Ever had a day when you’re running late for work and in a rush, you go to lock the door, and your key breaks in the lock? If you have, you know how frustrating it can be. But why did this happen? You’ve had your key for years, and it’s always worked fine before.

So, what are some reasons why keys break in door locks?

What can you do to prevent it? And what should I do and not do? You may not realize it, but keys are made of relatively soft material like nickel or brass, so they aren’t as strong as you think. The best way to keep it from happening is not to apply too much pressure when using them.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to prevent breaking your keys, what to do when it does happen, as well as some tips to prevent keys from breaking, continue reading below.

Why Do Keys Break in Locks?

• Keys are made out of soft metals such as nickel or brass
• The lock is malfunctioning or poorly lubricated
• You applied too much pressure on the key when locking or unlocking the door.
• Due to warm or humid weather, the door itself has bent or become warped.
• The lock is poorly lubricated.

How Can I Prevent Broken Keys?

The best way you can do this is to make sure your lock is adequately lubricated. You can simply do this by using WD-40. Watch for a few simple signs that the locks are not appropriately lubricated. You may notice they are starting to stick, or the lock isn’t turning as smoothly as it used to.

If your key is getting old and you notice that it is becoming weak or damaged, make sure you have a spare, then throw the old key away. A few things to look for in a damaged key is:

• It’s bent
• There are cracks
• The key is sticking even after your lock is lubricated.

One mistake many of us make is not having a knife or scissors to open a package, and so we grab a key and do it. This is something you shouldn’t do. Ever. This simple action causes your key to weaken and eventually break.

If you pull your door closed with your key still in the lock, it will cause a weak spot and break. You may grab the wrong key in a rush and start fighting with it to look or unlock your door and before you realize it.

What Do I Do If My Key Breaks in the Lock?

There are a few different ways you can try to remove your key from the lock before you call a locksmith. If part of the key is still sticking out, you can get some spray lubricant and a pair of pliers. Then you simply spray the lock and remove the exposed end with the pliers. Once removed, get a new key made. If none of the keys is sticking out, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to remove it, and you’ll need to call a locksmith.

Note: if you have trouble grabbing the key, don’t try to force removal or poke and prod; otherwise, you’ll damage the lock itself.

Common Questions

Can a new key be made from a broken one?

Yes, most of the time, you can take the broken key and have a new one made. Since key cutting machines make the key based on the original, it may not work if the key has a damaged node. If this is the case, you may have to get a new lock.

Can a locksmith remove the key?

Yes, typically, locksmiths can remove the broken key. They have specialized tools that other people do not have, and they are familiar with most types of locks.

 BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY

No matter what steps you take to prevent it, at some point, you may end up with a key stuck in your door. If it’s sticking out, there’s a good chance you can remove it yourself. If not, your best bet is to call a locksmith, so you don’t damage your lock or create a bigger door lock problem.

THANKS

Todd Theroux

Business Owner

Transponder keys are a wonderful example of how technology can be designed as a part of your car’s anti-theft mechanism.  Without a right key, no one can unlock or start your car – limiting the chances of break-ins and getting the car stolen. If somebody attempts to start the engine without a properly programmed key, the car’s electronic computer panel will fail to recognize the code and will even go to the extent of disabling the engine temporarily. While your transponder key is definitely taking the security a notch above, they still are complicated and expensive to be replaced or repaired by just any auto locksmith.
Do you find your transponder keys or proximity fobs stop functioning? What if your transponder keys are lost, damaged or stuck in the ignition? It is very important that you are able to quickly call a local, reliable auto locksmith in the Fox Cities with high technology expertise and experience to resolve your transponder keys issue.
More often than not, people usually consider a visit to their dealership to fix this. Good news is you simply don’t have to pay such high costs for transponder keys replacement and programming services. Call a local, reliable auto locksmith, such as Bayside Locksmith & Security in Green Bay. We offer the most cost-effective and convenient utransponder keys services in your area.
Why us?
1. High quality end to end auto locksmith services in Wisconsin – including car key repair, transponder car keys replacement, ECU programming, ignition repair and replacement, remote fob repair, programming, spare keys.
2. Our technicians take pride in reaching you within minutes of placing the call. We come equipped with all the required transponder keys programming software, hardware, tools and car keys cutting machinery to offer the best auto locksmith services right there, on the spot.
3. Our expert auto locksmiths can provide professional transponder keys replacement and programming services for any model and make of car, including but not limited to Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, Infiniti, Lexus, Honda and Mazda.
4. We have unrivalled technology expertise with real-time experience in working with latest transponder keys technologies and programming software – making us the preferred auto locksmith in the entire Fox Valley area to perform expert transponder keys programming services.
5. At Bayside Locksmith & Security, our auto locksmith services are available 24 x 7, even after business hours and on weekends and holidays.

