door lock

How to Maintain Your Door Locks   

Keypad Locksmith wants to help you save money and preserve your locks. We have created this blog so that you know how to care for them all year long to avoid problems. This will save you money by reducing the number of times you need to call us.

By spending a few minutes each month on door and lock maintenance you can reduce the amount of problems that you have with your locks and doors. Check the way the door hangs, the fit of the locks into the lock jambs, and any loose hinges.

Certain facts are applicable whether your home has a wood or steel door. It is important to have precise measurements for the screw holes and lock cuts. Pre-hung doors can help solve this problem in part, but you still need to be precise when cutting into the wall. The hanging process can cause your locks to wear out much sooner than the average seven-year replacement age. To maintain healthy hair, follow these steps every month.

How is it hanging?

You should ensure that your doors do not sag. Open each door to see how fluidly and smoothly it opens. You may have felt a slight dip as the door opened. This indicates improper hanging. It was hung incorrectly from the beginning if it always did that. If the problem developed over time, either the door shrank, swelled, or the hinge screws became loose.

Close your door

Close the door, and note the gap on each side between the frame and the door. This gap should be even. The gap should be between 1/8 inch and a fraction under 1/4 inch. You will need to rehang the door if it is larger on either side.

Check each door for the deadbolts and deadlatch

The deadlatch should be perfectly aligned with the deadbolt when you close the door. However, they should not fall into one another. The door should close smoothly without having to lift or jiggle the lock.

The deadbolt should now be flipped. The lock should automatically tumble into full position. If the deadbolt is not drilled deep enough, your lock will not fit into place.

hand of a guy opening the door using a key

Check the strike plates, hinges, and screws on each door

Screws that attach your door’s hinges and strike plates to the frame of the door should be three inches long. The door will sag if the screws are shorter. The longer screws increase the resistance to break-ins of the door. Replace screws that are only one or two inches long with screws that are three inches long if you find your door is hanging by screws. Find the longer screws in the middle of the wall. Use the same screws for the strike plates (the two plates surrounding the deadbolt).

Clean each door’s locks

It’s not even on the spring cleaning list, but it is just as important as changing your air filter to breathe fresh air. Door locks can be cleaned with a wet rag. Some manufacturers suggest a mild soap or detergent. You can find out which method you should use by looking up your manufacturer’s website. They usually include it in their frequently asked questions.

Use only non-abrasive cleaning products or chemicals to clean the lock. The protective coating of the lock can be eroded by using abrasive cleaners or chemicals.

Lubricate your locks annually

It is important to choose the right lubricant. Avoid petroleum-based lubricants. Choose a dry lubricant such as graphite or Teflon instead. Spray a little into the keyway. Put your key into the lock, and then flip it. Remove the key and unlock it. Remove the key. Repeat this process until the key is clean. If you leave the gunk behind, it can cause damage to your door. It will make your lock last longer if you remove it.

Contact Keypad Locksmith for Lock Replacements

If your lock or door still doesn’t work after you have followed this routine, give us a call. Keypad Locksmith can respond quickly to repair or replace locks. We can help you properly hang your doors, too. Contact us now.

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