Locks and security hardware are expensive. If you want a long life for your locks and hardware, it is important to take good care of them. Leaving them unattended and uncared will require you to replace them earlier than their normal lifespan.
As a professional locksmith in San Diego (CA), we understand that locks and hardware need to be tended with care for long life.
Most locks are exposed to weather. Dirt and grim cause wearing and corrosion in locks and hardware. You need to safeguard your hardware from ill effects of dirt, rain and elements.
The humidity, salt air, and fine sand is hard on locks. As a pro locksmith, we suggest oiling most locks at least twice a year. Locks that are rarely used require special attention because rust and corrosion set in more quickly when the hardware is not in use for a long period.
Clean Your Locks
When exposed to weather for long, locks and hardware take a serious beating. If you can clean your locks at least once a year, it will make them last much longer.
Simply remove the locks from the doors and open them. Clean the springs, pins and tumblers to remove dirt and rust. You can use cleaning fluid to remove grime.
Once you have cleaned the hardware, lubricate them properly.
Lubes for Locks & Hardware
Dirt and grime are the biggest enemies of locks. If left exposed to weather without any special care, they get corroded and rusty. Sparing just a few minutes every six months will make your locks last longer.
To keep your locks function properly, periodically lubricate the latches and spray lubricant in the lock cylinders. This reduces friction and, thus, takes care of wearing.
For lubricating your locks and door & window hardware, you should use a synthetic-based lubricant such as Tri-flow and Superlube. If you need to buy lock lubricants in San Diego, please visit one of our shops in San Diego, Chula Vista or Santee. We sell lock and hardware lubricants in our locksmith shop in Downtown San Diego CA.
Though the objective of lubricating locks is to reduce friction and create a barrier between the elements and hardware metal, do not use just any oil or lube. Some common oils found in homes can actually bring more devastation to your locks and make them inoperable. Most oils are best if used in small quantities.
Remember, if your lock or hardware starts cranking or act funny, you should tend to them immediately. For particularly expensive hardware, you should get a locksmith to look at them quickly. If possible, schedule a regular repair for your locks every year.