Common Ways People Get Locked Out and How to Prevent Them

Being locked out of your house, vehicle, or place of work can be quite upsetting and annoying. The issue is stressful and frequently calls for quick attention, whether you’re dealing with a broken key, a lost spare, or an inadvertently locked door. These are some typical reasons why people become locked out, along with helpful advice on avoiding them in the future.

Another common scenario is when people misplace their keys or leave them inside their homes or vehicles. To avoid this, consider using a key holder or a smart lock system that allows you to unlock doors with your smartphone. Additionally, it’s wise to have a trusted locksmith on speed dial for emergencies. You can learn about locksmith services to find reliable professionals who can assist you in such situations. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of getting locked out and ensure quick access to your property when needed.

1.   A broken key inside the lock

One of the most frequent ways people get locked out is when a key breaks off inside the lock. If they are old or composed of low-quality material, keys may deteriorate over time. If you twist the key too much or jam it into the lock too firmly, it may snap, leaving a piece of the key within. So, if you have just found your key broke in lock, the best solution would be to call a professional locksmith and let him sort it out for you.

Tips for Prevention

• Check your keys frequently for cracks or bends, which are indications of wear and tear.
• If it looks like your key is broken, have a replacement created.
• Periodically lubricate your locks to guarantee seamless functioning and lower friction.
• Turning the key should not be done with excessive force.

2.   Misplacing or Losing Keys

The situation of losing keys is all too common. Due to their small size, keys are easily overlooked or lost in the daily shuffle. Whether your keys are missing at your own house, dropped while shopping, or left at work, losing them frequently leads to an inconvenient lockout.

Advice for Prevention

• When not in use, store your keys in a specific location at home, such as a bowl or key rack.
• To find misplaced keys fast, use a keychain with a Bluetooth tracker, such as Apple AirTag or Tile.
• Create a duplicate

3.   Locked Out by Accident

The door may swing shut behind you, but it’s simple to go outside to get the mail or take out the trash. Unintentional lockouts may result from certain doors that automatically lock when closed if you’re not looking.

Advice for Prevention:

• Instead of installing an automatic lock, install a deadbolt lock that needs to be manually locked from the inside.
• Store an extra key in a safe location, such as a lockbox in your house.
• Installing a smart lock that lets you unlock the door with a keypad or smartphone app is something to think about.

4.   Key Spinning in the Lock

The key spinning freely in the lock without engaging the mechanism is another annoying lockout situation. This typically occurs when the key is unable to spin the latch because of a worn-out lock cylinder or a malfunctioning internal component of the locking system.

How To Prevent It:

• Contact a locksmith to have the lock checked before it breaks entirely if you see your key beginning to spin or feel loose in the lock.
• To maintain the smooth operation of the internal components, grease the lock regularly with graphite or another suitable lubricant.
• Before they result in a lockout, think about upgrading outdated or broken locks.

5.   Lost or Broken Key Fob

Key fobs and other keyless entry systems are convenient, but they can also cause lockout problems if the battery runs out or the fob breaks. Many current door locks cannot be started or unlocked without a functional key fob.

Prevention Tips:

• Check your key fob’s battery level frequently and replace it as needed.
• Have a mechanical key (which is frequently concealed inside the fob) or an extra fob on hand.
• Keep your extra key fob in a safe yet accessible place.

6.   Faulty Lock Mechanism

Like any mechanical device, locks can deteriorate with time. You may be unable to turn the key or open the door if a malfunctioning lock jam or does not recognise the key. Even if you have the right key, you can be stuck outside your house or vehicle and unable to get inside.

Advice for Prevention:

• Make time for routine lock maintenance, particularly if your locks are old or often used.
• Have a locksmith examine and fix the lock if you observe any indications of trouble turning the key.
• Replace outdated locks with more dependable, contemporary models.

In conclusion

Although they are annoying, lockouts can be avoided with the correct safety measures. You can prevent the annoyance of being locked out by keeping your keys and locks in good condition, having backup access alternatives, and utilising technology like keyless entry systems. There are usually ways to get back in safely and fast, so don’t freak out if it does happen.

Get in touch with a specialist locksmith such as Locksmith Wimbledon and he will be there quickly after your call.