Door Lock Maintenance Tips

Locks secure your home or business, which is why it is essential to keep them in working order. One way to do this is by prioritizing door lock maintenance.

At Ernie’s Lock Co., we provide a wide range of lock services, including inspection, maintenance and repair. Having a professional locksmith check your locks from time to time keeps them functioning properly and your belongings safe. 

Signs You Need Door Lock Maintenance

There are certain signs that indicate you might require a qualified professional to maintain your door locks, such as: 

• Scruffs on the floor areas where your door catches
• Deadbolts or latches not aligning with the strike plate
• The door not closing all the way
• Hinges producing creaking sounds
• Difficulty turning the key in the lock

How to Maintain Door Locks

At Ernie’s Lock Co., we understand how essential it is to have door locks working properly, so we offer our customers reliable lock maintenance services. Here are some of our top tips to keep your lock in functional condition: 

Lubricate your locks periodically

To ensure that all parts are moving smoothly, you should lubricate door locks at least once a year, preferably using a water-based lubricant. Spray the lubricant inside the keyway, push your key in and remove it several times.  

Clean the locks properly

Door locks are in constant contact with elements like dirt, grime and dust, and cleaning them prevents unwanted buildup. Cleaning should be done every few months, and you can use warm water and a soft washcloth. Target prime areas like the latch, deadbolt, hinges, strike plate and keyway.

Handle your door the right way

Taking reasonable care of your door and its locks keeps it sturdy and allows you to extend its life. Avoid using unnecessary force when opening and closing doors, such as slamming them shut or banging the lock. From the onset, you should also hire the services of a professional to guarantee your door lock is installed properly.

Take care of your keys

Pay attention to how you use the key on your lock. Be gentle and avoid forcing it in or pulling it out when it is inside the lock. If you lost your keys or your home was broken into, consider lock rekeying services. 

Align the door’s strike plates

Strike plates that are not placed properly can cause a door to stand crooked, making movements harder. If you notice this issue, you can tighten the screws or use a file to straighten out the wood that is in the way.

Use professionals for repairs

Although door lock repairs and replacements may seem easy to tackle, it is best to have an expert take care of them for the best outcome. A qualified locksmith will take the most effective approach to fixing your door problems and prevent further issues in the future. 

Benefits of Regularly Maintaining Your Door Locks

Routinely maintaining your locks is important for several reasons, including:

Longevity

Extend the life span of your lock. 

Cost savings

Identify issues early on and fix them before they escalate into bigger, more expensive problems. 

Security

Prevent unauthorized access by keeping your lock in top shape.

Ease of use

Keep your bolts moving smoothly and keys turning effortlessly. 

Stick to Your Routine Door Lock Maintenance

Routine door lock inspection and maintenance are essential to keeping your locks performing optimally. You can take a proactive approach and have experts service your locks to keep them functioning for longer.

Ernie’s Lock Co. provides high-quality lock and key services for residential and commercial properties in Maryland. Contact us today to connect with a professional locksmith.

What To Do When Your Keyless Lock Is Not Working

Keyless locks are revolutionizing residential and commercial security by eliminating the need for traditional keys. They offer convenience since users don’t need to keep up with conventional keys that may be easily stolen or misplaced. Keyless locks are battery-powered and allow access to properties using a passcode. Despite their many advantages, keyless locks can malfunction, causing frustration when you’re locked outside, which can disrupt your day. Explore the main reasons your smart lock is not working and how you can troubleshoot these issues to help you gain back access to your property.

Dead Batteries

As mentioned above, keyless locks are powered by batteries, and inevitably, dead batteries are among the most common causes of keyless locks malfunctioning. The batteries facilitate smart access by powering the electrical components of the locks. While keyless lock batteries typically last six to nine months, their life span depends on the model and usage. Knowing the recommended duration for changing your keyless lock batteries helps you schedule the change before you’re locked out.

When your smart lock batteries are low or dead, you may not be able to lock, unlock and monitor the system remotely. You can tell that your batteries are running low by looking out for some signs such as:

• Beeping or other unusual sounds.
• Faster or slow blinking of the LED lights often positioned at the front or the side of the lock.
• An app alert or notification indicating low battery.

Some keyless locks have alternative ways of unlocking them, like using a physical key. If you need to use the alternatives more often than usual, this might indicate that the battery is almost dead.

Keyless entry door lock troubleshooting for dead batteries involves replacing them. Most keyless locks use AA or AAA, which are affordable and readily available. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or user manual for the specific battery type and guidelines on accessing the battery compartment and replacing the batteries.

Test the keypad after the replacement to ensure your lock has regained its optimal functionality. Always keep spare batteries on hand to avoid future inconvenience. If you can, avoid mixing the types and brands of batteries you use with your lock and replace all batteries at the same time.

