The locks and keys in your home are quite a basic mechanism, but they are incredibly important. They keep your home and your belongings safe and secure, giving you peace of mind when you go out or go to sleep at night. You use them on a daily basis, but have you ever thought about how you can make your locks and keys last longer?
Mechanical locks do need to be taken care of in order to prevent wear and tear. Here are some tips that will help you to take good care of your locks and keys and ensure that they last for the long term.
1. Check the Position of the Door
Make sure that your door isn’t hanging down due to the weight of the door pulling on the hinges. This will dislocate the door from the correct position where the bolt and the hole interlock, which can cause damage to the lock over time. If you feel a grind or a rubbing as you turn the key from the latch or bolt, this is a tell-tale sign that you have this problem. Filing out the strike will ease this problem.
2. Keep Your Keys Clean
If you are unlocking your door with a dirty, grimy key, then that dirt and debris will find itself inside the mechanism of the lock. Over time, this will jam up the small and complex locking mechanism and cause damage to the inside of the lock. Give your key a wipe down on a regular basis to keep it clean and avoid keeping it at the bottom of a purse or bag where it will gather dirt and grime.
3. Don’t Force the Lock
If, for some reason, you have put the key into the lock and it isn’t turning – do not try to push too hard and physically force the key to turn. This will bend the metal of the lock and make the key likely to break. Also, the bent key will not work as well next time, making the problem worse.
When your lock isn’t working you can try it gently, but rather than forcing the lock to turn and potentially causing problems, it is best to call a locksmith.
4. Clean the Inside of the Lock
When a lot of dirt, dust and debris builds up inside the lock it can cause a lot of issues, making the lock much more difficult to operate. You can use compressed air to blow through the keyhole of a lock, or you can open up the cover plate in order to expose the inner workings and use a soft brush to clean them out.
Avoid using oil based liquid lubricant when you do this as it can mix with the dust and create a gritty paste that will wear out the moving parts of the lock. Instead, it is better to use a dry lubricant that will prevent corrosion of the lock. INOX is a good option to use in this situation and powdered Graphite if the lock is dry but don’t mix the two together.
5. Watch Out for Extreme Weather
One of the common causes of lock issues is extreme temperatures, which can cause the metal of the lock mechanism and the key to expand or contract. In Perth, you are unlikely to have issues with extreme cold, but very hot temperatures can certainly be an issue. The warm temperature can cause the door frame and the metal of the lock and key to expand slightly, which can cause the lock to become “stuck” in a position and be very difficult to turn.
In order to avoid this issue you can take the time to lubricate your locks as often as possible, which will make them easier to turn even as the temperature changes. Also, make sure that the lock is well fitted to the door frame, which will reduce your chances of experiences issues with changing weather.
Lock, Stock & Farrell are your one stop shop for locks and keys in Perth. Alongside providing onsite and mobile locksmith services we also have a great range of products in-store from domestic and commercial locks to safes and padlocks. Stop by our store in Cannington today!
Our sliding security screen door’s lock gave up. After driving around and not wanting to go to Bunnings as no customer service exists there we found LS&F online and visited them. Not only did we get what we wanted , their sales person was extremely helpful and even explained how to get the lock installed. Will be recommending them to anyone who wants their locks changed.
Honesty professional service as always .. I used these guys in a professional capacity years ago and now dealt with Taylor over the phone and in store .. His knowledge and options saved me…All whilst I waited.. compared to 5 other calls I made this was the best service… his experience won me over….Don’t bother going else where it’s was well worth the drive over the other side of Perth.
Excellent service! I contacted very late in the evening and you were very obliging to come help us even leaving your family dinner! Very thankful and will definitely be in contact if I ever need you again.
I received outstanding service from the first phone call to this company who arranged for the locksmith Sam to attend my home. Sam was amazing and provided prompt and efficient service and I would highly recommend them. A1 Customer service!
I called them at 9am to get standard mail box keys cut, after being turned away from 3 other locksmiths. I picked them up at 9.58am. Amazing. Thank you
Helped us in a real pickle when we locked ourselves out of the house. Reasonably priced, friendly service, didn't take too long to come out and great job done. Highly recommend!
