Lock Maintenance: Simple Steps to Keep Your Locks Working

Your locks work silently every day. Turn the key, door opens. Push closed, it locks. You probably don’t think about them—until they fail.

A little maintenance keeps locks functioning smoothly for years. Neglect leads to stiffness, wear, and eventually failure at the worst possible moment.

Why Locks Need Maintenance

What Happens Inside

Lock mechanisms contain:

• Precision pins that must move freely
• Springs under constant tension
• Metal surfaces that slide against each other
• Tight tolerances that debris disrupts

Over time:

• Dust and grit accumulate
• Lubricants dry out
• Wear creates resistance
• Environmental exposure takes its toll

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Locks don’t announce they’re about to fail. They give subtle warnings—increased stiffness, grinding sounds, keys that don’t turn smoothly. Listen to them.

The Annual Maintenance Routine

Step 1: Clean the Key

Before lubricating the lock, clean your keys:

• Wipe with dry cloth
• Remove debris from grooves
• Inspect for wear or damage
• Dirty keys transfer grit into locks

Step 2: Clear the Keyway

Remove loose debris:

• Blow into keyway (or use compressed air)
• Use thin dry brush if needed
• Don’t poke with metal tools

Step 3: Apply Lubricant

Use the right product:

• Graphite powder - Traditional, very effective, dry
• PTFE spray lubricant - Modern alternative, clean application
• Silicone-based dry lubricant - Also acceptable

Step 4: Work the Mechanism

After applying lubricant:

• Insert key and work it in/out several times
• Turn the lock through its full range repeatedly
• This distributes lubricant through the mechanism
• Wipe excess from key and lock face

Step 5: Check Door Hardware

While you’re there:

• Tighten handle screws
• Check hinge screws
• Ensure deadbolt engages smoothly
• Note any misalignment

Lubrication Products Compared

Addressing Common Problems

Stiff Lock (Key Hard to Turn)

Causes:

• Dried lubricant
• Debris in mechanism
• Worn key or pins
• Misalignment

First response: Apply fresh lubricant and work the mechanism. If stiffness persists, professional attention is needed.

Grinding Sound

Causes:

• Grit in the mechanism
• Worn components
• Corrosion

Action: Lubricate to see if it resolves. Persistent grinding suggests internal wear—consider inspection or replacement.

Key Sticks or Jams

Causes:

• Worn key not matching worn pins perfectly
• Debris catching the key
• Damaged keyway

Try: Clean key, clean keyway, lubricate. If problems persist, try a fresh key cut from the original. Still problematic? Professional assessment.

Lock Feels Loose

Causes:

• Loose fixing screws
• Worn cam or tail piece
• Door/frame movement

Check: Tighten visible screws. If cylinder moves within the door, the fixing screw inside may need attention.

Seasonal Considerations

Before Winter

• Lubricate all external locks
• This prevents freezing by displacing moisture
• Graphite creates a water-resistant barrier
• Frozen locks often start as under-maintained locks

After Extended Absence

• Work locks before travelling (don’t discover problems when you return)
• Lubricate after returning if stiffness developed
• Consider whether locks sat unused too long

Following Wet Weather

• Heavy rain can introduce moisture
• If locks feel rough after storms, dry and lubricate
• Check for corrosion on exposed hardware

When Maintenance Isn’t Enough

Signs of Wear Beyond Maintenance

• Consistent stiffness despite lubrication
• Visible corrosion or damage
• Keys that are visibly worn
• Locks older than 10-15 years
• Previous attack damage

Time for Professional Attention

• Mechanism won’t improve with lubrication
• Internal sounds suggest component failure
• Lock no longer meets security standards
• Insurance requires certified locks

See our guide on signs your lock needs replacing for detailed assessment criteria.

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Maintenance extends lock life but doesn’t prevent eventual wear. A lock that’s been well-maintained for 15 years has still been used 15 years. Consider when replacement makes sense.

Your Maintenance Checklist

Create an annual reminder (insurance renewal date works well):

• Clean all external keys
• Lubricate front door lock
• Lubricate back door lock
• Lubricate garage/outbuilding locks
• Check door handle tightness
• Verify deadbolts engage fully
• Note any locks needing attention
• Schedule professional inspection if needed

Take Action

This weekend, spend 10 minutes on your locks:

1. Get graphite powder or PTFE lubricant
2. Work through each external door
3. Note any that need professional attention
4. Set a reminder for next year

Ten minutes now prevents hours of frustration later—and potentially costly emergency calls when locks fail unexpectedly.