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Locks are a piece of hardware that surely you will consider when you think about regular maintenance and upkeep – or will you? High quality locks usually last a long time which automatically implies that once a lock is being troublesome, the only solution is to replace it. However, you might be surprised to learn that locks also need maintenance from time to time, allowing you to get the most out of a high quality, sturdy, long lasting lock.
Just like any other piece of hardware, in order to get the most out of your lock, you need to look after it. It may be high quality, it may be sturdy, and it may do the job well, but in order to make sure that you do not need to replace the lock prematurely, it is ideal for you to maintain your lock so that you can get the quality you were promised. Locks can gather dust or dirt, they can rust if not looked after, they can malfunction, and this can happen due to various reasons. In order to avoid exacerbating the problem by avoiding looking after it, it is ideal to carry out some maintenance on your locks or get in touch with a locksmith company in Atlanta, Georgia that will be happy to assist with advice and maintenance services if you are in our service area.
You might want to check your door frame to make sure that it is aligned properly and not hanging. If it is, it might put pressure on your lock, causing it to break or get stuck while being operated. This is just an extra step to take if your door has been troublesome and you find that your lock is being problematic. A hanging door might be the reason for it. Your lock can also become weaker because of the added pressure so you may want to see whether or not the door was the problem in the first place.
Make sure to check the deadbolt of the lock. This applies to any lock. If a lock gives you trouble, if you have to adjust the key several times before opening or locking a door and the key is in perfect condition, if the deadbolt gets stuck or does not slide easily, it means that something is off with your lock and needs to be fixed. It might just be dirt or it might be a more serious concern, but carrying out an inspection will let you know what kind of maintenance is needed for your lock.
A few simple steps can determine whether or not your lock needs maintenance, and if it does, you can do a few simple things to ensure that the lock gives you the most for its value. If you inspect your door locks often enough, you’ll be able to know when they need maintenance, and you will avoid having to invest in an entirely new lock altogether.
As a routine, clean out your locks. Locks have cavities and come into contact with keys, and it is inevitable that they will collect grime, dirt, and dust. When you have established a regular timeframe within which you examine and clean all of your locks, you will find that your locks will be less troublesome. Cleaning locks once every few months is sufficient and it will reduce the chances of your locks seizing up or sticking. Spray lubricants – dry lubricants are great for the job – are easily available and all you have to do is use it on the lock to clean it up.
You can insert your keys after spraying the lubricant and pull them out to see if any of the dirt or dust has come off on the keys. If it has, insert the key a few times, wiping it off every time, until you can see no visible grime come off. You can also use a cloth to clean the entire lock from the outside. Do make sure that you purchase a lubricant that is suitable for door locks as you may find that not all spray lubricants are not the best for the job. Getting the best tools for the job results in the best form of maintenance.
Another way to ensure your lock lasts for a long time is by avoiding unnecessary force. Slamming doors can actually make locks weaker even though it may not seem obvious. Hitting the locks with heavy things or even roughly using the key inside the lock can cause damage, if not immediately then slowly and gradually over time, until it needs to be replaced altogether. Avoiding using force can allow the lifespan of a lock to be extended through indirect care and maintenance.
Make spare keys. This also does not have to do with direct maintenance of the door but helps in elongating the use of a lock. If you have a key that is slightly bent or damaged, every time you insert it into the lock, you find that it takes a couple of attempts to unlock the door. You may even check the lock and find that nothing is wrong with it. Every use of the key, however, increases the chances of damaging the lock from the inside, hence, if you notice a key that has gone through some wear and tear, replace it with a copy to avoid premature damage to the inner mechanism of a lock.
Keep in mind maintenance of parts that come with the lock. This means the door handle or anything else that works in conjunction with the lock. If all parts are maintained properly and work together in perfect harmony, they help in avoiding damage and ensure longevity of the lock and everything else with it.
If you do feel like you have a bigger problem at hand, you can always get in touch with a licensed locksmith to help you with any concerns you may have about your door locks.