I would like to thank Sam for coming out & fixing our security door & also cutting keys he was very efficient also very nice would highly recommend this company.
Needed a new set of keys for a toolbox I bought second hand that didn’t come with any. These guys knew exactly what to do and had a new set of keys cut in half an hour at a good price. Would highly recommend.
I have used Lock Stock & Farrell Locksmiths twice in the last 4 weeks. Once for one of our work vehicles and the second for a lost motorcycle key. On both occasions Fergal solved the issue quickly and at a reasonable cost with no issues with either repair.Very happy with the fast, friendly and well priced service, will definitely use these guys next time.Roger Cargill.
I would be very happy to recommend Lock Stock and Farrell to anyone. Yesterday I had some work done and I was very appreciative that I was contacted to say they were on their way. Sam was friendly, courteous, helpful, and efficient. So nice to experience someone like this working in your home.💐
Outstanding Service......both times for new car remote and new garage remote I received outstanding service, thorough product knowledge and quality product. These guys are great to deal with. Highly recommend this store!
The guys have done a brilliant job. Re-keyed every door and also replaced missing window locks. All staff I've dealt with have been brilliant throughout, pleasent and professional whilst doing an excellent job.We had a small issue with some screws and they sent out two guys to get it sorted free of charge!Highly recommend Lock, Stock & Farrell.
Service was fantastic, price was affordable and they came out within an hour of me calling them to unlock my car door when the central locking jammed.. will be recommending these guys.
My Gainsborough Trilock assembly was sticking, and I pulled it apart but couldn't work out how to remove the cylinder/bolt assembly to check inside. Then I watched the LS&F YouTube video on replacing the latch spring, and everything was clear: problem solved with a bit of lubricant on the cylinder's internal mechanism. The video was a masterclass in clarity and ease of understanding. So, well done to LS&F, even though they did themselves out of a service call. But I know who I'll be calling if something more serious goes wrong in the future.
Really happy with the service - rationalised the multiple different keys for our unit, repaired 2 locks and changed the lock for our meter box. Guy who gave my quote and Sam who did the work both really helpful and patient.Many thanks.
Very impressed with this company!Good service from administration lady and excellent service from the young male locksmith. He had impeccable manners and was very friendly.Great price too! I was impressed wiith the professional attitude of the staff members I dealt with.Will use them again.Alison
I was extremely happy with the job I had done for me to rekey my locks. LS&F were able to book me in on the day that I wanted, and the locksmith was on time, polite, friendly, did great work and was nice to my dog.
I popped in to have a lock re-keyed to match my existing locks. Excellent service, did only what I needed done, and fair value. Will definitely recommend.
What a great service. I locked my keys in the boot after christmas shopping and LS&F came to save the day very quickly and with a huge smile. I couldnt recommend these guys more. Thank you so much.
Very professional service. Jason was well trained as a locksmith. His customer service was outstanding. The whole experience was fantastic. Thank you LSF.
Sam was highly professional, with excellent communication skills and took great pride in his work. Excellent work. Will definitely use them again. Highly recommended.
Highly recommend. Sam was able to remove a broken key in my Land Rover ignition barrel....phew!!!... he cut additional car keys and also gave me great advice on outdoor lock systems. Thanks so much.
I went here to get my car key fixed, within 15 minutes I was out the door with my new key. Great pricing and great workers. Overall a good experience. I was recommended here by someone and definitely will be back.
LS&F helped me with keyed alike barrels of different lengths to cut down the number of keys needed for my campervan. I now also have spares! Very pleased with their quick, efficient and knowledgeable service.
Our sliding security screen door’s lock gave up. After driving around and not wanting to go to Bunnings as no customer service exists there we found LS&F online and visited them. Not only did we get what we wanted , their sales person was extremely helpful and even explained how to get the lock installed. Will be recommending them to anyone who wants their locks changed.
Honesty professional service as always .. I used these guys in a professional capacity years ago and now dealt with Taylor over the phone and in store .. His knowledge and options saved me…All whilst I waited.. compared to 5 other calls I made this was the best service… his experience won me over….Don’t bother going else where it’s was well worth the drive over the other side of Perth.
