Master lock keys - annual replacement

My wife recently released me from her control. When she handed over the key, it wouldn’t turn. We both tested it several times. I ended up heading to Home Depot for a bolt cutter, which solved the problem. You can cut through the shackle at any point; once severed, you just rotate the hasp inside and it slides free. The one we used was a small Master Lock with that black rubber coating (perfect for chastity devices). We kept it on continuously for over two years. Our new routine is to install a fresh lock every January 1st. We also swap out smoke detector batteries each Spring when the clocks change.