Lockout Tips

Did you know that the locks on your home or business must be maintained in order to be effective? Most people don’t bother with lock maintenance, instead choosing to replace their locks completely when they become defective. If you keep up with the maintenance of your locks, however, they’ll last longer and work better, saving you the money you’d spend on replacing them.

LUBRICATION IS NECESSARY IN LOCK MAINTENANCE

First and foremost, as soon as you notice a lock maintenance issue, be proactive. For example, if your key is particularly hard to turn one morning or won’t move properly into place, you may want to try lubricating the cylinder.

Lock cylinders consist of small pins and springs that need to move freely in order to operate correctly. When they start getting stuck, the lock will not function properly and can sometimes even break if you try to force it. Lubricating the keyway of the lock will get the pins and springs moving again and keep your lock in good working order. Apply lubricant liberally – you really can’t over-lubricate, so more is always going to be better in these situations.

When you have finished, run your key in and out multiple times to help spread the lubricant around. You will also want to lubricate the bolt or latch on the side of the door. This will help to alleviate any problems with the locking mechanism itself.

HINGE ADJUSTMENTS

Door hinges inevitably wear down because they move every time someone opens the door, sometimes hundreds of times per day. With simple, routine maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your hinges and save yourself some money in the long run.
The most common issue with most hinges is loose screws. Each hinge consists of six to eight Phillips head screws that loosen over time. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten each one. Make sure to do both the frame side and the ones attached the door as well.