Keypad Malfunction

The keypad is an essential element of the keyless lock system that enables users to enter access codes, thereby providing or denying access. When it malfunctions, your keyless entry stops working because it becomes completely unresponsive or has parts that don’t accept your input. As a result, you may denied access despite having the correct codes.

Common culprits of keypad malfunctioning include internal electronic issues, environmental exposure or wear and tear. Some environmental conditions that may impair the correct functioning of your keyless lock system include extremely high or low temperatures and rapid weather changes. You can fix a malfunctioning keyless lock in the following ways:

• Check for signs of wear and damage: Cracks, loose buttons and irregularities on the surface may cause your keyless entry pad to stop working. When you notice any of these on the exterior surface, consult the manufacturer or a qualified locksmith for further inspection, repair or replacement.
• Clean the keypad: Cleaning the exterior of your keyless lock system prolongs its life span and prevents malfunctions caused by the build-up of dust, debris, oils and fingerprints from continual use. Use a soft, dry, damp cloth with a mild detergent to wipe the keypad, and avoid using aggressive chemicals or spraying water because they might damage the electrical components.
• Lubricate: Lubricate the lock system, especially handles and bolts, at least once a year to ensure proper functioning and protect the metallic components from rust.
• Reset the lock: This should be the last resort. Before you start, confirm with the manufacturer’s instructions or user manual if your keypad can be reset. Then, back up any essential information because resetting deletes all settings and user data. Resetting the lock can fix glitches or software issues that might be causing the malfunction. You can do it yourself or contact an experienced locksmith who’ll do it right.

Physical Obstructions

Physical obstructions on or inside your keyless lock system can result in functional issues, denying you access to your premises. Such obstructions often include dirt, debris and rust that accumulate on the latch, keypad or locking mechanism. These hinder the smooth operation of the lock by interfering with the proper engagement of the lock components.

Other times, foreign objects block the alternative keyway on the keyless locks, making it impossible to lock or unlock your property. When your keyless lock is jammed because of physical obstructions, you can try any of the following practices:

• Clean the keypad to remove any dirt, dust and other particles that may interfere with the lock mechanism.
• If the lock is not engaging properly, look for and fix any obstructions or misalignments limiting its functionality.
• If you can see foreign objects and debris in the keyways, clear them and lubricate the lock.
• Check for any loose screws, and tighten them to prevent the key from getting stuck.

Connectivity Issues

Connectivity issues on your keyless lock impair its ability to communicate with external devices or accept access codes. Sometimes, these issues are caused by environmental factors like long-term freezing temperatures or rapid temperature changes. Excess humidity and exposure to extreme conditions like storms may also compromise the connectivity of your keypad door locks. They result from wireless communication issues such as signal strength and transmission.

Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections to your smart lock may be affected by other electronic devices or environmental factors, interrupting the wireless signal transmission. Other times, the effective signal range may be between your lock and the connecting device, such as a smartphone app or other communication hub, causing unresponsiveness and intermittent communication.

You can fix connectivity issues on your smart lock in a few easy steps:

• Check that the lock and communicating devices or hubs are in close proximity.
• Check that the lock system appears on the control panel’s list of connected devices. If it doesn’t, disconnect and reconnect it.
• Reposition your keyless lock system to a place that allows optimal signal strength and reliability.
• Position the lock and associated devices away from other wireless networks and electronic appliances that may cause interference.
• Install keyless lock systems in areas that minimize exposure to extreme weather conditions.

If you’re unable to fix what you suspect are connectivity issues, contact the manufacturer’s customer support or seek technical assistance from a reliable locksmith.

Contact Ernie’s Lock Company for All Your Keyless Entry Needs

Ernie’s Lock Company is a licensed locksmith with over 60 years of experience in the business. We assist our commercial and residential customers with all their security-related needs to give them peace of mind. Our services include installing master key systems, access control solutions and reliable installation of safes and vaults.

Do you have a malfunctioning keyless electric lock system that keeps locking you out? Contact us today for a consultation and an accurate and transparent quote. In an emergency, you can count on us to get to you as fast as possible.

How Changes in Temperature Affect Locks

Many times, people consider the importance of locks when they’ve already stopped functioning the way they should. Often, one of the biggest perpetrators of lock problems is changing weather. Locks of all kinds can experience significant changes as the weather cools down or warms up, which can impact your security.

Vehicle locks, deadbolts, keypads and padlocks can face locking mechanism issues throughout the year, especially when extreme weather shows up. You might have difficulty opening the lock, the locking mechanism may fail or you may break your key during the turning process.

