Proper Maintenance For Your Commercial Lock
The lock on the door of your commercial property acts as the first line of defense against unlawful entry. A locked door can be enough to deter would-be criminals and keep your employees safe.
Locks are mechanisms made of many moving parts. If any of these parts fail, the lock could become compromised. Regular maintenance is needed to ensure your commercial lock will be able to provide your business with the security it needs over time.
Lubricate the Lock
The best thing you can do for your commercial lock is make sure that the moving mechanisms are kept lubricated at all times.
Dirt and debris can find their way into your lock opening from the outside environment. This dirt and debris can become lodged within moving mechanisms, rendering your lock useless. Lubricating your lock often ensures that it will remain clean and functional well into the future.
Tighten the Screws
Your commercial lock is held in place via a series of screws. These screws should eliminate any movement that might occur when the lock is in use. If you notice that there is some wiggle in your lock when turning the key, it's time to tighten the screws.
Loose screws could cause damage to the lock itself, and they could also injure the individual using the lock. You should regularly inspect your lock for signs of screw damage and tighten or replace any hardware that is no longer functional.
Replace Worn Keys
The quality of the keys that you are using to engage your lock could have a direct effect on the performance of your lock over time. Keys can become worn, and a worn key no longer fits your lock properly. An ill-fitting key could damage the pins and tumblers in a lock and render the lock unusable.
You should have an experienced locksmith create several copies of your key from the original when a new lock is installed. You can replace the original key with a spare when signs of wear appear to protect the integrity of your lock.
De-ice the Lock
Cold temperatures can take a toll on the functionality of commercial locks. The moving mechanism within the lock can freeze up when outdoor temperatures drop too low.
Forcing a key into a frozen lock and trying to get the lock to turn could cause irreparable damage. Keep a tube of de-icer available to address frozen locks during winter months.
Contact a commercial locksmith for more help.