Have you ever run into the problem of a faulty lock? Maybe the mechanisms get stuck, the keyhole gets damaged, or dirt or debris somehow end up blocking the lock from use. It’s an inconvenient and time-consuming hassle that can lead to costly expenses, repairs, and replacements. While all locks will eventually suffer from age problems, you can significantly extend their use with a few easy methods. At 24/7 Locksmith of Lexington, Kentucky, we want to show you how to maintain you locks to keep them in working order.
Keyhole Care
To ensure that your locks continue working as well as they always have, make sure you keep your keyhole protected from scratches. This is a very common occurrence to have happen and is usually the first thing a locksmith will notice if they are called for repairs. The faceplate and the keyhole can both become scratched, which can lead to rusting and a poor appearance. To combat this, be careful with your keys. Only unlock the door with one key extended so the other keys on your keyring don’t leave scratches.
Clean and Lubricate
Performing lock maintenance on your keyhole is an easy and quick task that can end up saving you loads of time by preventing a faulty lock. To perform maintenance on your lock, purchase lubrication for keyholes. Never choose to use powder graphite when cleaning your keyhole. While this product can help doors from sticking, the product can jam the mechanisms within the lock. After lubricating, flush the area with water until the lubrication is cleared. If you are unsure of your ability to perform this skill correctly, the experts at 24/7 Locksmith can service your lock for you and ensure that the products are used correctly and in the right areas.
Lock Care
The physical locking mechanism (the lock that slides into place) can also lead to issues if not cared for properly. Because the use of doors and locks every day, and multiple times a day, will naturally lead to wear and tear, the locks will become more difficult to use over time. To prevent this from becoming an issue, the lock and locking mechanism on the door should also be cleaned and lubricated on a schedule. Just like with keyhole maintenance, it is important that this task is done properly to ensure that the system keeps operating smoothly. A professional will likely use products with Teflon, which provide a higher level of function than other products that someone might buy at a hardware store.
If you are having any issues with the locks in your home, contact the experts at 24/7 Locksmith. Proudly serving all of Central Kentucky, including Lexington, Nicholasville, Richmond, and Winchester, our team of experienced professionals can help with all your locksmith needs. We specialize in residential, auto, and commercial lock issues, so no matter what the problem may be, we can help you get your locks back to operating smoothly.