To ensure long life and continuous smooth functioning locks that work to the full standards they were created for, TLC wouldn’t go amiss.  Locks need, just like most things. The better cared for locks, are the locks that live and work longer to their intended standard.

Securing your family home and belongings should be on the top of your ‘to do’ list, protecting your loved ones and possessions from criminals is essential. If you already have great security locks on your home, don’t forget to look after them. An old lock that’s not maintained may not work to the standards it was designed for, making it easier and more likely for a criminal to target.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your locks in working order.

Keeping your locks clean free of dust and dirt is one way and lubricating occasionally is another way to keep your locks working for years to come.  One Major problem with lubricating your locks is that most people don’t.  Once they have been installed, it’s almost like, ‘out of sight out of mind’.  Until your locks begin to fail, get sticky or become a nuisance.   Many people put up with the aggravation of a sticking door lock for years.  Ironically, by cleaning and lubricating them, you can fix most locks in a matter of minutes.  Fixing a few stubborn locks might involve disassembling, cleaning, and then reassembling the lock.

Powdered graphite is the recommended material for lubricating cylinder locks long term.  You can buy powdered graphite that comes in a little tube with a thin nozzle specially designed for squirting the graphite powder into the keyway.

You can also buy powdered graphite in an aerosol spray, a product made and designed specifically for lubricating locks.   Just stick the plastic nozzle in the keyway, press the squirt button and ‘abracadabra’.

It couldn’t be simpler.

A lot of people would use WD40 as a lubricant for their locks just as we do and have done many times. WD40 is a good lubricant for a while.  It gets the job done and does exactly what it says on the tin but we would advise not to use it long term.

The problem with WD40 is, it stays wet.  This will in time attract dirt and dust, and the consistency gets thicker with age.  If you think about it with grit, dust and a thick consistency, after time this is more than likely going to block your locks, slowly clog them causing them to fail.

WD40, yes use as a lubricant short term but to give your locks a long life we would definitely advice to go down the powdered graphite route for long term.