The locks on your home's doors are among the most important security devices that you can own. However, it can be easy to take a lock for granted until it starts to experience performance-compromising issues. While it can be possible to help limit the risk of these issues arising with proper maintenance, there are many people that are not aware of the various tasks that will need to be done. To this end, the following three tips can help you to keep your locks in the best condition possible.

Check The Door's Alignment

In order for your lock to work, it is necessary for the door to be as perfectly aligned with the frame as possible. If the door comes out of alignment, it can make it impossible to lock the door because the locking mechanism may not be able to fully extend. Often, alignment issues with a door can easily be corrected by tightening the hinges. The hinges hold the door in place and allow it to swing back and forth. However, this movement can cause the screws that hold the door in place to start to loosen. By tightening these screws, you may be able to make sure that your door is aligned well enough for the lock to function correctly.

Tighten The Screws To The Faceplate

In addition to checking the screws on your door's hinges, you will also want to make sure that the faceplate to the lock is securely screwed into the door. This faceplate helps to guide the locking mechanism into place, but if it comes loose, it can cause the lock to come out of alignment. By tightening these screws, you can help to ensure that the lock is securely guided into the proper position.

Look For Signs Of Corrosion

Your locks will be subject to routine weathering, and this can cause corrosion to start to develop. Sadly, corrosion can cause numerous problems for our lock because it can make the internal components brittle and difficult to move. By regularly inspecting the lock for signs of corrosion, you may be able to have minor rust addressed before it can cause serious problems. When you notice rust forming, you should gently sand it away before applying a metal sealant over the exposed portion of the lock. If you find corrosion forming on the interior of the keyhole, you may need to contact a locksmith service because the lock may need to be disabled to remove the corrosion.

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