The Autumn months and darker nights are back here with us, so we should use the time to prep for the cold and wet days coming ahead. Locking systems work a lot smoother when they have been lubricated. Servicing a locking system is a very easy and common thing to do it just requires a small amount of lubricant spraying into the body of the lock itself and then the lock to be worked two or three times to allow the lubricant to spread round and work itself in.

Using a lubricant on a lock allows the lock to work its internal parts without any resistance or stickiness, in turn, making the locking experience much smoother. The other benefits of servicing locks are to prolong the life of the locking system and to keep the lock weather resistant. Don’t forget the door hinges!

What lubricant should I use?

Your Secure Locksmiths recommend either a liquid oil based spray with PTFE in such as 3 in 1 or WD40 (with PTFE) or a graphite powder.

If you have an old locking system on a UPVC door then a spray oil with PTFE is advised and if you have a wooden door with a lock in then graphite powder is advised as liquid based oil will soak into the wood.

How often should I service my lock?

Your Secure Locksmiths recommends servicing your locking systems every season change or 4x per year especially if you live near a costal town or seaside resort.

Servicing also applies to windows. UPVC windows are made up of 3 different hardware and locking parts:

• The Hinges
• The handle
• The Mechanism

Simply spray all the components with liquid PTFE based lubricant and operate 2 to 3 times to allow the lubricant to soak into the smaller restricted parts.

Your Secure Locksmiths can offer a service plan specifically for your property domestic or commercial. If your unsure how to service your UPVC door yourself simply give us a call and we will take care of the rest.

It is also a really good idea to service your manual car door lock often found behind a key cap on the newer models. Over 95% of cars have a manual override. The manual override will be required if your battery on the car or in the fob goes completely dead in which case your manual key blade will get you into the vehicle and from there you can pop the bonnet and jump start the car. Simply attach the long spray nozzle that comes with your can of oil place the tip into the keyhole and spray. Once the oils been sprayed inside of the lock simply pull out the nozzle insert the key and turn 2-3 times. Remove the key place back on the key cap if it has one and leave for 3 months and repeat.

Before servicing any parts still under warranty please seek manufactures or the installers terms and conditions so you don’t end up voiding your warranty.