Why do keys break more often in cold weather?
Cold weather makes a lock stiffer and a key less forgiving, so a key that was already worn or under strain is more likely to snap. The cold doesn't usually cause the break on its own. It exposes a weakness that was already there.
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A key that has been getting stiff or sticky over the past few weeks was giving a warning. Cold weather is often when that warning turns into a snapped key.
Why it happens
Inside a lock cylinder, the lubricant thickens in low temperatures. Moisture can also freeze or collect in the keyway. Either one makes the key harder to turn, and the extra resistance goes straight into the key's thinnest point, usually where the blade meets the head.
Cold can also make the key metal less able to flex before it gives way. Add gloves, numb fingers or a quick twist with the whole hand, and far more force reaches the key than it was made to take. A key that has been copied many times, or used for years, already has a worn or slightly bent blade, which makes it weaker still.
A door that has shifted a little can add to the problem. If the latch is pulling against the frame, the key has to fight the door as well as the lock. Cold weather makes this more noticeable because wood and metal swell and shrink with temperature.
What you can check yourself
- Stop turning as soon as it feels tightIf the key feels stiff, don't add force. Pulling back and trying again gently is safer than twisting harder.
- Keep the broken pieceIf you have the half with the head, keep it somewhere safe. A locksmith can often use it to cut a new key.
- Don't push the stub further inUsing another key or a tool to push the broken end deeper usually turns a simple extraction into a cylinder replacement.
- Leave glue out of itGluing the pieces together can leave the lock unrecoverable. Even a small amount in the keyway is a problem.
- Check for a spareIf you have a second key, a household member who can bring one, or a landlord or manager with a copy, that may solve the immediate problem. Don't try the spare in the damaged lock until the broken piece is out.
When to call a locksmith
If any part of the key is still in the lock, it is time for a locksmith. Call (866) 690-5848 and we will arrange a visit with an independent locksmith. The estimate is free. The locksmith looks at the lock, gives you the price, and starts work only once you agree to it.
If the broken key leaves you locked out of your home, business or vehicle, the locksmith will ask for identification and proof that you are entitled to enter before opening anything. A driver's licence with the address, a lease, a utility bill, or vehicle registration or insurance all work. A neighbour or manager who can confirm it also works. If a child or animal is shut inside a car or home, call 911 first.
What the locksmith will do
- Remove the broken pieceThe locksmith extracts the broken part from the lock, aiming to leave the lock in working condition.
- Check the cylinderIf the keyway is damaged, the cylinder is replaced. If it is undamaged, it can stay.
- Provide a new keyA new key is cut from the surviving half or from the lock itself, so you are not left with a weak copy.
- Lubricate and check the doorThe lock is lubricated and the door alignment checked so the same strain does not build up again.
Related questions
- Can I stop my keys breaking in winter?
- Pay attention to stiffness. If a key or lock is getting harder to turn, have it looked at before it snaps. Replacing a heavily worn or much-copied key with a fresh one cut from the original also helps.
- Is it better to replace a worn key before it breaks?
- Usually, yes. A new key cut properly is much cheaper in effort and hassle than a snapped key in a locked door. A locksmith can cut one and check that the lock is turning freely.
- Will the lock need replacing after a key breaks?
- Not always. If the keyway is undamaged after the broken piece is out, the cylinder can often stay. If it is chewed up, the locksmith will replace it and tell you before doing so.
- How much does it cost to remove a broken key?
- It depends on the lock type, how many doors are involved, the time of day, whether parts are needed and whether a new key has to be cut. The estimate is free and the price is agreed before any work starts.
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