3 Tips To Prolong the Service Life of Door Locks
Door locks are normally designed to last for a long time. However, some mistakes or omissions by homeowners can shorten the service life of the locks. This article discusses some maintenance activities that can have a beneficial effect on the lifespan of the locks on your doors.
Adjusting the Door
You should always check how well your door is hung so that a misalignment does not have an adverse effect on the installed lock. For example, a loose hinge can cause the door to start sagging. Such a door may exert a lot of stress on the door latch. It won't be long before such a lock fails. It is therefore wise for you to check the door periodically (such as twice a year) to ensure everything is in order and to avoid triggering lock defects.
Lubricate the Lock
Another simple way to prolong the service life of the locks on your doors is by lubricating the locks periodically. Lock manufacturers normally recommend how often the lock should be lubricated. Adhere to these recommendations. However, you can alter the frequency of lubrication in accordance with the conditions at your location. For example, you may need to lubricate the locks in a dusty environment more frequently than you would lubricate locks in a less dusty location. Remember to use a silicone-based lubricant because it will be less likely to attract dirt or cause stains on anything that the lubricant comes in contact with.
Copy Keys Correctly
Homeowners normally make duplicate keys to avoid being locked out of their homes in case the original key is lost. However, some of them may inadvertently shorten the life of the lock by using a duplicate key to make other duplicates. How is this a problem? It is hard to make a duplicate that is an exact copy of the original key. Consequently, using the duplicate to make other duplicates will result in keys whose dimensions will differ slightly from what the lock was designed to accept. That minuscule difference can gradually weaken the internal mechanism of the lock until the lock eventually fails. Avoid this problem by using the original key each time you want to make a copy for someone.
The suggestions above are preventive measures to keep your locks working for longer. Call a residential locksmith for help in case your lock malfunctions. This professional will fix the problem and give you suggestions on how to prevent a recurrence of the defect.
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