The key components that contribute to better home security are the locks. While locks are typically long-lasting, even the most robust lock can wear out with time and with repeated usage.
Regular maintenance is a must if you want your locks to work efficiently and effectively for a long time. It can slow wear and tear, saving money on future lock repairs and replacements.
Door Lock Maintenance
We use door locks daily yet frequently neglect to maintain them. Most lock failures are caused by a lack of maintenance or improper installation.
It’s common to believe that a door lock will always work well, even if it needs to be appropriately maintained. Most locksmiths, however, think that the average lock has a seven-year lifespan. As with any mechanical device, dust and grime can build up in the lock’s mechanism and prevent it from operating correctly. A sticky doorknob, for instance, will make it harder to turn. If you continue to neglect a sticky doorknob, it will eventually damage the lock’s internal mechanisms, rendering the knob pretty much useless.
Most people’s “to-do” lists do not include maintaining locks, but they should. Maintenance enhances a lock’s effectiveness and lifespan, saving you money in the long run because you won’t need to replace your locks as frequently.
Here’s how you can take good care of your locks as advised by a professional locksmith in Lakewood CO:
1. Lock Readjustments
The latch bolt and striking plate are most likely misaligned if your lock is not opening or locking smoothly. A misaligned lock is something to be wary of because it’s not only bothersome to operate, but it will also affect your property’s security. Furthermore, a misaligned lock will be easily damaged as it requires more pressure to work.
The most straightforward technique to realign a door lock is to raise the striking plate and extend the strike hole in the door frame. Just be careful not to place your new screw holes near the old ones; otherwise, the door may be easily kicked or wrenched apart.
2. Door Readjustment
Your jammed door will cause the same problems as a misaligned lock. However, regular lock maintenance will only address the problem if the door catches on the frame. While fixing a misaligned door, you will focus on maintaining and fixing the door rather than the lock to repair it.
Wood expands due to extreme weather changes and notable increases in humidity or precipitation. As a result, the damaged wood must be reshaped by shaving or cutting the excess wood. Doors made from solid wood exhibit these effects more prominently than hollow ones.
The first step in door security maintenance is to open and close the door to see where it is catching. Once you’ve discovered the tough spot, mark it with a pencil to assess how much stuff is in the way. The door may then be removed and shaved down to the proper size.
This type of lock maintenance will be the most difficult on a sliding glass door. Glass doors are challenging to remove, and there is always the risk of shattering the glass while making changes. For this, it’s best that you consult an expert.
3. Repairing A Door Lock
Dust and filth can clog the internal components of a door lock and prevent it from working correctly in rare cases. This might be due to dust and filth accumulating in the keyway, the bolt/latch apertures, or even deeper within the lock.
Dirt and grime in the keyway will make it harder for you to slide in and retract your key. In severe cases, it may even get your key stuck inside. Thus, it is vital that you keep the keyways clean. Unless you’re dealing with heavy dirt, cleaning your door lock is as simple as spraying lubricant into the keyway and sliding the key in and out.
4. Cleaning Solution for Locks
Most people think of rust removal when they think about maintenance. Maintaining your lock can treat and prevent rust, but the best method will depend on how much rust you have.
To eliminate a little rust, spray an oil-based lubricant like WD-40 on the corroded surface. After spraying the lock, spray to the afflicted parts. When spraying the interior of a lock, keep in mind that oil-based lubricant may attract dirt and dust, potentially blocking the lock.
If you use a lot of oil, disassemble the lock and clean and polish it to eliminate excess lubrication and avoid corrosion. When lubrication fails, immerse the hardware in a 5% acid solution of water and vinegar or use electrolysis.
5. Freeze Prevention
If you live in a location that endures sub-zero temperatures, you have probably experienced frozen locks. Here are a few helpful strategies for preventing locks from freezing:
- To unfreeze a lock, use an isopropyl solution, such as rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, rather than water.
- It is beneficial to reduce the freezing by employing an isopropyl alcohol-based solution. However, there is a disadvantage: the solution may accumulate dust and debris and clog the lock keyway.
- If you can’t wipe the water away after the lock unfreezes, don’t use hot water to unfreeze it. If extra water is not removed from the inside of the lock, it can freeze again and produce an even more severe obstruction.
The Bottom Line
Starting lock maintenance after the lock has already deteriorated is like shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted. By being proactive and maintaining your lock regularly, you can ensure that it will perform more efficiently and will surely last longer, even with frequent use.
Hey welcome to my blog . I am a modern women who love to share any tips on lifestyle, health, travel. Hope you join me in this journey!
Speak Your Mind