Necessity of maintenance

Most or part of a door lock is usually exposed to the elements. From front doors to garden sheds, gates to windows, these locks can withstand the harmful effects of dirt, moisture, direct sunlight, heat and cold. Over time, locks can corrode or deteriorate from general wear and tear, and you may soon find that your locks are harder to operate and some become damaged.

What steps can you take to keep your door locks in top working order?

Make sure the lock is installed correctly

While this may seem obvious, some people insist on a DIY approach, which compromises their home security and leaves the lock susceptible to early damage. Professionally installed locks work properly, minimizing the chance of damage. Plus, it’s easier to tell if they need

attention.

keep your keys

While lock maintenance may be low on your priority list, key maintenance is most likely not on the list. One thing to remember about keys is that worn and damaged keys can damage your locks. The best plan is to keep your keys clean and check for signs that they need to be replaced, such as jagged edges, warping, or wear. We recommend keeping the original key unused so you can make an accurate copy.

Clean locks regularly

When you clean other areas of your home, pay attention to locks, too. Dust and dirt can easily accumulate inside the lock, causing it to jam. Use soapy water and a cloth to remove dirt, then dry thoroughly. Typically, monthly cleaning is enough.

Be gentle with locks

Excessive force when operating the lock may cause malfunction and accelerated wear. This is also the result of knocking on the door. The best door locks have moving parts that don’t require much force to lock or unlock. Therefore, please insert the key correctly and turn the key with enough force. Also, turn door handles gently to prevent them from breaking. Finally, avoid locking the deadbolt or latch in place and allowing the door to swing. A strong impact to the exposed deadbolt and latch can cause irreversible damage to the lock.

Lubricate lock regularly

Proper lubrication is critical to the smooth operation of your lock. Using silicone-based lubricant, apply a small amount directly into the keyhole and other moving parts of the lock. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can attract dust and dirt, causing clogs. Regular lubrication not only ensures smooth operation but also helps prevent premature wear.

Check door position

Over time, your door may sag due to wear or the weight of the door on the hinges. In this case, pressure is transmitted to the latch and deadbolt. Therefore, you need to check that the door is still in the correct position. If not, you’ll need to call a carpenter to repair the hinges.

Correct use of buttons

One of the quickest ways to damage a lock is by misusing the key. Have you ever tried to close a door using a key stuck in the lock instead of the doorknob? Another common harmful practice is to forcefully turn the key when encountering resistance. Instead, you should find out why the key is not turning smoothly. Dust and dirt may have accumulated inside the lock.

In summary

The importance of locks to your home’s security should motivate you to maintain them and keep them working properly.  Locks are not cheap, which further requires proper care and maintenance.  The tips in this article should help significantly extend the life and integrity of your locks.  Finally, I hope this blog was helpful to you.