Find Top 6 Locksmith Tips To Maintain Door Locks

Door Locks are just like other mechanical devices, they also need proper maintenance to work well and to last long. Most people do not bother servicing their locks. It is useful to note that most lock damages occur due to improper installation and lack of maintenance.  

Door locks offer the benefit of protecting your loved ones inside your house and simultaneously keeping the burglars out. A door lock is commonly believed to work forever However even the hardware quality locks can’t work for decades depending on the amount of use. Most locksmiths believe the average life span of the lock is about seven years.

Let’s Check A Few Tips To Maintain Your Door Locks:

1. Cleaning the locks

• When the everyday door handles, locks and deadbolts are used, oils, grime, and dirt will build upon them. 
• To avoid dirt and acids from corroding the lock surfaces, clean the affected surfaces with soap and water, and dry them with a soft cloth.
• When the dust particles accumulate within the locks then sometimes locks get jammed. Despite the gradual build-up of lock jamming particles the effect of a jammed lock is very instant.
• Make sure your locks are cleaned regularly to prevent being locked out of or inside your house. A special spray lubricant can be used to spray the keyhole and other parts of the lock. 
• For proper key maintenance, you can do this at least once a year.
• Never use petroleum products or chemical-based cleaners to clean the locks as they can destroy the finish

2. Keep duplicate keys handy

Make copies of original keys to ensure you get the best possible back up key for your door. The key is supposed to last for a long time, but it will wear out on the door before the lock. First, obtain a duplicate and store it in a safe location. This precautionary move guarantees you have a key to reinforce when the first one never works again. It also helps to have an extra key if one is misplaced or lost. A good key means you need not push it inside the lock. This smoothly opens your door.

3. Make sure the door is well-hung

Doors leaning or sag appear to put a great deal of pressure on door locks and hinges. An appropriately balanced door does not put much pressure on the locks. Make sure it is well-installed, and the gaps between the door and the door frames will even extend your lock existence. A sagging door exerts undue pressure on the lock and compromises its ability to hold the key.

4. Lubrication

Lubricating the lock is an essential part of the door lock maintenance which is often ignored. You can use graphite lubricants but Teflon or some other dry lubricant is the most recommended. The use of petroleum-based lubricants is not advised. When you insert and remove the key, you can just spray a small amount of the lubricant into the keyway.

5. Check the door

If you have installed your door correctly, a lock should work correctly. A door that is incorrectly installed causes strain on the bolt of the lock or the key, which can cause it harm. Ensure that when you install the door it is legitimately installed, the distance between the casing and the door will be on the sides as well as on the top.

6. Check lock parts

Check any loose or missing parts in your locks. When there are loose screws the lock does not work properly. Tighten up every loose thing.

Proper door and lock maintenance make them work better and saves you from having to pay for costly repairs. You can take care of your lock and door hardware and repairs, but call a professional locksmith for the complex issues. Locks that get a lot of use need a lock professional to thoroughly clean and remove them.