Door locks are durable and long-lasting, but they’re composed of tiny moving parts that will eventually wear down. An aging lock can be difficult to open and may get stuck, potentially locking you out of your house. Here are a few tips for making them last as long as possible and reducing the risk of expensive lock repairs.

How to Extend the Life Span of Your Locks

1. Check That Your Door Is Straight

A door that hangs crooked puts extra strain on the tongue that fits into the doorjamb. This tension also transfers to the mechanisms inside the lock, causing extra wear and tear every time the cylinder moves. Ensuring that your doors are hung correctly will keep your door locks operating smoothly.

2. Keep Locks Lubricated

Like any other metal components, the pins and tumblers inside your lock wear down as they rub against each other. Oiling your locks once a year minimizes wear-and-tear and reduces the amount of debris that collects inside the mechanism.

Lubricating the locks also protects them from expansion and contraction caused by extreme weather.

3. Make Sure the Deadbolt Is Seated Correctly

The deadbolt should slide easily into place without pushing or pulling on the door. Misalignments cause excess friction and put pressure on the bolt, which can cause the entire mechanism to fail. If your deadbolt doesn’t slide smoothly, have a professional check the alignment of the door and the placement of the lock.

4. Don’t Force the Lock

If your lock is sticking or difficult to turn, don’t try to force the mechanism. Your key could bend or break inside the lock, or you might bend some of the pins. If turning the key gently doesn’t open the door, call a lock repair specialist to identify the issue.

5. Clean Your Keys

Keeping your locks in pristine condition starts with your keys themselves. Dirt, grime, and grease on your keys quickly transfers into the lock, where it can jam the tumblers and pins.

Fortunately, keeping your keys clean is as easy as wiping them down once a month. If they do attract grease or dirt, rinse the keys in soapy water and dry them with a lint-free cloth.

Since 1897, Cohen's Key Shop has been providing expert lock repair services to homes and businesses throughout New Haven, CT. Whether you’ve been locked out of your home or need a new security system, their technicians will provide expertise you can rely on. Visit their website or Twitter page for more on their lock repair services, or call (203) 397-3528 for immediate assistance.