Like all other mechanical devices, your locks require maintenance to function well and last long. However, most people do not bother to service their locks. It is worth noting that a majority of lock damages are as a result of lack of maintenance and improper installation. Here are some door lock maintenance tips to help take good care of your locks
- Ensure Your Door Is Well Hung
Your lock will only work well when the door it is fixed on is properly installed. If your door bends or sags, it places a lot of pressure on the locks. This eventually causes damage to the lock. It will jam and you will not be able to lock or open it. Therefore, ensure that the space between your door and the frame is equal all around. The right spacing should be an eighth of an inch, but not more than a quarter of an inch.
- Assess the Strike Plates and Screws on Your Door
Assessing the state of your door’s strike plates and screws is an important part of any door lock maintenance strategy. There should be at least one long screw that connects the doorframe to the wall around the door. This prevents door sagging and also makes a break-in a bit hard. The screw should at least be 3 inches long with each door hinge having one. Ensure the long screw is used around the center of the wall. A qualified locksmith can check whether the door is properly hinged or not.
- Ensure the Deadbolts and Dead Latch Work Well
A deadlatch is a small plunger that lays on the flat side of the latch. When your door is closed, you need to ensure that the deadlatch does not fall in the strike plate. This is a very important security feature in modern security locks. A lock will not work well if it not aligned well with the strike plate. Lock failures are mainly caused by dead latches that do not work well. Also, your deadbolt should operate smoothly when the door is closed. If you find that you need to lift, pull or bang the door to lock it, it indicates a problem with the deadbolt.
- Cleaning Your Door Locks
While maintaining the mechanical functions of the lock is important, it is equally important to maintain the external areas. You can clean your lock using a mild detergent and a rag. Dampen the rag with soapy water and use it to wipe the locks. Do not use chemical-based cleaners or petroleum products as they can damage the lock’s finish.
- Lubricating Your Locks
Lubricating your lock is an important and often overlooked part of door lock maintenance. You can use graphite lubricants, but the most recommended are Teflon or any other dry lubricant. You are advised against using petroleum-based lubricants. You should only spray a small amount of the lubricant in the keyway as you insert and remove the key.
- Keep Copies of The Original Key
Always have a spare key as keys wear faster than the locks. Get a few copies made of the original key and keep them safe. Alternatively, since a lock comes with two or three keys, you can set one key aside as the master for copies. Find a safe place in and out of the house to keep a spare key. This way, you do not have to break the lock to access your home whenever you forget or misplace your keys.
