When it comes to home maintenance, door locks often get the short end of the stick. This is sometimes because people do not realize how important their locks are, or simply because they do not know how to go about proper maintenance. The following tips will help you properly maintain your door locks.

1. Regularly Clean Your Locks

Following a regular cleaning schedule is one of the best ways for homeowners to properly care for their door locks. Cleaning is an important part of maintenance, and this basic concept should extend out to locks as well. Door locks come into contact with various elements throughout any given day, and this usually means that they are prone to collecting dust, dirt, and grime.
If locks are not regularly cleaned, the buildup of dirt will cause the lock to seize up or stick. Homeowners should make it a point to clean their locks at least once every few months to avoid the buildup of grime and dirt. This can be done by using spray lubricants in the keyway, or by using a gentle washcloth to clean the body of the lock. Even the most secure locks will require some form of regular maintenance to keep them in prime condition.

2. Avoid Use Of Unnecessary Force

Much like any other household item, locks need to be cared for and handled in a way that promotes their extended use and longevity. There are many people who take locks for granted, and due to this, they usually harm their locks without knowing. One of the biggest threats to any lock is the application of unnecessary force.
Door locks are strong, but they are not impervious to damage. Homeowners should make sure that they are not exerting excessive force on their locks as they use them. Examples of excessive force range from banging on the lock with solid items to even slamming the door closed. These tiny, seemingly harmless, actions tend to build upon each other until all the small damage becomes one final break.

3. Use Proper Cleaning Materials

As most people know, using the wrong tools for any job will, most likely, lead to failure. The same idea holds true for the care and maintenance of locks. In some cases, homeowners have the right idea about caring for their locks, but they simply go about it the wrong way. A simple tip that people often overlook is, in fact, one of the most important ones.
It is always crucial to make sure that you are using the right cleaning materials to clean and maintain your locks. For instance, if you use the wrong lubricant in the key way of your lock, you will end up damaging your key and blocking the keyway. This will most likely lead to a damaged lock, and you will probably have to spend money changing locks.

4. Pay Attention To Auxiliary Parts

I hope you’re not frightened when I say auxiliary parts. There is nothing too complicated about the term. It simply refers to the other elements that come together so that your door lock is working properly. Caring for these auxiliary parts will ensure that your lock continues to operate the way it was intended. One of the parts that help door locks work best is the door itself. It is important to make sure that your strike is always clean and free of debris.
Also, your door should be hung in the appropriate manner so that it does not end up affecting the performance of your lock. There are several door lock and door handle features that homeowners should always be on the lookout for, and each of these elements should be properly cared for and maintained to ensure longevity.

Final Thoughts

These simple home maintenance tips should help you care for your locks and better maintain them. These process should also be done along with regular maintenance of other household items. As I mentioned earlier, locks are an important part of your home security, so you should strive to make sure you are not aiding in their deterioration.

If you are ever unsure about how to maintain or care for your locks, make sure that you take the time to consult with a qualified professional. The worst thing you can do is attempt to tackle maintenance on your own when you have no idea what you are doing. This will only exacerbate your lock’s issues rather than helping them.

Post Compiled by Ralph Goodman of United Locksmiths.