Maintaining Door Locks – Our 8 Expert Tips for Door Lock Maintenance

Life is busier than ever, and with the technological conveniences to assist us, we are free to go about our days with little thought to anything that is not of immediate concern.

This is why the idea of door lock maintenance rarely crosses most people’s minds. It is easy to forget about your locks, even though you use them regularly. However, just like any frequently used device, your locks need occasional maintenance to keep them working well.

 

Eight Top Tips for Door Lock Maintenance

At Diamond Locksmiths, we work on door lock maintenance jobs every week. So we asked our team, what are the top tips for maintaining your door locks. Here are the 8 top tips from our team at Diamond Locksmiths:

 

1. Maintain Your Keys

While lock maintenance may be low on your priority list, there is a chance that key maintenance is not even on the list. One thing to remember about your keys is that worn and damaged keys will damage your locks. Your best plan is to keep keys clean and check for signs you should replace them, like jagged edges, warping, or wearing. We suggest keeping an unused original key so you can make accurate copies.

 

2. Ensure that Your Door is in Good Repair

Another vital element for good lock maintenance is making sure that your door is sturdy and does not need repairing or replacing. The best lock in the world cannot keep you secure if it is attached to a shoddy door. Follow these suggestions to ensure that your door is up to the job.

Be sure your door is installed correctly. That should go without saying. However, there are plenty of instances where a properly functioning lock was placed on an incorrectly hung door.
Check the hinges or track, so the door is working well.
Look for sagging, as this can put extra pressure on the lock.

 

3. Inspect the Strike Plates and Screws

The strike plate on your door needs to fit snugly in place with no movement. The same is true for the door screws. It will take a few moments of your time but will significantly enhance your security and the longevity of your lock.

 

4. Avoid Pulling on Your Keys

For many people, opening or closing their door by holding on to the key that is in the lock is a bad habit that needs to change. Additionally, forcefully pulling your keys out of the lock or cramming them in will damage the lock mechanism. This is especially true if the action is repeated over some time.

 

5. Lubricate Your Locks Regularly

You should consult with your locksmith for advice on the best type of lubricant and how often you should lubricate the locks. Typically, this is something to do once a year, and the most commonly recommended lubricant is water-based. Other lubricants can become sticky or gummy over time. This will result in the problem you were trying to avoid by lubricating the locks in the first place.

 

6. Treat Your Doors with Care

While doors and locks are made to be sturdy and hold up well over time, taking reasonable care with them will allow you to put off replacing or repairing them. For the most extended life, avoid slamming doors, trying to force keys in the lock or forcefully turning the key while it is in the lock all can cause problems and potentially shorten the life of your locks and doors.

 

7. Clean Your Locks Regularly

The locks on your doors experience constant exposure to dirt, light, and humidity, as well as other elements. You can reduce potential damage by wiping the locks clean with a soft cloth dipped in plain warm water. If you wish to use soap, make sure it is non-abrasive. You should avoid petroleum-based cleaning products, or you risk doing more harm than good. Be sure to clean the following parts as suggested by professionals,

• Deadbolt
• Latch
• Keyway
• Hinges
• Strike Plate
• Tracks or Threshold

 

8. Look for the Following Signs of Wear and Tear on Your Door

If you notice any of the following, you should take a careful look at your door and perhaps call for professional assistance.

• Sunlight coming through the edges of your door
• The latch or deadbolt catching on the strike plate
• Scruffs on the floor where your door is rubbing
• Crunching and/or squeaking sound when you open or close the door
• Needing to lift or shift your door to lock and unlock it
• Difficulty opening or closing your door
• Creaking hinges
• Drafts coming in around the perimeter of your door

Lock maintenance is not something you want to skip because your security depends upon it. Poorly maintained locks are an invitation to criminals that you can easily avoid. If you need expert assistance or helpful suggestions, contact Diamond Locksmith. Our pros can help you keep your locks in tip-top shape. You can also reach us for 24/7 emergency services or schedule appointments for our services.