Thank you for your business,

Todd Theroux

Myths Vs Reality: Which is Better? A Digital or Combination Safe Lock?
Can you change the lock on your safe from a dial locks to an electronic lock? Yes you can. But are you ready to? Do you feel comfortable making the change?
Do You Even Need to Decide Between a Mechanical & Digital Lock
The debate between with safe lock is better, a combination lock or a digital lock, is strong. One is entirely mechanical; the other much easier to use. But there are myths associated with both.
With today’s technology, Bayside Locksmith & Security recommends upgrading to a digital safe lock from a combination lock for the ease-of-use provided by the digital safe lock. If you are ordering a new safe, get the digital safe lock.
The digital safe lock is better than the combination lock because:
* You get in fast. If you need to access the safe quickly, there’s no better way than a user code.
* If a dial fails, you’re drilling the safe and replacing the dial. If an electronic lock fails, many times you can simply replace the key pad to get in. No drilling. A much less expensive option.

Safe Lock w/ Audit Trail
Myth: Mechanical locks don’t fail.
Reality: They do. Without regular maintenance the combinations of those locks tend to drift with time and at some point, the owner can no longer get in. For example, if one of your numbers is “45” and you notice you have to dial “45 1/2” instead of “45” it’s time to get your safe dial serviced before it’s too late.
Myth: If my batteries die, I’m locked out of an electronic safe.
Reality: Most new safes have the batteries placed in the face plate on the outside of the safe. Those that don’t either have temporary ways to get power to the keypad or a key override.
Myth: Electronic locks fail too often, and I’ll be in for costly repairs later.
Reality: We see both types of safe locks fail. The main advantage for an electronic lock is that if the electronics on the keypad do fail, most can simply be swapped out by the owner of the safe. You don’t even need a locksmith in this case. If a dial fails, you are definitely hiring a locksmith to drill and repair the safe.
EMP Rated Safe Lock

Myth: An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) will wipe out me electronic lock.
Reality: You can now get EMP-rated electronic locks that can withstand EMPs.
Myth: Biometric lock technology is poor.
Reality: Biometric safe lock technology has been improving for years, but it’s true, we still don’t like them, and we don’t recommend them in most cases.
We see them often result in false negatives (a registered user not being able to get into the safe) or false positives (a non-register user getting into the safe). You see biometric locks a lot in the cheaper brands of safes.
Mechanical & Electronic Duel Lock
Myth:You need to choose between a dial and an electronic lock.
Reality: You don’t! There are safe locks that contain both keyed entry and a dial combination. If one fails, no matter which one, you can use the other method to get into the safe.
Changing a safe lock is something you will want to hire a profession to do. You don’t want your lock installation failing because you’ll need to hire someone to drill the safe to get you back in. If you do try this on your own, never close the safe door without thoroughly testing your install and proper operation of the safe lock several times.
Ready for an electronic lock? Call us today!!

Thanks,

Todd Theroux

Locked out thanks to frozen door locks? When you live in a climate where temps quickly drop below freezing, any moisture that gets into your car locks can freeze and leave you locked out. If you can’t insert the key after a particularly cold day and inclement weather, it’s likely that your lock is frozen shut. Here are some tips to help you out.

Don’t use hot water. Don’t use hot water. Don’t use hot water.

It’s so tempting, probably readily available with a coffee thermos, and seems like an obvious solution, however, pouring hot water on frozen locks is more likely to freeze the hot water rather than melt the ice, which creates an even thicker barrier between you and a defrosted lock.

