Have you ever tried entering your business but found you were not able to turn the key? Or, has your employee called to say they can't lock the doors because the key won't work?
Both situations are inconvenient. They are also avoidable.
We take locks for granted. Once you lock your doors, you trust that they are keeping your property safe.
Why You Need to Look at Your Locks
The reality is that your business locks are subjected to a significant amount of wear and tear. Your doors may be locked and unlocked many times over 24 hours, depending on your industry. Without checking your lock durability, you can be risking a break-in.
To protect the exterior locks of your business, it is crucial to maintain lock integrity. Simple maintenance tasks like cleaning and servicing your locks will ensure a long lifespan and efficient function, keeping your business secure. You can even complete some of them yourself!
Keep reading to see our tips for protecting your exterior business locks.
Keep the Locks Clean
In Texas, we know windy weather. Unfortunately, along with wind comes blown dust, dirt, and debris. Without cleaning your locks, this debris can accumulate in the moving mechanisms of the lock, and the lock could break.
Good news—you can clean your locks with a soft cloth and some warm soapy water. Clean regularly (at least once a quarter) and after heavy winds.
For cleaning the inside of the lock, silicone lubricant is available. This lubricant is applied inside the keyhole and latch. Spray the lubricant in the keyhole, put your key in, and pull it out several times to spread the lubricant. Wipe off the excess lubricant from your key once the lock is functioning properly again.
It is imperative to use a lubricant made for lock cleaning and not graphite, which can cause further clogs. People have attempted to use other substances like graphite and petroleum jelly, which can cause further clogs.
If your locks are dirty from these or other substances, call a professional locksmith so that it works properly again and does not break.
Clean the Door
While you are cleaning your locks, it is also a good idea to clean your doors. The same dust, dirt, and grime that accumulates on your locks can also gather on your doors, and when it rains, it can move from the door's surface to your locks.
It should go without saying that you want your business' doors to look and sound as good as possible. Like your locks, use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to wipe your doors. If there is glass on your door, a glass cleaner will help to avoid streaks.
Keeping your door clean will maintain the professional appearance of your business and prevent your lock from accumulating more dirty residue.
Adjust the Door Frames
Something that often gets overlooked is the alignment of door frames.
A door that sits on the hinges incorrectly will put too much weight on the lock. Too much weight on the lock will eventually cause the lock to malfunction. A door that leans onto the lock can also keep the door bound and restrict its ability to open or close.
Finally, ensure that your door does not slam when closing, as it is sure to damage your lock and door hardware. Servicing the door will help to keep your business safe and secure.
Be Aware of Wear and Tear
Every time you lock or unlock your business, check for wear and tear. If you notice that it is getting harder to turn the key or lock and unlock, you should call a professional to replace your locks.
Periodically check your locks for missing or lose pieces. You may be able to tighten the loose screws yourself, but it will be beneficial to you to call a locksmith to inspect the lock if the problem persists.
Calling a locksmith in, even if the job is minor, may prevent you from being locked out of your business and ensure that your business and employees are safe and secure.
Use Access Control Systems
Eliminating a key and lock system can help keep your locks protected. You or your employees will be given an electronic credential, such as a key fob, access card, or keypad PIN, to enter the building instead of a key.
Access control systems are especially convenient for employees who work varying shifts, as they can come and go at will, without waiting for someone with a key.
This is beneficial to a business owner because it ends calls about being locked out or lost keys. You will also gain the ability to record door access history. If an access card or code is used to enter your business, the date, time, and access number will be recorded and easily checked.
When to Call a Locksmith
While there are some minor services you can do to your locks to make sure that they stay protected and your business is safe, sometimes a call to a professional locksmith like DML Locksmith is in order.
Taking good care of your doors and locks will help maintain their lifespan, help them perform well, and prevent costly and inconvenient repairs.
It is a good idea to take care of the day-to-day maintenance of your door and its hardware. But, when it comes to anything more complicated, or if you are unsure about the state of your lock or security system, call DML Locksmith.
Call a Professional Locksmith
Business locks are used frequently and need to be thoroughly cleaned and dismantled by a professional locksmith. After lubricating and replacing broken or worn parts, a locksmith can reassemble the locks so you can continue to use them. A locksmith can also determine when your locks need to be replaced.
DML Locksmiths have experts trained to keep your home or business secure. The locksmiths can offer security suggestions or help get you in your business in the case of a lockout.
Should you have any uncertainty about your locks' safety or want to discuss an upgrade to a more advanced system, turn to DML Locksmith. DML Locksmith will come to your business and assess your security needs so that your business—your livelihood—is safe and secure.
DML Locksmith Services
2109 W. Parker Rd Suite 206
Plano, TX
75023
(214) 622-8852
