5 Things You Should Never Do to Your Security Locks

Visualize yourself coming home after a day of work only to find that your front door is open. A shudder goes through your body when you realize that your security locks, the only thing that separates you from the outside world, are not working properly. Whether it is a jammed keyhole, a faulty locking mechanism, or a complete breakdown, a malfunctioning lock can change your safe place into an easy target.

But fear not! We at Alcatraz Locksmith are your trusted keeper for the door hardware kingdom. We know that securing your home is not just about having any type of lock, but about installing reliable Security Locks that operate without a hitch. Whether it’s a traditional key lock or a sophisticated keypad option, our wide selection of products will certainly meet your needs.

However, even the best security locks can be broken by time and lack of maintenance. Like any other machine, regular maintenance is a must. Are you aware that environmental conditions such as extreme humidity can result in rust forming on the cylinder of the lock and thus impede its smooth operation? Or that older security locks are more prone to damage, thus compromising your safety? This guide will provide you with the necessary information to help you steer clear of the usual mistakes and make sure your lock works perfectly.

1. Never Ignore Warning Signs

Security Locks are essential, as they serve as the first line of defense in home security. On the other hand, they are as prone to wearing and tearing as any mechanical device. The main pillar of the security policy is the early discovery of possible problems. In this part, let’s examine the most frequent signs that your locks may need to be fixed.

Deterioration in functionality

Has the key insertion or turning during normal operation of your Security Locks been challenging for you? Is it hard to open the door? Does it need more force than usual? These signs may signal the misalignment of the lock mechanism or its internal wear, which can lead to the compromise of security.

The sounds of strain

Rather than ignoring the noises from the door hinges, look into it. A constant squeaking sound with every door opening tells us that the door has been loosened or the screws have not been tightened well, thus increasing stress on the entire system. Recall that the hinges with faulty installation are an easy target for intruders who require only minimal force to get access to the building.

The missing link

Picture yourself getting back home and seeing the strike plate of your security locks—the critical part that connects to the bolt—doesn’t fit in the door frame as it used to. A loose strike plate is the weakest link in the whole door-locking system, and so with the right tools and sufficient determination, an intruder could quickly open the door.

Complete lock failure

The most evident evidence of a defective Security Lock is a failure. This may be in the form of a key that is stuck within the cylinder or a mechanical failure where the key will turn freely but not allow the door to be unlocked. In such situations, you have an insecure house. A security threat does not have to be a reality if you do not wait for it to come true!

The single point of entry

A security system based on a single lock which is likely to be outdated itself is not a wise approach. Think about setting a high-security lock deadbolt, which will allow for an extra layer of security. Redundancy is key. A failure of a lock and a bent key will not make you feel like a victim if you have a trustworthy reserve at your disposal.

Such disregard is likely to push the problem to its limits. A damaged lock is like an unlocked door, and the intruders can just walk into the room, maybe to cause financial losses, emotional distress, and a broken sense of security.

2. Never Skimp on Quality

Locks are not made equal. Saving a little money by getting a cheap lock is a false economy. Here’s why investing in high-quality locks is a security essential:

Strength in numbers

Low-quality locks usually have poor-quality materials and simple mechanisms, making them easier to attack with bumping or picking. Investing more in a high-end lock with an intricate internal structure adds to the time and effort an intruder needs to break in, and in some cases may prevent them from even trying.

Weathering the storm

Environmental conditions can ruin the lock’s performance. Extreme temperature, humidity, or coastal salt air will speed up the corrosion process and this will lead to rust and a breakdown of the locking mechanism. Top-notch locks, usually made of weatherproof materials and protective finishes, are more durable and will serve you longer, thus guaranteeing long-lasting performance.

Peace of mind for years to come

A quality lock, with proper maintenance, can give you secure protection for decades. This means less replacement costs and the comfort of knowing that your home is well shielded. In the case of cheap security locks, they are more likely to fail and the hassle and cost of frequent replacements becomes inevitable.

The lock doesn’t act alone

A Security lock is only as strong as the hardware that supports it. Doors with hinges made from poor-quality materials are very easy to compromise and even a top-quality lock may become useless. Investment in a robust security system which includes strong hinges and a secure strike plate creates a double-layer defense.

Although the initial cost of a high-grade lock may seem higher, it is a wise purchase in the long term. It guarantees your house safety, eliminates frequent replacement, and gives you priceless peace of mind.

3. Never DIY Everything

Who doesn’t love a good do-it-yourself (DIY) project? However, sometimes it is advisable to let the experts handle the security of your home. Here’s why consulting a qualified locksmith can be the smarter, safer choice:

Expertise you can trust

Locksmiths have an abundance of knowledge and experience in all matters relating to security locks. They will diagnose the problems, recommend the most suitable ones for your specific needs, and ensure proper installation for the best performance. Trying to fix complicated things on your own could result in additional damage, and the lock might become completely inoperable.