How can you get back into your car when the car lock freezes shut?

First: Try all of your doors.

Obvious? Yes. But sometimes the simplest solution is the one we overlook when we’re stuck in the cold and running late. If you have automatic locks on your vehicle, sometimes the passenger door or one of the back doors will unlock even if the driver’s side is frozen shut. If you have an SUV, you can even try getting in through the hatch.

Don’t have a source of heat? Try hand sanitizer.

If you can get a hold on some hand sanitizer, the ethanol and isopropyl alcohol in the gel can actually help melt the ice inside of the lock cylinder. Simply coat your key in hand sanitizer and try the lock again.

Try a commercial defroster.

You can pick up a can of aerosol de-icer at most auto shops, which use chemicals to melt the ice jammed in your car door locks. Consider keeping a can of this on hand at home and in your office if you live in a colder climate.

Grab a hair dryer and an extension cord.

It’s not ideal, but forcing warm air in and around the lock is key to thawing the ice in your lock and around door seals so you can safely open the door. Blow warm air into the lock until you’re able to insert your key without resistance. Don’t force the key into the lock, as you might break the key, lock, or both. Go ahead and use your source of heat to heat the key before you try to unlock the door again, which will help thaw any ice remaining in the lock.

However you’re able to defrost your car locks, be careful not to jam or force your key into a lock before the ice is completely thawed, or you’ll end up with a car that’s frozen shut and a broken key.

Thank You

Todd Theroux

Winter Locksmith Tips
The durability of all security hardware in your home, including your door locks, is important in order to secure your home. Winter season may bring lots of fun, but the cold snow may not be friendly with your lock. As a homeowner, you must be aware of common problems associated with home locks during the winter season, this will help you prevent such problems. When you are aware of such lock problems in the winter, you will surely take proactive measures that will ensure that you don’t get locked out of your home and even vehicle. Talk to Bayside Locksmith & Security for these essential tips and ideas.
Be prepared to service your locks before winter.
When you are not prepared for door lock issues during winter, you may wake up suddenly someday dealing with the issue, when you should be enjoying a good sleep. When moisture, for instance, accumulates inside the keyhole of your lock, due to the heavy rain and snow, your security door locks will become frozen, no matter how sophisticated the locks are. When such weather conditions become so extreme, it will even become more difficult to insert your key into the keyhole of the lock, hence you wouldn’t be able to turn the key inside to open the door. You cannot even ignore the possibility of breaking the key inside the keyhole, in such a desperate situation. You need to calm down in this case and contact Bayside Locksmith & Security for help.
Bayside Locksmith & Security is the one-stop solution to your lockout problems during winter
Aside from the possibility that you may end up breaking your key inside the lock when winter snow and moisture has blocked the keyhole, you and your family may end up being locked out of the home. You may also experience a lockout situation if your car is parked outside under extreme conditions. In this case, you may end up with your car key unable to open the car door lock or the trunk. Perhaps one of the best possible ways to avoid this problem is through lubrication. Lubricating your locks regularly, especially during the winter season can help prevent ice from going through the keyhole. You may want to lubricate your home and car lock system even before winter time, for the best result.
You should also keep in mind that oil and dust from your hand and key can also accumulate in keyholes over a period of time and when these mix with ice and moisture during winter, will make your lock even more difficult to handle. An experienced professional locksmith does recommend good cleaning of the locks before the winter season. Cleaning can easily warm up the keyhole which in turn can help melt the ice entering through. If you wait until winter to lubricate the keyhole then you have to do it almost every 1-2 days to ensure that the keyhole remains moist to prevent ice from causing key breakages in the lock.
Do not hesitate to contact Bayside Locksmith & Security for help before the beginning of the winter season

Thank You

Todd Theroux

Often as nights become darker there is a rise in opportunistic burglaries, therefore we have created a checklist containing some simple steps you can take to improve your home security.

Check you locks
Make sure all exterior doors and windows are locking correctly. If you have any problems call a locksmith to either service or replace your locks.

So, how can you check your locks to see if they are working correctly?

