Lock Maintenance - What You Need to Know

We rely on locks for security so its vitally important to look after them. In our latest post we provide the guidance you need to get the longest life from all your locks.

The wide variety and number of locks we all rely on to keep our homes, property and workplaces safe and secure can be bewildering. From door locks and window locks to garage defender locks, motorcycle disc locks, container locks, bicycle locks and a wide variety of padlocks, locks are truly ubiquitous.

We need reliable locks to keep ourselves, our families and our properties safe and secure. Locks that are left unlocked, or aren’t working as they should, present a significant security risk. Criminals are always on the lookout for easy opportunities to breach security and steal valuables they can quickly sell-on. Reliable, well-maintained locks provide primary defence against unwanted intruders, thieves and miscreants.

Lock Maintenance is Essential

Crime statistics demonstrate how doors and windows are the most common routes through which burglars gain access to domestic and other properties. Sadly, many people simply fail to securely lock their doors and windows, making it easy for criminals to break in. This is why its vitally important to ensure high quality locks are installed on all entrance doors and windows, the locks are well maintained and they are routinely locked.

Its also important to never overlook the locks used to secure outbuildings including garages, sheds and beach huts. These often include various padlocks, along with hasps and staples. It is crucially important that these essential security devices are entirely reliable, even under extreme outdoor conditions.

Then there are a wide variety of locks commonly used to secure specific valuables such as disc locks for motorbikes, container locks and a wide variety of bike locks. These lock types are often subjected to the same corroding outdoor weather conditions along with frequent usage and wear.

High quality weatherproof locks can be very good at withstanding the effects of our often wet and cold UK climate but all locks benefit from regular inspection and maintenance. Its very easy to forget about locks, once installed. But its important to remember the vital role these devices play and take some simple maintenance steps to get the best performance from them.

Inspect Your Locks and Keys

Locks of all types are subject to wear and tear, along with their keys. It therefore makes sense to regularly inspect your locks to look for signs of damage or corrosion. Keys, in particular, can become very worn, especially when frequently used. Keys can also become bent or damaged, which can then cause even more problems when a key gets jammed in a lock.

Damaged and worn keys should always be replaced immediately to avoid the risk of further problems. And if a lock is showing signs of corrosion or wear it may be necessary to get a replacement. But there are some simple ways to get the most from your locks and prolong their useful lifetimes.

Lock Lubrication is Important

Corrosion in locks is generally caused by moisture. This might be due to outdoor use, where the lock is exposed to the elements, or it might be caused by humidity or even steam, for example in kitchen environments. When moisture penetrates a lock mechanism it can also freeze in low temperature conditions, causing internal damage as well as preventing reliable operation. Regular lock lubrication provides a water barrier that helps protect locks from the corrosive effects of moisture.

Another important reason to lubricate locks is the same reason vehicle engines need lubrication - they rely on mechanical, moving parts. The metal components inside all locks need to be adequately lubricated in order to work as they should. Without lubrication the friction between these internal lock elements is greater and this inevitably causes increased wear. Metal can be worn away from internal lock components and cause a build up of particles inside the lock, which may eventually cause the lock to jam. Effectively lubricating locks enables the internal moving parts to move freely with minimal friction and helps make the lock easy to use.

Choosing the Best Lock Lubricant

Luckily, lock lubrication is both easy and cheap. A low cost can of GT85 Lock Cleaning and Lubricating spray is all you need. This PTFE based lock lubricant will dispel moisture, provide a reliable moisture barrier and enable mechanical lock components to move freely. The spray is easily directed into a lock using the spray nozzle attachment, allowing the lock to be both cleaned and lubricated with minimal effort.

Graphite powder is another form of lock lubricant that’s sometimes used. Unlike the PTFE based spray, graphite powder is a dry lubricant that therefore doesn’t allow dust and particles to stick. But if overused the graphite powder can build up. And if a liquid, PTFE lubricant is used in conjunction with graphite powder the two can combine to form a putty-like crud that prevents reliable lock operation.

WD-40 is another form of spray that’s often used to keep locks working. But WD-40 is a water dispersing solvent and not really a lubricant. As such, its very useful for cleaning corrosion and dirt from a lock but doesn’t leave the lock adequately lubricated.

White lithium grease is another substance sometimes used to protect locks. This material is commonly used in automotive applications to provide protection against corrosion and lubricate hinges, gears and sprockets. While it can be applied to metal parts it should never be used where it will come into contact with plastic or rubber as it can speed up decay. White lithium grease is most effective in protecting outdoor latches, hasps, hinges and all-metal padlocks that are subject to corrosive outdoor conditions. It is highly water repellant and will stick to metal parts, providing a strong moisture dispersing barrier, but it can attract dust and dirt.

