Door locks require regular and proper maintenance to function well. And believe it or not, door locks, if properly maintained, could work for decades and even more than that. The reasons why door locks commonly fail are due to incorrect installation and lack of maintenance. So, to help you get the most out from your door locks, the experts from www.locksmithstuart-fl.com we’ll show you some tips on how you can take care of them to keep them in a great shape for longer years.
Clean door locks
Cleaning your door locks is quite an easy and simple task to do, but it allows you to maintain it well if done right. You can use a detergent to clean them, but try to pick and use a mild detergent when cleaning the locks. Avoid using a chemical cleaner as this can affect the finish of your locks.
Provide lubrication once a year
Door locks are required to be lubricated annually for them to perform well. When lubricating locks, it would be best to use petroleum-based products. After all, this is what most locksmiths recommend to homeowners. You can go for graphite lubricants, but dry lubricants are the best to apply. Here’s how you can lubricate your locks properly:
- Spray a tiny amount of lubricant directly into the keyway
- Run the door key in and out repeatedly to eliminate the debris from your key
- You can also remove the entire lock from the door to lubricate it much better
Repeat the steps once a year and your locks should be in tip-top shape.
Maintain your key
To maintain your door lock, you have to maintain the door key as well. Keep in mind that keys commonly wear out before the locks, so it’s important to always have duplicates. When installing a brand new door lock, try to set aside at least one original key as you can use it to create more keys and just in case you lost all your duplicates.
Ensure the door is properly installed
Obviously, a door lock won’t function well if the door is not correctly installed. An improperly installed door can lead to a failure, leaving you locked out or in of your property. So, before you install a new lock, always make sure to inspect the door first to avoid complication. You want to repair the door immediately if you find it faulty or it is not properly placed.