Testing it – if you don’t use a lock in your house often, your back garden door for instance, it is best to check every now and then that they still work and are in good condition. Also make sure to regularly check your most used locks and call a locksmith if anything seems out of the ordinary. Not only will this help prevent a burglary, it could help you spot a fault before it breaks completely potentially leaving you locked out or in!

Cleaning your lock– carefully cleaning your lock to remove any dirt can be vital as it can prevent the inner mechanism sticking.

Upgrade worn or damaged locks –locks will occasionally get damaged due to weather conditions, burglary attempts or wear and tear. In all of these cases it is always best to have them replaced.

Install additional locks – in addition to your basic lock, why not add some extra security to your door like a chain or a sash jammer? If you have a wooden door, having both a Yale type lock and a mortice will help increase security.

Call BAYSIDE Locksmith – while there are some steps you can take to check your locks, if you are concerned at all about them, or if they are not working correctly, it is always best to call a professional locksmith.

Check your outdoor lights
Outdoor lights ensure there are no dark areas for unwanted visitors to hide, and having fully functioning outdoor lights will help deter a burglar during the darker nights.

There are many different types of outdoor lights. Smart lighting (often called motion sensors lighting), is one of them and is quite often recommended. Besides convenience, smart lighting has many other benefits for security:

Saving energy – instead of having to turn lights on all night when not needed, a smart light only comes on when someone passes by, conserving energy.

Deter burglars– it can help prevent a burglary as it draws attention to your home, and they can no longer hide under the cover of darkness.

Long life span – these lights often come with a long life span meaning they are a good investment.

It is a well-known statistic that most burglaries in the United States happen during the day. What most people don’t know is that statistic relates to a break in and does not take into account the exterior of your property. When it comes to outdoor burglary, this usually happens from 6 pm to 6 am, so we advise investing in some kind of security lighting to help prevent this. Although most burglaries do happen during the day, some do still occur at night so security lighting will also protect you from this.

Arm your security system
It is important to have your home protected at all times, therefore invest in a top quality home security system, or ensure your own system is functioning correctly.

There are many reasons to invest in a home security system for your house, including protecting your valuables, deterring crime, allowing house remote access, lowering your home insurance and giving an overall peace of mind when it comes to the safety and security of your household.

Evaluate your exterior
Trimming shrubs and bushes will eliminate places for burglars to hide. Raking leaves, mowing the lawn and keeping the front of your house tidy in general, will indicate that someone is home even if you are absent.

Secure your shed
Once summer ends it is likely your garden equipment will go into hibernation all winter, therefore it is essential to make sure they are stored properly and securely as these could be used by burglars to break into your house. There are many ways that you can help secure your shed.

Windows – we suggest avoiding having windows in your shed as it could let whoever is looking see if it’s worth breaking in to. If you already have windows, it could be worth applying a film or spray on them to avoid seeing through them.

Position – don’t place your shed somewhere that you can’t see properly; a burglar will definitely find it a better opportunity to break in if it is in a secluded spot in your garden.

Lights – smart lighting is also suggested for a shed to act as a burglar deterrent.

Alarm – another suggestion is to add an alarm to your shed, this will again help deter a burglar but also alert you if someone is attempting to break-in to your shed. Even a dummy alarm can help in these circumstances, as most burglars will not attempt just in case it is a real alarm.

