Many people don't know not to leave keys in the lock at night: here's why

editoron

Every evening, millions of people close their front doors, turn the key... then leave it in the lock until the next day. This gesture seems trivial, even reassuring. However, according to locksmith and home security experts, this habit is not always the best, and can even have certain disadvantages depending on the type of lock installed.

Do you really have to remove your key before going to bed? The answer depends on your equipment, but in the majority of cases, leaving a key in the lock is not recommended.

Here's everything you need to know.

Why do so many people leave their keys in the lock?

For many, it's just a habit.

The most common reasons are:

  • Feel safer.
  • Avoid forgetting where the keys are.
  • Being able to get out quickly in an emergency.
  • Prevent someone from entering another key from outside.

However, this practice also has several often overlooked disadvantages.

1. This may prevent another person from opening the door

Many locks, especially older models, do not allow opening from the outside when a key is already inserted inside.

Imagine the situation:

  • A member of your family comes home later.
  • You left the key inside.
  • It is impossible for him to open the door with his own set of keys.

Result: he remains stuck outside despite his key.

Modern locks say double disengageable input usually allows you to open the door even if a key is already inserted on the other side, but this is not the case for all models.

2. In an emergency, this can complicate evacuation

During a fire or other emergency, every second counts.

If the key:

  • is difficult to turn,
  • is stuck,
  • or if multiple keys are hanging on a heavy key ring,

this may slow down the opening of the door.

Conversely, some people prefer to leave the key in the lock to find it immediately. It all depends on the type of lock and the organization of the home.

The main thing is that all occupants know how to open the door quickly.

3. Keys can wear out more quickly

A key left permanently in a lock experiences small vibrations caused by:

  • door openings and closings,
  • drafts,
  • handle movements.

Over time, this can help:

  • wear of the key.
  • a slight play in the cylinder,
  • or, in some cases, difficulty turning the lock.

Although this wear generally remains slow, removing the key after use can help preserve the mechanism.

4. Some break-in attempts can be made easier

Contrary to popular belief, leaving a key in the lock does not automatically make your home safer.

Depending on the cylinder type, this can sometimes:

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