Why Lock Maintenance Matters

The locks we use to secure our homes are placed on our doors in order to help keep our family safely inside and intruders from entering. Even though most professional lock brands are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear over time, not every lock is perfect all on its own. For us to get the most out of the tools that protect our homes the most, we must perform periodic lock maintenance. To make sure the locks that secure your home continue to do their job, there are several lock maintenance procedures you will want to ensure are done annually, at the very least.

What Does Lock Maintenance Involve?

Lock maintenance can involve several different types of operations. For the most part, these maintenance tasks should be fairly straightforward, but they will help keep your locks lasting a long time.

• Screw Tightening and Hardware Adjustments

  One of the things you should pay attention to when it comes to home lock maintenance is any loosening of the door strike plates, screws, or other hardware. Tightening any of these pieces should be easy to do on your own and should be taken care of immediately if you notice any parts that seem loose. Although a loose screw or jiggling strike plate may not seem like a big deal, it is much easier to break-in to homes that have ill-fitting locks.

• General Cleaning

  It is important to keep your locks clean and free of any dust or grim. Any build-up of debris can potentially harm your locks and make them work less effectively. You can use a general household cleaner that is safe for lock use, or you can simply use a rag with warm water if you are concerned about ruining the finish on your locks. You can also use Q-tips to clean in and around the smaller crevices of your locks to ensure they are completely clean.

• Lock Lubrication

  Just as debris can gather on the outside of your locks, it can also gather on the inside. If there is any sort of build-up inside of your locks, this can cause them to ‘stick’ or be difficult to latch when it comes time to lock the door. To keep your locks working properly year-round, you should consider lubricating them at least twice a year or so. Lubricating your locks is simple. With lubrication that can be purchased specifically for locks and keys, you can simply spray some lubrication on the inside of your lock and on the key. Once you have applied lubrication, insert the key and pull it out of the slot, cleaning any debris that may be present each time you extract it. This will help lubricate the inside of the lock while also cleaning it at the same time.

• De-Icing Procedures

  During the winter months, especially if you live in a colder climate, you may have to consider de-icing your locks from time to time. Do not ever try to force your key into a lock that has frozen over, as this can cause damage to both the lock and the key itself. Instead, you will want to buy a lock de-icing product to apply to the lock, especially if it is a persisting problem. In a pinch, you can try putting warm water on the lock and key to try to loosen any ice build-up.

How Can I Maintain My Locks?

If you need lock maintenance of any kind, the good news is that most homeowners can carry out these procedures on their own. However, if you have more complex maintenance that needs to occur or you are just more comfortable having a professional help you, you can always call a locksmith.

A locksmithing service will be more than happy to help access, clean, and maintain your locks. It may be a good idea to hire a locksmith to maintain your locks anyway, even if you are sure you can take care of it yourself. That way, you will know that a professional has taken a look at your locks, performed the right maintenance procedures, and can even assist with minor repairs that may need to take place at the same time.