Lock Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Locks Working

Lock maintenance tips to keep your locks working as they should. Professional locksmiths give advice on how to avoid emergency situations and repairs.

Lock maintenance is crucial when it comes to keeping your locks working the way they should. The last thing you want is to have one of your locks not working properly. A lock that does not work the way it should can keep you locked out from a critical area that you need access to. This same malfunctioning lock can also let those in who should have access.

The same applies to the locks on your vehicle. Imagine that you are all ready to leave for an important function. You get into your vehicle and put the key into the ignition. You go to turn the key and your vehicle will not start. The key cylinder will not turn with the key. Therefore, it is so important to know how to care for both your locks and the keys that accompany them.

Many of us use our locks so often that we forget that they do have to have some maintenance. It is only when the locks begin to malfunction do we ask when the last time the unit had any type of maintenance.

Maintain and Fix Locks

When is the last time you performed maintenance on your locks? It has probably been awhile, right? Here are a few tips to help you maintain your locks to get the best performance out of them.

• Make sure the doors of your home are hung right in the frames. If the door is not hung properly it can lean or sag and cause pressure on the lock. The more pressure on the lock, the harder it will be for it to function properly. If the door is not fixed, the lock will eventually become stuck and you will have to call in a professional locksmith. A door that binds a lock can lock you in or outside of your home.
• Clean your door locks occasionally. This is not a challenging task and takes little effort on your part. Do not use petroleum based products on your locks. The best thing to use when you want to lubricate your locks is a graphite lubricant or Teflon lubricant. These two products are very easy to apply and will only take seconds. Put a small amount of the product into the lock and then run the key back and forth inside of the lock. Wipe off any excess product off the key at certain intervals. The locks should have this done to them at least once a year.
• Make a duplicate key from the original and store in a safe place. This should be done with all your lock keys. If you lose your keys, you will have a backup when needed. This should also be done with your vehicle keys. Losing any key that you need without a backup can cost you time and money. Always make an extra set of keys!
• Check your deadbolts. When you have the door fully closed there should be no part of the lock that rubs. The whole lock should move freely both back and forth.
• Inspect your door frames. This should be done at least once a year. If you see any part of the frame beginning to sag, it is time to get it repaired.
• If your keys begin to stick or you must jiggle them to work, it is time to get the key replaced. If you are not sure whether it is the key or the lock, inexpensive locksmith services can be the answer you are looking for.
• If the locks are not working properly and you have completed all possible maintenance do not force the locks. The more a lock is forced to work the more damage that can be done. Our locksmiths are available to help you with any of issues you may be having. Often, the lock may have debris or some other foreign object inside that needs to be removed. Our experts have all of the tools needed to fix your locks quickly and affordably. If the lock cannot be repaired our professionals will help you with a replacement lock to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Lock Repair

If you are having issues with your locks the services of a good locksmith service will come on handy. Locksmiths can also help if you happen to have a key that breaks in a lock. If key breaks in the lock it is best to call in the locksmith instead of causing more damage. Professional locksmiths have the tools to free the broken key and to replace the broken key with a new one.

The same applies to your vehicle keys. There will be times when your locks on your vehicle may malfunction or you have a key break. This is the time to have a locksmith that you can trust to come to your aid. Certified locksmiths are trained to handle all types of lock issues.

Affordable Locksmith Services

Locksmith services do not have to cost a fortune. There are professional locksmith services that can be hired that can save you thousands in the long run.

Having all of your locks working properly will give you peace of mind and lessen the stress of not being able to access your home or vehicle.