About Spare Keys

There is no such thing as too many spare keys, as long as you remember where they all are. If you lock yourself out of your home, office or car, they can save you valuable time and money. In the event of fire, flood, hurricane or tornado, a spare key to the safe or filing cabinet that holds insurance documents can be critical.

Function

Make spare keys for your cars, your home, your filing cabinets, your desk, anything you have that locks. Spare keys give you access when you can't find your primary key, and can serve as your primary key until the real one is located.

Types

In addition to locks that require keys to open them, technological innovation has brought keyless locks to the marketplace. Some of these locks require a numerical code that is entered on a keypad, or a key card that is swiped or read by an electronic card reader. Some keyless locks for cars require installation by an automotive technician and can open the doors with a push of the button on a remote control pad. With all of these types of "keys," spares should be made. In the case of the keypad requiring a code, the code should be written down and kept in a safe place. You should also give the code to a trusted relative or friend so you can call him and get the code should you ever need to do so. At least one spare key card should be kept where you can get at it should you ever misplace the original. In the case of the remote car locks, a real key should be on hand to open the doors if the keyless lock system should fail, and a spare key should be kept somewhere in case that one gets lost.

Considerations

If you chronically forget your keys, misplace them, or lock yourself out of your car or home too often, you may want to consider getting a keypad system that requires your entering a code. This way, you don't have to keep track of your key. You just need to remember the numbers that will give you access.

Warning

Never put a spare key to your house outside under a brick or flowerpot or above the door frame, because that is an invitation to a burglar to let themselves into your home. Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor that you know will not enter your home without your permission while you are away. If you don't have a neighbor you feel you can trust to that degree, give spares to your nearest friends and relatives who can come and let you in without inconveniencing them too much.

Organizing

Spare keys to everything you have can be organized on a small pegboard. Label each key and hang it up on a hook on the board. Or, you can put them all in a box as long as they are labeled. Give duplicate boxes or pegboards to those you are leaving spares with.