens the key’s structure and makes it more likely to break.

3.    Forcing Turning: Attempting to force a stuck key can lead to snapped keys. Too much pressure may break the key, usually within the lock.

4.    Broken Locks: A faulty lock may exert unnecessary pressure on the key, snapping it.

Instant Action to Take When You Have Injured Keys

If you’ve ended up with snap keys, don’t get too worried. There are some steps you can take to rectify the situation:

1.    Check the Situation: Firstly, attempt to see how much of the key is still lodged within the lock. If the key only broke halfway, it could be simpler to take out.

2.    Don’t Try to Force the Key: Do not try to force the jammed key deeper into the lock, as this might do more harm and make it more difficult to extract.

3.    Attempt to Use Pliers: If some portion of the key is protruding from the lock, you can try to grasp it with pliers and carefully pull it out.

4.    Use a Key Extractor Tool: There are key extractor tools locksmiths use to pull out broken keys from locks. If you do not have one, having a professional locksmith such as EC1 Locksmiths call to assist you is your best solution.

Professional Assistance for Broken Keys

If your efforts to extract the snap key fail, or if you’re concerned about harming your lock, it’s time to bring in the experts. EC1 Locksmiths is equipped to deal with snapped keys of any type.

We provide a variety of services for individuals experiencing snapped keys so that your lock and key issue is resolved promptly and safely.

EC1 Locksmiths’ Services

When you call EC1 Locksmiths, you’ll be able to enjoy our professional services, including:

1.    Key Extraction: We possess professional tools that will be able to extract snapped keys from locks in a safe manner without damaging the mechanism.

2.    Lock Repair or Replacement: If the broken key has resulted in damage to your lock, we can either repair or replace the lock in order to return it to a functional state.

3.    Security Tips: We will give you tips on how to avoid snapping keys in the future and guide you on how to take care of your locks for maximum performance.

Preventing Snap Keys in the Future

Preventing snap keys frustration is easy with some simple precautions. Here are some tips to maintain your keys in good condition:

1.    Inspect Your Keys Regularly: Inspect your keys for wear and tear. If your key has any indication of bending, cracking, or corrosion, it’s time to replace it before it snaps.

2.    Don’t Force Key Rotation: Always try to turn the key smoothly inside the lock. Forcing could result in key snapping, especially if the key is already weak.

3.    Lubricate the Lock: Regularly keep your locks properly lubricated to prevent friction, which makes key rotation easier and avoids additional strain on the key.

4.    Have Spare Keys: Keep duplicate keys in a safe location so you’re not left stranded if one breaks.

Why Choose EC1 Locksmiths?

Here at EC1 Locksmiths, we pride ourselves on offering professional and trusted locksmith services. We employ skilled technicians who are capable of resolving all key-related problems, including broken keys.

We employ the latest technology and techniques to get your lock and key issues sorted as quickly as possible. When you use our services, you’re not only receiving a temporary solution; you’re achieving long-term security and reassurance.

Conclusion

Working with snap keys is a hassle, but with the proper information and professional assistance, it’s easy to get out of the situation without further stress. EC1 Locksmiths is available to help with key extractions, lock repair, and other services.

Prevention is the best, so by checking your keys and locks on a regular basis, you can prevent snapped keys from happening again in the future. If you are in the situation where you need help, don’t think twice about contacting EC1 Locksmiths—we’re here to assist you.