Ever since the invention of locks people have been able to keep what’s important to them away from thieves. Although any lock can be destroyed or drilled through in order to break into the house, the true role of locks is to make the intruders spend a lot of time trying to get into your property which gives the homeowner enough time to respond and call the police. Having a high security lock will be the difference between a thief getting inside your house or running away in panic when they can’t get through the door. You need to make sure you have properly functioning locks because your safety and safety of your property should not be put to risk. Even though locks can last many years you should still check on them on a regular basis to make sure there is no unseen damage inside the lock cylinder, a rust build up, or any loose screws.

Keys getting stuck in the lock?

First sign of a damaged lock is when your key starts to get stuck inside the lock cylinder when you are trying to lock or unlock the door. If the lock is properly working the key should be going in and out of the key hole very smoothly without it getting stuck or hard to turn. You should take this seriously because you house lock most likely has a misplaced pin which needs to be put back in place or replaced with a new pin. Fixing the damage inside the lock cylinder is much easier and cheaper to do compared to having to get a brand new lock. If you are experiencing any difficulty opening the lock then you should consider reaching out to a locksmith for a repair service.

Lock looks rusty?

Another sign of a damaged lock is when you see a rust build up on the lock. Rust is the oxidation of iron or steel, especially is the lock is left moist. Iron that’s rusty can easily break so you should do regular checks to see if there is any rust on the lock or the door latches. It’s a good idea to dry any moisture on the locks and latches after rainy days to stop rusting from occurring in the first place. Doing a couple minutes of work could save you more time and money in the future!

Are the lock screws loose?

Every lock has screws that holds it in place which goes from the lock into the door. Over time the screws may become loose, especially since most doors are made out of wood. If someone is pulling down on the lock or leans on it then it will make the screws loosen up even faster. When you are closing or opening the door and the door handle is shaky then it’s a sign of a bad screw that either needs to be tighten up or replaced. Make sure to tighten any loose screws as soon as you notice it, otherwise your lock will just come off if the intruder simply pulls on it with some force.

These are some of the general check ups you should be doing on all your locks in the house, especially the main entrance and back door locks. Checking once a month is sufficient enough to keep your locks in good shape. Spending a few minutes of months will give you peace of mind and keep you and your house protected against intruders.