You know what they say, safety first. If you prioritize safety, you probably prioritize the lock on your front door. But aside from double-locking on the way out, what else can you do to stay double-secure this spring? Believe it or not, just like your new car or a set of sparkling white teeth, doors need regular maintenance and care to work properly and keep your safety in check. As one of Michigan’s top choices for locksmith services we have some tips that are resourceful, helpful and dependable.
So how can I maintain my door locks and keys?
If you’re like most of us and think installing locks is a one-and-done deal, it’s time to revisit your front door and the way you think about spring cleaning. Because it’s not just about dusting around your room and decluttering that frightening basement. From the physical shine to the functional push and pull, here’s everything to check off your spring list when it comes to the doors and locks you rely on and the keys you carry with you.
Doors
Let It Hang
Let’s start off with the front (or back or side) door itself. Aside from the lock and door handle, the entire door must be hung correctly. What does that mean? There needs to be enough space between the door and the door frame for the door to move back and forth seamlessly, no binding and no sagging.
Unfortunately, changes in air moisture between winter and spring cause wooden doors to expand and contract. So don’t be surprised if that frame you aligned perfectly six months ago is suddenly out of whack.
When the door sags, that means there’s too much space between the door and the frame. When it binds and the door is difficult to open or close, that means there’s not enough extra wiggle room. Either scenario adds extra pressure to the door’s lock, weakening it over time until it eventually fails.
Don’t Get Screwed
In short? Make sure the door is perfectly aligned within its frame. And install long screws near the door wall’s center to prevent sagging. Those long screws also bolster the door’s resistance to break-ins. Shorter screws weaken the foundation of the door making it an easy target for someone looking to take it down. The strike plate of your door – or that little plate that sticks into the jam where the latch goes – should also be secured with long screws. Professionals recommend long #8 screws – typically 3 inches.
Locks
That brings us to our next point of entry: the door locks. Starting with the obvious, make sure your locks are well lubricated and well cleaned. The dirt and grime that builds up after frequent use can cause the lock to get sticky and stuck. Having a lock that won’t work is no easy fix and may require the help of a locksmith.
Plus, in the winter months, contracting wood has a domino effect on your deadbolt. In other words, that swelling around the lock makes it impossible to properly turn the lock. So when winter turns to warm spring, make sure the deadbolt and deadlatch are working as they should. One easy way to tell if your lock isn’t working – the deadlatch shouldn’t fall into the door’s strike plate.
& Keys
With a new season comes new appliances. If your keys are worn and torn after months of use, create duplicates so you’ve got extra on hand in case that small metal key gives out. Plus, ever wonder where that extra dirt piling up within your lock comes from? If you haven’t cleaned your keys with a quick disinfectant, today’s the day.
Call The Professionals?
If you’re stuck in an irreversible door jam, call a trusted local locksmith. Their expertise lets you in when you’re locked out. One look at your door, lock, and key gives them everything they need to diagnose the jam and offer up a solution. Because when your lock is frozen solid, the key’s broken off at the end, or your door just won’t budge, the last thing you want is a DIY solution that makes everything worse.
In Sum
As an advanced society, we often forget the havoc winter can bring. Far from a superficial showing of snow, the colder months have a very real impact on the wood and metal that make up our home. As you’re checking off that lengthy seasonal to-do list, don’t sleep on your first layer of home security and take doors seriously.
More questions about door lock maintenance? Contact us at Action Locksmith. We are a family-owned locksmith business serving the residents and businesses of Michigan for more than 30 years. We provide residential locksmith services as well as commercial locksmith services, automotive, home safes and much more. Call and speak to an experienced locksmith today!