The right tools for the job

For modern security locks, a lot of special tools and techniques are needed to repair or replace them. A specialist locksmith is armed with the right tools to take care of any locking system problem. The use of the wrong tools to unravel a knot can not only aggravate the problem but also be dangerous.

Go beyond basic maintenance

Although some simple maintenance such as cleaning and lubrication can be done on your own, more complicated cases should be left to professionals. This may involve rekeying the security locks in case of a lost key incident, installing high-security deadbolts, or dealing with advanced electronic keypad systems.

Time is of the essence

Picture yourself being outside your house when the lock fails (maybe with a number two in the bank). In such cases, time is the key factor. A dependable locksmith guarantees emergency services and quick responses to have you back in your home safe and secure. Fumbling with a complicated lock system by yourself under pressure may result in stress and wasted time.

Proactive prevention

Locksmiths are not only for emergencies. They can do a complete security assessment of your home as well and they can pinpoint the weak points and suggest preventive measures to strengthen your security standing. Being proactive can be the difference between having future problems and living in a comfortable environment.

Don’t forget that your home is your haven. Do not experiment with DIY projects that could put the safety of the network at risk.

4. Never Forget About Environmental Conditions

Even the strongest lock goes through a never-ending war with the surroundings. Despite our efforts to keep the interior environment nice and pleasant, we might not be aware of the fact that the same conditions could affect our door locks. Here’s how weather can become a subtle security threat:

Moisture and corrosion

The excess humidity can increase the rate at which rust develops on the lock cylinder and other parts, this will make the mechanism work improperly and might lead to key binding. A broken security lock not only is not convenient in use but also can be very dangerous for your safety. This includes carrying out regular inspections and proper lubrication with a moisture-repellent product as the key preventive measures.

Thermal expansion and contraction

Continuous sunlight exposure may weaken or completely crack locks made of plastic parts. Adding on, intense heat can result in the metal parts expanding and contracting which may cause misalignment of its locking mechanism. It can be hard to do these operations due to key-in or key-turn interfering with the functionality. You can also include a storm door and/or an awning to protect your entryway from sunlight, and make sure that your locks don’t wear out quickly.

Coastal considerations

For the residents of the coastal areas, the salty spray is one of the biggest dangers. Corrosion of salt is directly linked to increasing speed of oxidization and hence mechanical wear and tear of locking systems. Furthermore, purchasing security locks particularly made for coastal areas or using weatherproof finishing can also add an extra layer of safety.

The domino effect on door hardware

Also, it is worth noting that the security lock is as strong as its supporting staff. Trouble with door hinges that are in direct exposure to the elements can make them loose or misaligned, which may lead to the whole locking system being weakened. A weak hinge can make the door move slightly out of alignment with its frame, which in turn results in a slight opening between the two for an intruder to slip a screwdriver and open the door with only a little force added. The most important part of hinges maintenance is to tighten screws if loose and use lubricant at the same time. Maintenance is necessary for 100% security.

5. Never Forget Your Spare Key

We’ve all experienced that heart-stopping moment: the frustration that comes with fumbling through your bag for your keys, only to realize they’re not there. If the key is lost it could become a trouble, especially when it’s the only one you have. Here’s why having a spare key is a security essential:

Lost and found (not found)

Life happens. Keys can get lost, dropped down the drain, or just disappear into the infinite void of our expanding bag contents. Having a parking spot close to your property assures you that you won’t get stranded outside your home in the middle of the night.

Sharing the responsibility

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the peace of mind that someone else can grant you access to your home in an emergency? Give a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor a spare key. Just make sure it is someone that you can trust and that you clearly explain the instances when the door opens.

The front door shouldn’t be your only access

Don’t confine extra keys solely to the main entrance. It would be convenient to have a copy for sheds, garages, or any other outdoor structures you access regularly. This saves you from the necessity of looking for the key holder every single time you need to get your tools or gardening equipment.

High-tech help

For those who opt for a more digital approach, some smart security locks enable you to create temporary access codes for trusted people. This removes the need for physical keys and makes it possible to administer access to your home in a more granular way.

The importance of safekeeping

Having a spare key is advantageous, but only if the key is stored in a safe place. This is an open invitation for thieves to come in and do whatever they want. Consider installing a lockbox outside your house or keeping a spare key with a trusted person in case of emergencies.

A spare key is a valuable insurance policy against lockouts and lost keys. You have to take good care of it.

Keep Your Home Secure

We have mentioned five ways to keep your home secure, and if you apply those methods, you can transform the security locks from a potential weak point into a strong line of defense. Remember that you should purchase high-quality hardware, carry out preventive maintenance, and seek professional help from Alcatraz Locksmith when it is needed to ensure your home security.

Book your free consultation with our professional locksmith team right now! We will perform a thorough security assessment and recommend measures to keep your home a place where you and your loved ones can feel completely safe. Make Alcatraz Locksmith your ally in safeguarding your tranquility. Contact us today!