Your locks are one of those items that are ignored until they fail. Like anything mechanical locks wear and need maintenance. Clean is mean. Dirt and grime can build up in your locks, creating conditions that accelerate wear. High pressure air is used to blow out most dirt, but you may have to remove the lock and cleaning with some sort of solvent.
Importance of Lock Lubricant
With locks lubrications is key. A PTFE based lubricant is ideal and recommend by Master padlocks and work well in other manufacturers devices as well. Graphite, a dry lube is not recommended for combination locks. Typical lubricants like WD-40 and 3 in 1 oil are good choices. Wet lubes like 3 in 1 and other forms of lube may attract dirt.
Can You Fix a Deadbolt Lock?
Ever closed a door with the deadbolt inadvertently extended? Bad for the wood door frame and trim, and usually leads to a bent bolt. Things can be done to restore alignment. Unlike the door knob or handle bolt, the dead bolt is unidirectional. That means that you could remove the dead bolt, flip the bolt over and reinstall, many time realigning the bolt with the hole in the door frame.
Door Lock Care & Maintenance
• Doors, to work right the door must be hung right. For correct lock alignment the door itself must be installed correctly. A binding lock due to misalignment cause excessive wear to the lock. A binding lock may leave you locked out or in your house, bad if it is an emergency like a fire.
• Screws loosen over time. Check the screws holding in the lock on the door and the strike plates in the door frame. Wood shrinks loosening screws. Repeated hammering from closing the door will also loosen door plates and mechanisms. Another area subject to shrinking and forces from supporting the door and its operation is the hinge screws. If possible, hinge and striker screws should be long enough to be secured to the house framing not just to the half to three quarter inch frame.
• Locks, door and deadbolt should operate smoothly and without binding. Binding and broken deadlatches can lead to lock failures. The deadlatch is the plunger locked on the flat side of the door handle bolt. Improper installation, wear and lack of lubricants can cause the lock to fail.
• Damp rag without cleaning chemicals is best for cleaning the exterior of locks, knobs and handles. Harsh cleaning chemicals can remove or impair the finish and cause problems if they penetrate the lock. A shot of spray lube in the key way is usually sufficient to ensure proper operation. Slide the key in and out to ensure no debris is stuck in the keyway.
• A copy of a copy sometimes doesn’t turn out well. Variances increase when a key is mastered by a duplicate. Have all duplicate keys made from an original key. Set aside a key for duplication purposes.
• You don’t need to change the locks; most household locks can be rekeyed instead of the expense of changing the locks.
Locksmith Services in KILLEEN, AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO, ROUND ROCK, SAN MARCOS, FRISCO, NEW BRAUNFELS & HOUSTON TEXAS
Take care of your locks and they will serve you well. Contact Texan Lock and Key for all your locksmith needs.
