The Importance of Regular Lock Maintenance and How to Do It
Locks are an integral part of every home's security system. They protect our houses, valuables, and loved ones against unwanted intrusions. However, you must remember the importance of maintaining them to avoid security vulnerabilities and issues that may appear over time. Let’s discuss why regular maintenance of your locks is necessary and give you some tips on keeping your locks perfectly functioning.
Why Is Routine Lock Maintenance Important?
Avoiding Lock Breakages
Regular maintenance helps to guarantee your locks are working smoothly. Dust, dirt, and other forms of wear accumulate over time and can jam the locks, making them stiff and impossible to use. Regular maintenance will avoid this, decreasing the chances of lock breakages and ensuring that your locks work right when you need them most.
Improving Security
A well-maintained lock is a safer lock. Regularly servicing locks can prevent intruders from bypassing them easily. Keeping your locks serviced guarantees that they will stay at the level of security to which they were designed to protect property against unauthorized entry.
Extends the Life of Your Locks
Proper maintenance will elongate your locks' lifespan. Solve a small problem before it becomes a big one to avoid the hassle and cost of replacement or major repairs. Maintenance keeps your locks in good working order and ensures a longer lifespan, providing better value for money.
How to Maintain Your Locks
Regular Cleaning
Dust and dirt may accumulate inside the locks, rendering them ineffective in their performance. Spray a can of compressed air to blow out dust or dirt from your keyhole and its inner mechanisms. To clean the outside of the lock, you can use a dry cloth to remove dirt and grime.
Lubricate
Lubrication of the locks is necessary for smooth functioning. Only high-quality graphite powder or silicone-based lubricants should be used since oil-based lubricants attract dust and dirt and might cause problems later. Just put some lubricant into the keyhole and insert your key into it multiple times back and forth to spread it around. But do not over-lubricate it. More lubricant than necessary will do more damage than good.
Check for Wear and Tear
Check for wear periodically. Check for rusting, corrosion, or mechanical damage. Check if there are any loose screws or if any are missing and if the lock mechanism is working smoothly. Solve the issues before they develop into big problems.
Functional Testing
Test the functionality of your locks from time to time. Insert the key and turn it several times to ensure smooth operation. If you feel resistance or difficulty, that may signify maintenance or repair work is due.
Check Proper Alignment
Misaligned locks will cause problems when locking and unlocking. Check for the gap between the lock and the strike plate to see if they are good and line up nicely. If they don't, it could be that they are not aligned appropriately; you can try to adjust the strike plate, or an expert locksmith can do it.
Protect Spare Keys
Store any spare keys safely, and do not hide them in easily known places. You may instead opt for using key lockboxes or giving duplicate keys to people you can trust, such as family members or neighbours. Safe storage of the spare keys is part of lock maintenance and total security.
When To Call in a Professional Locksmith
Complex Issues: If the complications you have with your locks involve a malfunctioning mechanism or a problem with the locking system, it's best to consult with a professional locksmith. They are very skilled at analyzing and solving difficult issues with locks.
Replacing and Upgrading Locks: When looking to upgrade or replace your locks, a professional locksmith can help recommend the best fit for your needs and even give upgrade recommendations for high-security locks if you want to take your property’s security to the next level.
Emergency Locksmith Services: An expert locksmith will lend a hand in times of need, such as being locked out of your house or business. Thanks to emergency locksmith services, you can receive help 24/7 in the case of an emergency requiring speedy entry into the premises. Having a dependable locksmith on-call can help you be prepared for any unexpected problems with locks.
Keep Your Locks in Top Shape
Check your locks regularly to guarantee their security and longevity. With the tips shared, you can keep your locks functioning correctly, protect your property, and extend the life of that investment.
If you need help with any of your locks, don't worry - Toronto Top Locksmith is here to help you! Our locksmiths are available 7 days a week to help homeowners and business owners with all their lock needs! Simply call us at (647) 479-7764, and we will be more than glad to help you with your locks.
