Maintenance Schedules for Your Business's Locks
Posted on: 10 August 2015
The security of your business, especially after hours, is highly dependent upon the condition of the locks. Consider lock maintenance a regular chore and add it to your regularly scheduled maintenance list. The following list can help you keep your locks, and therefore your security, at peak condition.
Daily
Add these chores to your daily lock and security maintenance checks. Make sure all employees are trained in what to look for when they are working on their daily tasks lists so that nothing is missed.
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Verify that all locks are working properly, even those on doors or windows that are rarely opened. Rarely used outdoor locks are often at greater risk of vandalism, such as being broken, since they may not otherwise be monitored.
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Turn deadbolts and make sure they are moving smoothly. If not, lightly lubricate the deadbolt with a spray lubricant.
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Check entry key pads for any damage. Make sure all keys are registering when pushed in.
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Verify that locks and latches are lined up correctly with the striker plates. This means that doors cannot be pushed open unless the handle is turned or pushed in.
Monthly
Not all maintenance is daily. Some items can be added to your monthly maintenance and cleaning list. Place these lock-maintaining chores on the normal rotation so they are attended to approximately every four weeks.
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Clean out locks with canned air. Insert the straw into the lock and blow out any dust or debris inside. This is especially good for heavily used locks.
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Lubricate the entire locking mechanism. Place a small amount of key and lock lubricant into the key hole of each lock, and then open and close the lock several times so the lubricant works its way into the mechanism.
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Clean the entire exposed area of the lock, including the deadbolt and the striker plate. Dirty locks are more likely to stick or break.
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Inspect all keys and make sure they are working and in good repair. Replace any keys that are damaged or bent, since these can break off inside a lock.
Annual
Annual professional maintenance is a good idea from a security standpoint. Most commercial locksmiths do more than just install or fix locks. They can also help you with the following tasks.
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Locksmiths can perform a security check to ensure that your locks are up to current standards of break-in resistance.
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They can take apart and inspect the locks, making sure the inner workings are thoroughly cleaned and moving smoothly. This allows them to make repairs and replacements before the lock poses a problem.
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If you use coded security keys or a master lock system, a locksmith can make sure that all inactive keys are turned off within the system.
For any further questions about locks and lock maintenance, contact a commercial lock repair service.
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