Thanks

Todd Theroux

Whether your business is big or small, there are important steps that must be taken to secure a business. From cyber security, such as regularly updating your computers, to contacting a commercial locksmith for building and office security, there are many basic steps a business owner or manager must take to keep the company safe.
Regularly Update Your Computers
There are various reasons it’s recommended to update your computer regularly. For one, it reduces the risk of viruses and other computer threats to prevent your business or personal information from getting hacked. Updates are often done not only to improve software such as Microsoft or the programs you use on the daily to run your business, but to better secure your computer and network.
Taking good care of your computer can also increase the life span and prevent it from crashing, resulting in a loss of important business documents.
Train and Educate Employees
Training employees in all aspects of a business can prevent major business disasters. Employee training should be done in all aspects of the business, from their specific job roles to how to use the computer to prevent viruses and even locking up the business to prevent break-ins.
Failure to train employees on even the most basic parts of your business can result in major problems that could cost you your business.
Limit Access
Limiting access to certain areas of your business (whether on a computer or in a building) to those who absolutely need access can keep your business more secure.
Provide passwords to only those who need access to online documents. Or allow only certain key cards to open doors.
Regularly talk to your employees, if possible, and make sure they trust you and you trust them before providing them with access and information you can’t easily take back.
Change Your Locks Regularly
Regularly changing the locks at your business is a crucial step to prevent break-ins and better securing the property!
It’s important to realize:
* Lost or stolen keys can easily be copied.
* The number of people you hand your keys off to can quickly add up.
* Employees that have been fired or let-go are often angry with the company.
Protect yourself and your employees by changing your locks regularly or immediately following firing an employee.
Lastly, it’s important to think about all the locks that might need to be changed, such as:
* Locks on doors
* Mailboxes
* File cabinets
* Safes
For a free quote on changing or upgrading the locks at your commercial locks, contact BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY. We are available 24/7/365 days a year!
Call 920-499-9900

Thanks,
Todd Theroux

When your key breaks, it’s an unexpected burden. Once it happens, you could easily get locked out of the place you’re trying to get into for a good amount of time. While burdensome, there are actionable steps you can take to try and get your key out.
So, why do keys break in locks? What should you do when a key breaks? When should you call a locksmith?
We’ve outlined below some important information about your keys. Often, the reason for a key breaking is just regular wear and tear, but there are some signs to watch out for. There are also some actionable steps you can take before calling a locksmith.
Why Keys Break
Often, keys break for reasons that are fairly easy to prevent. While accidents happen, finding out why keys break can help prevent more breaks in the future!
1.Keys are often made of soft metal
Keys aren’t as sturdy as one may think. Keys are often made of soft metals such as brass and nickel. This means that if you’re jamming a key in a lock the wrong way or trying to force a key in a lock it doesn’t belong in, it may break from the force alone. Try being gentle with your keys.
2.It’s not the key: it’s the Lock
Poorly lubricated and worn-down locks are a huge culprit for key-related mishaps. Make sure your lock is adequately lubricated. A combination of a fragile key and a difficult lock is lethal for your keys.
3.Your Door is To Blame
If you live in a warm, humid climate and/or have an older door, you may want to make sure it’s not warped. Bent or warped doors can cause damage to the lock over time, as well as make it difficult to tell if you’ve fully unlocked the door. This can cause people to use excess force on their locks.
4.The key is Damaged
It doesn’t take much to damage your keys. Often, time along with general wear and tear will weaken a key. If your keys are starting to look worse for wear, it may be time to get a replacement set.
What to do if Your Key Breaks in a Lock
There are a few methods to extract a broken key before calling a locksmith. However, if you’ve locked yourself out of your house, the idea of using tools can be a bit ironic because you might be unable to access any of the tools you have.
If you have a friendly neighbor or a friend that can help you out, ask around! Plenty of people have these tools.
1.Pliers and Lubricant
If the key breaks so it’s sticking out of the lock, you can often get it out with some WD-40 and a pair of pliers. Spray the lubricant, wipe down the key, and try to pull with your pliers.
2.Magnet
If a tiny portion of a key is sticking out or the key isn’t visible at all, you could always try a powerful magnet. While most people don’t have strong magnets on hand, they are available for purchase at many stores. There’s no guarantee, however, that a magnet will work.
3.Flathead Screwdriver
If the key isn’t sticking out, you could try a very thin screwdriver to see if you can dislodge the broken part, but your chances are slim. It’s important not to be too harsh, either. The last thing you want to do is damage your lock if it’s in good condition.
When you Should Call a Locksmith
Ultimately, it’s a good idea to try and get a stuck key out yourself if it’s sticking out and the situation isn’t urgent. If you can’t access the right tools, there’s no harm in calling a locksmith right away.
If the above tricks don’t work, it’s time to call a locksmith. A professional locksmith can help remove the key and get you inside your home. They can also identify causes of a broken key and fix your lock if it’s damaged as well.
Final Precautions
In the process, don’t try so hard that you damage the lock. It’s also essential you don’t try to open your door with any of the remaining key parts, no matter how urgent it is to get inside. It won’t work and could cause further damage to your lock.
When keys break, a professional locksmith can truly save the day. While it’s a frustrating situation that can often cause a bit of panic, stay calm. A locksmith is just a phone call away and there are plenty of ways to fix your door and get your day back on track!
Our technicians have experience in all facets of locksmithing and can help you with any door lock or security issue you are facing. Interested in upgrading your locks and doors to keyless entry, installing a safe or implementing a new security system? We’ve got you covered. Call today and ask about our Special Offers!

