Most people never think about door lock maintenance. Unless you're a locksmith or commercial builder, it is one of those "out of sight, out of mind" parts of life. Maintaining door locks is important for your security.  

But where do you begin? Is there more to know about door lock maintenance than simply cleaning them?

Frequently Asked Questions About Door Lock Maintenance

 

Let’s answer a few frequently asked questions about maintaining your door locks.

Why Do Locks Break?

 

Besides wear and tear from normal daily use, locks will break due to repeated over-stressing. Locks break from being jammed with debris, misaligned, or having unnecessary force applied to the lock. 

Some door locks could even break from extreme freezing temperatures paired with rusting or aging components. Also, the reality is that some door locks, particularly cheap or low-quality locks, just won’t stand the test of time. 

What Is the Easiest Form of Lock Maintenance?

 

This might be obvious, but the simplest way to maintain door locks is to prevent unnecessary use. Every time someone locks and unlocks a door, the internal lock components grind against each other. 

Metal grinds against metal, causing gradual wear and tear. Commercial door locks are designed to withstand more locking and unlocking cycles than traditional residential locks. But there's no way to prevent the internal grinding altogether. 

Can You Make an Old Lock Work Better?

Yes, it is possible to make an old lock work better- or work at all. Let’s say you have an old door lock that you want to refurbish. Maybe it's a unique antique you found, and you think it will make a statement on your front door. 

In that case, you can try following an antique lock repair and restoration procedure. Try disassembling the lock and soaking the components in a water & vinegar solution. Gently scrub away any dirt or rust and polish the metal once finished. 

 

How Should You Maintain Outdoor Locks?

 

It’s easier to predict the longevity of inside door locks. The weather does not affect them, and they are in a controlled environment. But outside locks are a different story. 

They will experience weathering, cold and heat exposure, and higher contact with dirt and bugs. A good rule of thumb to follow for maintaining outdoor locks is routine examination, oiling, and removing rust, dirt, or ice build-up.

How Often Do Door Locks Need to Be Cleaned?

 

Scheduled door lock maintenance is usually not necessary. Usually, watching for signs of deterioration and catching issues before they worsen is good enough. It also doesn’t hurt to check door locks that are rarely used to ensure they still function.

Park Avenue Locks – A Lock Above the Rest

 

Don’t let choosing the right commercial or residential door lock be a tedious process. If you don’t know where to start when selecting the right hardware for your doors, then Park Avenue Locks can guide the way. 

We specialize in all high-security, heavy-duty door locks and hinges that come in various finishes. And our inventory is always full of options. Call us at 332-255-3200 or contact us for personalized assistance.