3 Issues That Affect Older Locks and Doors
by Lily Dixon
The hardware used in the construction of older locks and doors is not as advanced as that used in modern doors and it has often seen a lot of wear and tear over the years. This post explains some of the most common problems with older locks, what you can do to address them and where you're going to need professional help. Read on to discover more!
The mechanism seizes up
Older locks need to be properly lubricated from time to time; this is something that a lot of people don't know how to do, and even locksmiths don't always bother with lubrication checks anymore. When the lock doesn't get enough lubrication over a period of time it will become more and more difficult for the mechanism inside the lock to work, making it stiffer and more prone to failure. A great way to solve this problem is by cleaning off any solidified grease or old oil with a wiping agent or WD40, giving it a rub down with some fine steel wool then giving it a light coating of new oil. This will restore the normal smooth feel that it used to have.
The metal exterior starts to rust
If the metal exterior of the lock is left exposed to the elements for a long period of time, it can lead to rusting that in turn corrodes the mechanism inside. This leaves a hole in your lock that can only be fixed by replacing it completely. This is more likely to happen on external locks where they are not treated to protect them from bad weather. Again, you could try spraying the exterior of the lock with WD40. Doing so will help to keep the rust at bay. However, if the rust and corrosion have reached an advanced stage, you may need to call in a locksmith to have the entire lock replaced.
The door handle cannot be opened or closed
A lot of older doors have cheap handles installed on them. These will often get stiff and hard to operate with wear and tear. If your door handle is starting to stick, you should contact a locksmith so they can assess the cause of the issue before repairing or replacing the unit.
If you would like further advice or info about how a locksmith can help you to repair or maintain older locks and doors, reach out and make contact today.
To learn more, talk to a local locksmith.
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I just thought my front door lock had to be strong. I didn’t know it could be smart. My old lock became so secure that it just plain fused into the locked position. Secure, but not convenient. When I knew I had to upgrade (unless I permanently wanted to use the back door), I was surprised to learn just how many different kinds of smart locks are on the market, and how they’re not as expensive as I thought. The locksmith quickly installed a new lock, one that allowed me to open it with my smartphone and even had a video intercom (fantastic for when I want to pretend I’m not at home). But there are so many different types of smart locks, with many different capabilities, so it was great to find all the information compiled on a single website so I could make an informed decision.
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