Old keys: when you can still use them and when to replace
Deciding whether to keep or replace an old key in Amsterdam means judging its wear, how many copies exist and whether the lock it opens still protects your home well enough.
A worn old key that still turns is easy to keep using, until the day it snaps in the lock. Knowing when an old key is fine and when it is a risk helps you avoid a lockout. At Locksmith Amsterdam we cut keys and replace locks at a fixed price, and we are on-site within 30 minutes. Here is how to judge your old keys.
When an old key is still fine to use
Age alone does not make a key unsafe. A well-cut key that turns smoothly and shows little wear can serve for many years. If the teeth are still sharp, the metal is not bent, and the lock opens on the first try, there is usually no reason to replace it.
The simplest test is daily use. A key that consistently works without forcing, jiggling or lining up at an odd angle is in good shape.
Warning signs you should replace the key
Keys wear down slowly, so the warning signs are easy to miss. Catch them early and you avoid a broken key stuck in the lock.
Replace or recut a key when you notice:
- The teeth look rounded, shiny or visibly worn down.
- The key bends or feels flexible when you turn it.
- You have to jiggle or angle the key to make it work.
- There is a hairline crack near the shoulder or head.
- A copy was made from a copy, so the cuts are no longer accurate.
When to replace the lock, not just the key
Sometimes the key is not the real issue. If you do not know how many copies exist, if you have just moved in, or if the lock itself is old and uncertified, replacing the lock is the safer step. A new key means little if previous tenants or owners still hold working copies.
We can recut a sharp new key from your lock, or fit a new SKG-certified cylinder if security is the concern. We explain which option fits your situation and agree the fixed price first.
Frequently asked questions
Can a worn key be copied accurately?
If the wear is light, yes. But copying a badly worn key carries the wear forward. It is better to cut a fresh key by reading the lock directly.
Why does my old key only work sometimes?
Worn teeth or a bent shaft stop the key lining up with the pins. A recut key usually solves this, though the lock may also need checking.
Should I replace the lock when I move into an Amsterdam home?
It is strongly advised, because you cannot know who still holds a working key. A new cylinder removes that risk.
Can a key really snap in the lock?
Yes. A cracked or heavily worn key can break off inside, which usually means a lockout. Replacing it early avoids that.
How fast can you come out?
We are on-site within 30 minutes across Amsterdam.
Worried an old key is about to fail? Call Locksmith Amsterdam on +31 (0)20 210 1986 for a fresh-cut key or a new lock. Fixed price, on-site within 30 minutes.
