Guaranteeing Reliability With Security - Maintaining Your Home's Locks

While some people may consider locksmithing to be an antiquated art form, the locksmith still plays an important role in modern maintenance culture. That role is largely created by the assumption of many people that their home locks are incredibly tough and resilient and will stand up to whatever rough treatment that they decide to subject them to.

Unfortunately, that's not often the case, and you may be causing serious damage to your home's locks without even realizing it. Below, you'll find a guide to some steps you can take in order to avoid that damage, guaranteeing that your home remains secure and you can avoid paying for a repair that may be caused solely by your lack of care.

Reduce Force On Keys

The most sensitive components of any mechanical item are the moving parts, and your home's locks are no different. The pins and springs inside the locking mechanism can be damaged or bent if they're subjected to unusual forces, and a torquing key would certainly fall into that category.

Rather than inserting your key into a lock and exerting force through the key to open the door, make a point of merely turning the key and then applying force to the door. This subtle change in how you access your home will help keep your keys straight and, perhaps more importantly, avoid damage that you may not be able to see until it's too late.

Operate All Locks Regularly

Many homes have a side door off a laundry room or a garage that gets heavily bolted and then largely forgotten about. While this can be a great way to prevent unauthorized access, it may also prove to be a hazard in the event that you need to make a quick escape.

Make sure that you regularly operate the lock and deadbolt on these out of the way doors and verify that the mechanisms are still functioning smoothly. This will allow you to avoid sticking and rust buildup, and should guarantee you always have the access you desire.

Be Wary Of Moisture

A lock that constantly imbibes water, snow, and ice is not only likely to freeze and stick, but also may suffer from rust damage in those delicate internal components. You should be aware of how drainage affects your home, and take steps to divert water away from your locks if doing so is at all possible. This will help guarantee that you're not stuck with a frozen lock in an untimely fashion, and will allow you to secure your locking mechanism for many years to come.

For more information, contact a local locksmith (such as Lincoln Lock & Safe).