Excellent service! I contacted very late in the evening and you were very obliging to come help us even leaving your family dinner! Very thankful and will definitely be in contact if I ever need you again.
I received outstanding service from the first phone call to this company who arranged for the locksmith Sam to attend my home. Sam was amazing and provided prompt and efficient service and I would highly recommend them. A1 Customer service!
I called them at 9am to get standard mail box keys cut, after being turned away from 3 other locksmiths. I picked them up at 9.58am. Amazing. Thank you
Helped us in a real pickle when we locked ourselves out of the house. Reasonably priced, friendly service, didn't take too long to come out and great job done. Highly recommend!
I would like to thank Sam for coming out & fixing our security door & also cutting keys he was very efficient also very nice would highly recommend this company.
Needed a new set of keys for a toolbox I bought second hand that didn’t come with any. These guys knew exactly what to do and had a new set of keys cut in half an hour at a good price. Would highly recommend.
I have used Lock Stock & Farrell Locksmiths twice in the last 4 weeks. Once for one of our work vehicles and the second for a lost motorcycle key. On both occasions Fergal solved the issue quickly and at a reasonable cost with no issues with either repair.Very happy with the fast, friendly and well priced service, will definitely use these guys next time.Roger Cargill.
I would be very happy to recommend Lock Stock and Farrell to anyone. Yesterday I had some work done and I was very appreciative that I was contacted to say they were on their way. Sam was friendly, courteous, helpful, and efficient. So nice to experience someone like this working in your home.💐
Outstanding Service......both times for new car remote and new garage remote I received outstanding service, thorough product knowledge and quality product. These guys are great to deal with. Highly recommend this store!
The guys have done a brilliant job. Re-keyed every door and also replaced missing window locks. All staff I've dealt with have been brilliant throughout, pleasent and professional whilst doing an excellent job.We had a small issue with some screws and they sent out two guys to get it sorted free of charge!Highly recommend Lock, Stock & Farrell.
Service was fantastic, price was affordable and they came out within an hour of me calling them to unlock my car door when the central locking jammed.. will be recommending these guys.
My Gainsborough Trilock assembly was sticking, and I pulled it apart but couldn't work out how to remove the cylinder/bolt assembly to check inside. Then I watched the LS&F YouTube video on replacing the latch spring, and everything was clear: problem solved with a bit of lubricant on the cylinder's internal mechanism. The video was a masterclass in clarity and ease of understanding. So, well done to LS&F, even though they did themselves out of a service call. But I know who I'll be calling if something more serious goes wrong in the future.
Really happy with the service - rationalised the multiple different keys for our unit, repaired 2 locks and changed the lock for our meter box. Guy who gave my quote and Sam who did the work both really helpful and patient.Many thanks.
Very impressed with this company!Good service from administration lady and excellent service from the young male locksmith. He had impeccable manners and was very friendly.Great price too! I was impressed wiith the professional attitude of the staff members I dealt with.Will use them again.Alison
I was extremely happy with the job I had done for me to rekey my locks. LS&F were able to book me in on the day that I wanted, and the locksmith was on time, polite, friendly, did great work and was nice to my dog.
I popped in to have a lock re-keyed to match my existing locks. Excellent service, did only what I needed done, and fair value. Will definitely recommend.
What a great service. I locked my keys in the boot after christmas shopping and LS&F came to save the day very quickly and with a huge smile. I couldnt recommend these guys more. Thank you so much.
Very professional service. Jason was well trained as a locksmith. His customer service was outstanding. The whole experience was fantastic. Thank you LSF.
Sam was highly professional, with excellent communication skills and took great pride in his work. Excellent work. Will definitely use them again. Highly recommended.
Highly recommend. Sam was able to remove a broken key in my Land Rover ignition barrel....phew!!!... he cut additional car keys and also gave me great advice on outdoor lock systems. Thanks so much.
I went here to get my car key fixed, within 15 minutes I was out the door with my new key. Great pricing and great workers. Overall a good experience. I was recommended here by someone and definitely will be back.
LS&F helped me with keyed alike barrels of different lengths to cut down the number of keys needed for my campervan. I now also have spares! Very pleased with their quick, efficient and knowledgeable service.