Thanks

Todd Theroux

Why you should consider purchasing High-Security Locks for homes

You may be going on a trip with your family for the holidays, as will most of your neighbors. What you don’t know, is that every burglar in town is going to be browsing neighborhoods that look particularly vulnerable. If they happen to pick your house, it’s going to be difficult to return to your normal, everyday activities. Therefore, you have every reason to secure your house for the holidays with high security locks for peace of mind.

Better to Be Safe than Sorry

Just because your house has never been broken into before, doesn’t mean it won’t possibly happen in the future. That’s why having High-Security Locks will ensure that your house stays secure while you and your family are away. And most of them are not as expensive as you think! However, the general rule of thumb is that the more secure the lock is, the higher the price will be.

Invest in Lasting Security

But think about it- it only takes one break-in to completely turn your life upside down. So wouldn’t you rather be safe and prevent this event from ever occurring in the first place rather than risk it for a few measly dollars? It’s up to you to decide if you want to trade your security for convenience, but if you’re reading this article right now, I’m going to assume you care about your security and want what’s best for you and your family.

Therefore, the sooner you take action on securing your home, the better you will feel. High Security Locks for homes vary in access and security, so you’ll want to find one that best fits your security requirements.

Consider these characteristics when purchasing high security locks for homes:

Key Control- the ability to harness the creation, distribution, and cutting of the keys for a given lock. This can significantly increase the security of the keying system for a given lock.

Manipulation Resistance- Most high security locks have components that are built to resist manipulation from lockpicking and decoding attacks. Examples include security pins that resist manipulation in tumbler locks.

Restrictive Keyways- Some key manufacturers use complicated keyways to aggravate attacks by making it much harder to insert and move tools around within the lock.

Forced Entry Resistance– All high security locks are made out of strong materials and designs that make them durable against destructive entry techniques. Think Ball bearings, steel rods, and hardened materials.

Ultimately, High Security Locks are what will keep you happy when you come home from your relatives during the holidays. If you still need some advice on what locks to buy, you can call BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY  and get an accurate assessment of your house security and the best high security locks for homes that will keep it secure day and night.

THANKS

Todd Theroux

It happens to everyone; after a particularly hectic day work day or shopping excursion, you find yourself locked out of your own car. Car lockouts can be a real pain, which is why it’s important to take the right steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Should you find yourself locked out of your vehicle this summer, the following advice can help ensure that the situation is only a minor inconvenience.
Prevent a Car Lockout With These 3 Helpful Tips
1. Use Your Key Fob
If you have a newer model of car or truck you probably utilize a key fob, which opens the door with one click. If you consistently use this device to lock your doors, the chances of you leaving your keys in the car are slim. Get in the habit of using your key fob every time you leave your vehicle, and make sure you replace the battery when necessary. If you have an older vehicle without a key fob, wait until you’re outside the vehicle before locking the driver’s side door.
2. Hide a Spare In Your Purse or Wallet

Also, consider hiding a spare key in your purse or wallet. This is a good option if you’re constantly on the go, as easy access to your spare is a must if you’re locked out away from home. You can also give a spare to a trusted friend or relative, who can meet you at the location where you’re locked out.
3. Keep a BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY Number Handy
Of course, even with your best efforts, you might still end up locking your key in the car this summer. In this case, having the number of a skilled locksmith will ensure you can access your vehicle in a timely manner. We offer prompt service at a reasonable price and will also be able to enter your vehicle using the right tools, thereby minimizing the risk of damage.

Thank You

Todd Theroux