Keep Your Locks Clean

Lock cleanliness is a key aspect of lock maintenance, especially for locks that are used outdoors or in conditions where they are exposed to dirt, dust and debris. The need for cleaning and subsequent lubrication is why its important to routinely inspect your locks, especially those used in harsh environments or used frequently.

When regularly maintained, lock cleaning is generally not problematic. In most cases, grease and accumulated grime can be wiped away using a moistened cloth. Sometimes it can be beneficial to use soap, but only a very mild, diluted detergent should be used. If the lock has acquired some grime or salty residue build-up it may be necessary to use WD-40 solvent. This should be directed into the lock mechanism and then insert and remove the key several times, wiping clean each time the key is removed. Once you see the key is always clean upon removal, let the WD-40 in the lock entirely dry out (this can take a day or two) before applying some reliable lock lubricant.

Padlock Problems and How to to Fix Them

Regular maintenance, cleaning and lubrication will avoid most padlock problems. But they can still occur. Here are some of the most common padlock issues and what you can do to overcome them.

Key Can’t Be Inserted into Padlock

If a key, that has previously worked successfully with a padlock, can no longer be inserted the most likely cause is an obstruction, or the key has been damaged. Inspect the key to make certain it hasn`t been bent and never attempt to force a key into a blocked keyway.

The obstruction may be due to a build up of grime or salt accumulation, if the lock is used in salty, marine environments. But the obstruction might also be caused by debris left behind by someone who tried to open the padlock using a screwdriver or piece of wire. The obstruction can also be caused by faulty internal pins inside the padlock.

The obstruction obviously needs to be removed. Start by thoroughly inspecting the keyhole by shining a bright light into it. You may be able to see exactly what’s in the way. Gently tapping the padlock can sometimes dislodge whatever is causing the blockage. Needle-nose pliers or a pair of tweezers can be used to pull out whatever is blocking the keyway. A build up of dust, dirt and grime can be effectively cleaned away using WD-40 and following our lock cleaning tips.

If a newly cut key can’t be inserted into a padlock then its likely that the new key has been badly cut and will need to be modified by the locksmith who provided it.

Key Broken Off in the Padlock

Its important to never force a key to rotate inside a stiff padlock. Doing this risks breaking off the key shaft inside the padlock keyway.

If this has occurred, lubricate the lock and let the lubricant penetrate. Then use a pair of needle nose pliers or fine tweezers to grasp the broken key shaft and pull it out. It is important to make certain the keyway is perfectly vertical and not partially rotated as this will prevent the key part from being extracted. Sometimes, tapping the lock cylinder, while pointing the keyhole downwards, can move the broken key shaft enough to allow it to be firmly gripped and pulled out with needle-nose pliers.

There are some useful broken key extractor kits on the market today, often used by professional locksmiths. These are particularly beneficial if no part of the key shaft can be reached using tweezers or pliers. The kits often contain a variety of hooks and tools suitable for a variety of locks types.

Padlock is Heavily Corroded

Non-weatherproof padlocks that aren’t suitable for outdoor use can become very corroded, especially when used in harsh, seaside conditions. You should never attempt to force a key into a corroded padlock.

Start by cleaning off any external rust, corrosion, salt build up or grime. Make certain the keyway is clear, spray WD-40 solvent into the lock and leave this to penetrate for a short while. Then gently try to insert the key. If the key goes in OK, remove and reinsert several times, cleaning any rust or grime from the key each time. When the key is no longer grimy on extraction, gently try to rotate the key to open the padlock.

If this doesn’t work or the key will not rotate, try another squirt of WD-40 and leave for a more prolonged period. The lock might be gently tapped with a hammer to dislodge any internal rust build up.

Key Turns but Padlock Doesn’t Unlock

If a padlock key can be inserted and turns but the lock shackle fails to open there can be a number of padlock issues.

The first thing to consider is the key itself. A worn key might turn in the lock but doesn’t correctly interact with the lock mechanism. If this is the case, try using a spare, unworn key.

The lock cylinder may be faulty or need cleaning and lubrication. Following our previous lock cleaning and lubrication guidance might be enough to free up the mechanism.

If the padlock internal components have failed the mechanical connection between the keyway and the shackle locking mechanism may not work. This can potentially be repaired by a professional locksmith.

Padlock is Frozen

Outdoor padlocks and others that are used in low temperature environments (e.g. ice skating rinks and deep freezes) will often freeze up. Sometimes this will even prevent the key from being inserted into the padlock.

The solution to this problem is to either warm up the padlock or use some form of antifreeze to defrost it. A frozen lock can be safely warmed up using a hand warming device or even simply by holding the lock in warm hands. Alternatively, a lighter or steam from a hot drink can be very effective.

Isopropyl alcohol or hand sanitiser are very good anti freeze solutions. But its important to never apply a naked flame to the lock after having doused it in flammable liquid!

For more information on Lock Maintenance - What You Need to Know talk to Insight Security