Lock Maintenance Tips That You Can Do
Your locks need to be in full working condition to keep your home safe. If your locks aren’t in their best condition, you’ll risk having intruders getting into your home. The best way to stay safe is to have some lock maintenance regularly. However, some homeowners tend to forget to do it. Here are some things you can do to keep your locks working.
Check Your Lock’s Lubrication
It’s best to see if your lock mechanisms still work smoothly. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants because they leave an oily residue. Dirt and grime tend to stick to it, which can impede the lock’s performance. Instead, use graphite or silicone-based lubricants. They can last for a very long time, and grime won’t stick
Apply only a small amount of lubricant on your locks and then repeatedly run the key in and out of the lock. That way, any debris that is stuck from the key is removed. Lubricant application can be made at least once a year.
Inspect the Door and Its Components
Another way to keep your locks in good condition is to check the quality of the door and its other components, such as the hinges. Checking also prevents the door from being misaligned and the lock from falling. Even the most durable lock won’t work as well if it’s installed on the wrong door. Ensure that it’s done properly and hasn’t experienced any issues.
You may also need to inspect the hinges, strike plates, and door screws as well. Door failures and problems tend to happen on these parts because they’re either too short or because there aren’t enough of them. If you feel like they’ve already reached the end of their use, it’s best if you go ahead and replace these parts.
Take Good Care of Your Keys
Taking good care of your keys is also an integral part of maintaining your house locks. Improper key usage can damage your locks. Some of these improper key uses include pulling on the door while inserting the key and forcing it to turn when there’s resistance.
Should your old key show any signs of excessive wear and tear, you must have it replaced or reproduced. A good tip is to store an unused original key so that if the need for key duplication arises, you’ll have an accurate basis for the duplicates.
By doing proper maintenance from time to time, you can ensure that your lock will last long. If you ever need quality locksmithing, hire our expert locksmiths at Oliphant Lock & Safe. We offer 24/7 emergency services.
