Many of us don’t appreciate the fact that our locks work every day. Some of us don’t even think about regular maintenance on our home or office locks until they stop working. As soon as a lock stops working, it becomes a top priority to get a new lock installation or repair the current lock as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, these situations sometimes occur at the most inconvenient times. You might be trying to lock up the office at the end of a long day to go home. When you discover that the lock won’t work and you’ll be stuck at the office well past closing time. Having to wait for a locksmith is not something that you’ll generally want to do. Unfortunately, you’ll have no choice, as you can’t leave the building unsecure for the night.
Here are a few maintenance tips to help you keep your locks working properly. And to avoid having to wait for a locksmith for a lock repair or a new lock installation.
Lock Lubrication:
As soon as a lock starts showing signs of needing attention or maintenance, be proactive! If you notice that your key is getting hard to turn, or perhaps the key won’t slip properly into place, lubricate the cylinder.
Lock cylinders have many small pins and springs that need to move freely and smoothly in order for the lock to operate correctly. When the inside of the lock has lubrication, the components of the cylinder can move and function properly without any resistance.
Hinge Adjustments:
Every time a door opens or closes, the door hinges are moving. Over time, these hinges can start to sag and fail. In most cases, a little TLC can restore a door hinge to full functionality. Each hinge consists of 6-8 screws that can loosen over time. With the assistance of a screwdriver, tighten each screw on both the door side and frame side. The screws will allow the door to align properly with the strike. This will let the latch and bolt fall into the correct place. Improper alignment of the door can also be the reason why a door is difficult to open. Proper alignment can prevent a door from rubbing against the doorframe, which allows for easier use of the door.
Door-Closer Adjustments:
If your door has a door-closer, they are there to ensure the door closes properly. If you start to notice that your door is not closing properly, it might be as simple of a fix as adjusting the door-closer mechanism.
Door-closers usually consist of three main adjustments: swing speed, latch speed, and back check. However, not every closer will have a back check. The back check is the element that activates right before the door closes. Allowing the latch to fall into place. The important thing to remember with a back check is to test the adjustment. This will ensure that the door isn’t accidentally left open.
Swing speed and latch speed are adjustable to meet the needs of your environment. Windy areas recommend having the door close faster to prevent damage to the door. Interior doors can be adjusted to close slower. This allows individuals to walk through the door with little to no hindrance to the individual.
If your door needs more than a little TLC, consider hiring a professional locksmith that you know and trust. Artie’s Locksmith NYC has a team of professionals with the knowledge to repair or replace any type of lock. Contact us for your new lock installation today! Give us a call at 1-212-243-0381. We will be happy to provide you with professional advice or a quote for service.