Mobile Locksmith Jacksonville Preventive Maintenance Tips for Long-lasting Locks

The locks help you protect the entry to your home. Whether you are planning a sturdy deadbolt on the front door or a keyed entry into your office, you will notice that these locking systems should protect the people and their possessions.

Like other mechanical devices, you will notice that the locks wear down with time, according to mobile locksmith Jacksonville. You will notice that the dirt, rust and misalignment can reduce the lifespan of the locks. It will not compromise the security of the front door.

With preventive maintenance, you can ensure a longer life for your locks. You must follow simple habits to ensure the lock runs smoothly. Let’s look at some of the top preventive maintenance tips to ensure long-lasting locks. 

·         You must keep your locks clean and dust free. Remove dirt, debris and even tiny insects that get into your lock’s mechanism. This would help you ensure a smooth key mechanism and reduce the risk of jams. You should wipe the lock’s exterior using a dry cloth. Make sure to use compressed air to blow out dust from the keyhole. Lastly, you should avoid spraying the household cleaners to these locks as they leave residue that attracts the dirt. In case there is stubborn grime, the locksmith Jacksonville FL will need you to use cotton swab dampened with alcohol to clean the surface.

·         The next part is to lubricate the entire mechanism annually. This would help the locks to work smoothly. You will notice that without lubrication there will be friction around the mechanism that can cause wear and tear along the pins and springs. With time, you will notice that the lock becomes stiff, noisy and prone to breaking. You should ideally use a graphite-based lubricant or Teflon spray that is specifically designed for your locks. Avoid the WD-40 like oil-based lubricants that can jam up the mechanism completely. You should insert the key several times to distribute the lubricant. Make sure to mark your calendar to make way for annual lock lubrication. It would be a good idea to consider an annual winter lubrication as the mechanisms tend to stiffen in this weather, according to the mobile locksmith Jacksonville.

·         Simultaneously you should check the door for loose screws and misalignment. The locks tend to loosen or shift with time, especially when the doors are slammed or weather causes wood to swell. It could also mean misalignment between lock and strike plate that makes locking/unlocking difficult. You should tighten the door lock and hardware every few months. Tighten the screws on faceplate and strike plates. Lastly, you should check the latch lines that align with strike plate. In case your door sticks or drags, you should address the issue immediately.

·         Use the right keys and make sure to replace the damaged ones immediately. This can help you manage the lock maintenance. According to locksmith Jacksonville FL, you should always avoid using bent and worn out keys. Avoid using makeshift tools to open the boxes as it can weaken the metal.

Always seek a professional’s help whenever you are stuck with a worn out key.