Hot Weather Changes

During the summer months, humidity and moisture can impact doors — even small changes can have a big impact on the function of your locks.

Swelling

Businesses and homeowners often experience jams during the hotter months, often on exterior doors. For example, if you have a wood or plastic door, the material may warp or swell, which can impact the connecting lock. Swelling impacts lock alignment because the geometry of the frame and door change while the lock tries to stay in place. Deadbolts may be especially challenging to open if the door frame swells because they can get stuck in one position. These locks become compressed in these circumstances, making it difficult to move the lock at all.

Sticking

Metal door locks can also face unique challenges in the summer. As the warm weather causes any lubricant to evaporate, the lock mechanism may get stuck as metal components expand. Although adding lubrication can reduce some lock issues, you won’t easily fix the problem if expansion occurs.

Cold Weather Changes

As temperatures begin to drop, you can also face some unpleasant lock issues.

Shrinking

For wood doors, the material may start to contract rather than swell. Although this process is the reverse of swelling, the outcome is the same — changes in the door and frame cause a lock misalignment. The results of this shrinking may also make it harder for the key to catch in the lock.

Freezing

An additional problem you could face involves the freezing point of any lube you use on your locks. Although lubrication can make it easier to turn your locks, it stops being effective once it reaches the freezing point. If the lubricant freezes, or if any excess water freezes in the lock, the ice can prevent components from moving. Attempting to continue trying the lock in this state could result in structural damage or cause your key to break in the lock.

Additionally, your key may stick in the lock, or you may not be able to insert it at all if there is a lot of frozen buildup. Learning how to prevent locks from freezing is crucial for avoiding these issues.

Changes for Different Types of Locks

Many locks function in similar ways, but some can face unique challenges in different temperatures. Keep reading to discover when specific locks may be more susceptible to issues.

Car Locks

Vehicle locks can become very sensitive in the winter months. When temperatures drop to freezing and below, moisture inside the lock and mechanism can freeze. This issue can prevent you from inserting your car key or using your remote door opener.

Padlocks

Common on garages, sheds and fences, padlocks face the biggest challenge when temperatures drop. You might notice your door locks sticking in the winter if any moisture enters them. The moisture in these locks can freeze, making them challenging or even impossible to open. Additionally, if you don’t use the space your padlock is protecting very often, it may face issues over time from a lack of preventative maintenance. For example, if you never lubricate the lock, the summer heat may cause additional problems for metal components, such as causing them to shrink or become brittle.

Keypads

As keypads and other keyless locks grow in popularity, it’s essential to understand their unique issues. Many commercial spaces use keyless locks, which can impact business operations if they stop functioning. These locks don’t face the same problems as other lock types. Instead, they face mechanical issues, push button jams and battery drain problems.

While most all-weather locks will function in any weather condition, they may face issues under extreme pressure. This type of pressure can lead to mechanical issues that may prevent the mechanism from working. Additionally, cold weather can affect keyless entry. Prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures can lead to shorter battery life spans. Typically, these batteries can last up to a year or longer in normal conditions, but a harsh winter can chop this timeline severely. If the battery dies and you don’t have a backup to get it running again, you might be stuck outside.

Deadbolts

When functioning normally, deadbolt lock mechanisms retract when you place and twist your keys inside. Alternatively, the mechanism extends when you lock it. As we mentioned above, you may notice difficulties in the summer months if your door warps or swells, causing a misalignment of the components that extend and retract the bolt.

Best Practices for Reducing Weather Impacts

Regardless of the type of locks you use, there are several tips you can keep in mind to ensure their longevity and your safety and convenience. Check out these best practices:

• Consider replacing plastic or wood doors with more durable and resistant options.
• Create and follow a routine maintenance schedule, such as adding lubrication.
• Keep your locks as dry as possible by using overhanging or protective coverings to keep snow and moisture out and prevent door swelling in the summer.
•  Warm your key with your hands before inserting it into a lock in the winter.
• Hire a reliable and professional locksmith when installing new locks or addressing a lock concern.

Choose Ernie’s Lock Company for Your Lock Needs

At Ernie’s Lock Company, we provide full-service locksmith services to Maryland and D.C. Metro residents and business owners. Our company has been offering professional service since 1960, giving us decades of experience in the industry. We can handle any job, big or small. Whether you need a lockout service for your car, business or home, or need a new lock installed, we’ve got you covered.

Our lockout services can help you whether you’ve lost your keys, your door lock is sticking, you need a repair or your lock experiences issues in extreme weather. We provide upfront and fair pricing along with friendly and quick service, so you can get back on schedule as conveniently as possible. If your door lock isn’t working, don’t worry! Contact us for any lock service you need. We’re happy to help!