Tips to Maintain Your Door Lock in Sydney

Posted on 3rd, May 2017

Every house owner uses door locks regularly, and just as often neglect their maintenance. Most failures root from the lack of maintenance or improper installation with decent quality locks.
Mostly it is believed that a door lock will work forever. Depending on the amount of usage even hardware store quality locks can’t work for decades. According to most locksmiths, the average lock’s lifespan is approximately seven years.

Door locks require maintenance to function properly and avoid breaking like any other mechanical device. Installing new locks on your door can get expensive, so to get the most from your locks, consider the following tips:

1. Do not rely on graphite powder

Do not rely on graphite powder as it can become a problem. Experienced locksmiths may use graphite powder in certain circumstances, but it can jam up the inner workings if you put it in a keyhole.

2. Prevent Sticking

Avoid your locks and door mechanisms from sticking. Dirt can accumulate on your locks due to everyday use and can cause door locks to open harder and even freeze up. Apply a lubricant spray directly to the lock. Select high quality lubricants for your locks. These hold onto the locks for a much longer period of time. Spray a small amount of lubricant into the keyway and run the key in and out of the lock repeatedly. Wipe any debris from the key every time before inserting it back. It is recommended to lubricate your locks at least once a year.

3. Clean your locks

Clean your locks frequently, especially your front door lock which is used regularly. When door handles, locks and deadbolts are used every day, oils, grime and dirt can build up on them. Wipe down affected surfaces with soap and water and dry it using a soft cloth to keep the dirt and acids from your hands from corroding the lock surfaces. Using an abrasive or chemical cleaner on a lock or petroleum based products can damage a lock’s finish than do any good.

4. Be careful whenever you put your key into a lock so that you do not get your locks scratched around their keyholes and face plates.

5. A lock can only function properly if your door is properly hung and installed.

6. Modern entry locks will not function correctly if not properly aligned with the strike plate. Binding or broken dead latches cause lock failures commonly.

7. Since keys are designed to wear before the lock does, it is wise to duplicate keys from the original ones.

Contact:

If are locked out of your house or need any lock replacement service or maintenance tips, send NJS Locksmiths an email at or call 0415 680 062.