Can you recycle keys- yes, most recycling centers should take back keys, make sure you take off any tags or rubber markings. Keys can be melted down for other uses. You can also visit your local locksmith to see if your keys can be remade or re-keyed into other keys. You can reuse keys as well.

What can you do with unused keys?

Read on to unlock new uses.Use as a Plumb Bob. Photo by Ivan Ivanov/Getty Images. Turn Them into Hooks. Photo by John Gruen. Clean Boot Treads. Photo by Ryan McVay/Getty Images. Weigh Down Curtains. Photo by John Gruen. Pop a Top. Photo by John Gruen. Anchor a Balloon. Create a Door Chime. Distress Furniture.More items

Are keys brass?

Locks and keys have been around for thousands of years. Today keys are made out of nickel silver, brass, and steel. Some companies even recycle brass casings to press and create keys. Steel keys require a different, harder blade in order to cut on duplicating machines.

Can I melt brass?

The metal, a yellow alloy of copper and zinc, melts at 788 degrees Fahrenheit and boils at 1,742 F. Today, people can melt brass at home. Brass is used to make a variety of items, including bullets, sundials and sculptures. Brass is also used to make doorknobs, coins, and bolts.

What are keys made of?

Keys are typically made of brass or a nickel-brass mixture, and the pins in a lock are also made of brass. Over years of use, keys and pins do wear down.

Are old keys worth money?

Are Old Skeleton Keys Worth Anything? Most individual skeleton keys sell for $10 or less, but certain styles can be worth much more. Keys with fancy bows, interesting engravings, a fascinating history, or other special features can be worth hundreds of dollars.

How do you get rid of old house keys?

So how do we properly dispose of the unwanted keys? Simple, keys are metal and they recycle really well. The easiest thing to do is toss them in the recycle bin. There are charities that try to raise funds and if you are an institution with bins of old keys they may make sense.

Are brass keys better than steel?

Steel keys are stronger and more resistant to bending. Steel keys can be hidden on the frame of a motorcycle or car with a small rare-earth magnet. Steel can rust, particularly in the cut area, where brass may simply discolor. Over the years, steel keys can wear the internals of their locks more so than brass keys.

Are brass keys worth anything?

Brass keys are common, but are also worth slightly more than the ones made out of iron.

How do you liquify brass?

Purchase a metal melting furnace that can reach 2,000ºF (1,100ºC), constructed from a refractory material that can withstand this heat. Most brass will melt at temperatures as low as 1,650ºF (900ºC), but a higher maximum temperature will give you a margin of error, and make the brass easier to pour.

Are there keys that Cannot be duplicated?

The biggest question many people have when it comes to keys being duplicated by a locksmith are the keys labeled as Do Not Duplicate. These keys seem like they shouldnt be able to be duplicated, but thats a myth. There are no regulations or laws keeping a key with Do Not Duplicate on it from being duplicated.

Can I get a key made from the VIN number?

As long as you can prove ownership of your vehicle a car key can be made with the Vehicle Identification Number aka VIN number. Once a key code is pulled from the VIN number a car key can be cut. *However most vehicles keys also have transponders in them and need be programmed to the car.

How can you tell if a key is antique?

If you are not sure what kind of metal your key is made of, one of the easiest ways to find out is to hold a magnet to it. If the key does not stick to a magnet, it is likely stainless steel or brass. If the key does stick to a magnet, it is most likely made out of steel and iron.

Do aluminum keys break easily?

Aluminum is softer than brass and not nearly as durable when subjected to constant usage particularly when surface to surface contact in conjunction with torsion. Unlocking a door lock with a key is such an application. If done every day, the aluminum key will eventually wear to uselessness if not actually broken.

What can you do with old brass keys?

All you have to do is put the old keys in your recycling bin. You can also put a call to your local recycling center for possible pickup of the keys for recycling.

Are old keys worth any money?

Are Old Skeleton Keys Worth Anything? Most individual skeleton keys sell for $10 or less, but certain styles can be worth much more. Keys with fancy bows, interesting engravings, a fascinating history, or other special features can be worth hundreds of dollars.

Can you melt brass with a blowtorch?

Many commonly found utility blowtorches are not powerful enough to melt metals like steel. Some propane torches can reach temperatures capable of brazing or soldering brass and silver, but many blowtorches that are commonly found in home utility kits do not generate a high enough heat for welding.

What can I melt brass in?

Purchase a metal melting furnace that can reach 2,000ºF (1,100ºC), constructed from a refractory material that can withstand this heat. Most brass will melt at temperatures as low as 1,650ºF (900ºC), but a higher maximum temperature will give you a margin of error, and make the brass easier to pour.

How much do you get for scrap brass?

Scrap Metal PricesTypePrice Per Lb.Brass (Plumbing, Pipe)$1.05Bronze$1.23Brass Shells$0.81Brass Water Meter$0.50-0.8580 more rows