Door Lock Maintenance Tips
Door locks are parts of a home that we don’t give much attention to, but they’re lifesavers as they keep our homes and families secure. Without locks, anyone can just trespass without your permission and, worse, take something or do something bad to your belongings.
If you’re a homeowner, tenant or business owner, one of the most important things to remember is to ensure your locks are working properly and always in good condition. You want to make sure your home is secure and that you can come and go without any problems. However, door lock maintenance isn’t exactly the first thing in mind to maintain, and most of us often neglect this small task that later on may lead to bigger issues.
Maintenance Advice to Keep Your Door Lock in Good Condition
Locks only work perfectly sometimes. They can get stuck, loosen up, or can get picked. That’s why it’s important to do proper lock maintenance.
Tip #1: Clean the Locking Mechanism Regularly
Mud and dust can accumulate in the tiny parts and holes in your door lock. Debris, dirt, and even an old lubricant can obstruct the internal parts and mechanisms, causing difficulty in turning the key or locking the door. You can use a small brush or an old toothbrush to clean it and scrub the parts gently. Also, using a mild detergent or a blower to remove any particles that’s been blocking and clogging the door locks can help.
Tip #2: Put Some Lock Lubricant at Least Once A Year
Spray a lubricant intended for locks, so your door works smoothly. Lubricant will create a thin coating inside the lock and protect the delicate internal parts. Just be sure to wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth so dirt and grime won’t stick to it, causing more particles to build up and damage internal parts. Look for a lubricant that can repel chemicals and tiny specs.
Tip #3: Inspect Your Door For Damage Signs
Inspect your door locks and look for any signs of warping, cracks, or damage that could prevent the door from closing and locking tightly. If you see any issues, call a professional to assess the situation and give recommendations if it needs fixing or a total replacement. Damaged doors could cause more problems later on.
Tip #4: Tighten the Strike Plate
The strike plate is the metal plate on the door frame that the latch, or bolt, fits into when you lock the door. If it’s not properly aligned, the latch won’t engage correctly, and you could end up with a door that’s not fully closed and secured. Use a screwdriver and adjust the strike plate tightly. Loose strike plates can also rub against the door and create unnecessary noise when opening and closing.
Tip #5: Calibrate The Hinges
Loose hinges can cause many problems, such as doors making unnecessary noise and not closing properly, which may lead to security issues. Check your hinges regularly and tighten any screws that are loose or unstable. By tightening the screws with a screwdriver, you can solve most hinge problems. This simple step is important in keeping your doors functioning as they should.
Tip #6: Change Door Locks and Keys
It’s important to update your keys and door locks right away whenever you move into a new place or acquire a new property. Your home or office’s previous tenants might still have a copy, and you wouldn’t want to risk knowing unauthorized people may have access to your door locks. Don’t just make copies of your keys mindlessly. Have an expert locksmith rekey your locks and make sure you have a few spare keys in hand or hide in a reliable spot so you have a stash in case you lose your key.
Tip #7: Hire an Expert
Sometimes, no matter how mindful you are with maintenance, issues with your locks or doors can still happen. If you think you’ve done everything that might fix your door lock and still nothing has happened, then it’s time to call in the professionals. A professional locksmith or door repair service can diagnose and fix any problems. These people will make sure your home stays secure and your locks keep working like new.
Conclusion
Take a little time to take good care and do regular maintenance for your door locks. It might seem like a small thing, but you’ll be grateful for those well-oiled, smoothly-turning locks every time you come and go from your home or property. It’s the little things that count and your future self will thank you for keeping your locks in top condition and your home safe. Nothing can beat having peace of mind knowing that you’re protected as you sleep soundly at night or when you’re away from your valued properties.
