Dealing with Rusty or Stuck Locks: Effective Solutions For The Security Of Your Property
With all of the other situations a person has to go through daily, dealing with a rusted lock shouldn’t be one of them. Whether it’s the front door of your home, the entrance to your business, or the gate guarding your property, a stubborn, corroded lock can quickly transform routine tasks into frustrating ordeals. In this article, we’ll discuss all about it.
Over time, exposure to the elements, especially in hot and humid regions, and the natural oxidation process within the lock itself can create excess rust, rendering the locks immovable and resistant to traditional keys. This is the time to seek professional help. That’s why thousands of home and business owners call on Hiro Locksmith of San Jose, California.
Whether you’re dealing with all the unwanted dust, moisture, dirt, or debris, excessive rust particles can form, making it impossible to get your lock opened; our team of reliable locksmiths are pros at helping open a rusted lock. Let’s take a closer look at what causes a rusted lock and how our locksmith team can successfully open a rusted lock.
The Different Ways Our Locksmiths Open Rusted Locks
The professional locksmith team at Hiro Locksmith offers several different solutions to tackle the challenge of a rusted lock. We use several rust removal methods tailored to your specific circumstance to save time and money.
WD 40 spray treatment
One of the most common approaches we use involves applying a specialized lubricant spray like WD 40. Sprays like WD 40 are designed to penetrate and dissolve rust formed inside the lock.
Using the WD 40 approach helps loosen the lock’s internal components, breaking up any internal and external rust particles or debris. Our locksmiths carefully apply a lubricant such as WD 40 and carry out precise techniques to manipulate the lock and loosen the remaining bits of rust.
With the help of the WD 40, our team helps restore its functionality without causing damage to the door, lock, or key. This method is particularly effective for locks that have succumbed to damage that external rust plays on the lock and door but are not yet fully corroded.
When you'll need a lock replacement
In cases where the rust formation has sat for quite some time, a locksmith may resort to disassembling the lock to access its internal components. This allows for thoroughly cleaning the rusted parts with WD 40 and replacing any irreparably damaged lock components.
Our skilled locksmiths have all the knowledge and all the tools to dismantle and reassemble locks with precision, ensuring that the lock is restored to optimal working condition without compromising its integrity.
However, there are instances when the severity of a rusted lock or external factors, like structural damage or if the house and lock sit during a long break or a long vacation, may make it difficult to simply open the locked door with a can of WD 40. Sometimes, even the locks on a new house can become jammed with debris and excessive rust if you’ve let the lock sit unattended for some time.
Alternative lock options
In these cases, a professional locksmith might explore alternative solutions, such as lock replacement. This involves installing a new lock and using specialized tools such as bolt cutters and hacksaws, considering the client’s security preferences and the specific requirements of the door or access point.
While the idea of using bolt cutters and hacksaws to perform a lock replacement may seem more drastic, it is often the most reliable solution to open a rusted lock that has reached a state of irreversible deterioration.
Encountering Rusted Locks and How to Maintain Your Lock's Integrity
Furthermore, a locksmith can offer valuable insights into preventive measures to mitigate the risk of future rust-related issues. Recommending rust-resistant locks and regular maintenance schedules for rust removal of the lock and keyhole are some suggestions to keep your locks working perfectly.
Our locksmith team may also suggest protective coatings sprayed inside the keyhole and locking mechanism as proactive measures to safeguard against the recurrence of rust-related lock challenges.
Whether you’re dealing with a new house or an old house, keeping your door’s locks and keyhole free of debris and dust relies mostly on a professional locksmith’s skill set and problem-solving capabilities. The team at Hiro Locksmith ensures that, even in the face of stubborn rust, We’ll be able to open a rusted or jammed lock in no time.
Other Things To Do To Help Keep Your Locks Working Properly
If you don’t have a can of WD 40 handy, don’t panic! Here are a few things Hiro Locksmith can do to ensure a functioning door, key, and locking system for your home, office, or commercial building.
Ensure that the screws and plates you use to fasten your door are secure
Optimal security of your doors goes beyond the reliability of the locks themselves; it extends to the often-overlooked components like screws and plates. Although they may seem like small details, these components play a pivotal role in the overall integrity of your door and, consequently, the effectiveness of your security measures.
A sturdy door plate, securely anchored to the door frame, reinforces the lock’s connection and enhances its resistance to tampering. Regularly inspecting and tightening these components is a simple yet crucial preventive measure that can significantly contribute to the long-term stability of your door’s security, reducing the likelihood of a lock change, replacement key, or cleaning the keyhole.
Make sure your door fits the frame it is encased in
Ensuring a harmonious fit between your door and its frame is essential to maintaining a secure and effective locking system. A well-fitted door minimizes gaps that could be exploited by potential intruders, reducing the risk of forced entry and the subsequent need to change the locks.
Addressing any issues promptly, such as adjusting hinges or replacing weather-stripping, helps maintain your door’s structural integrity, ensuring that the locking system and key function optimally and providing a durable defense against unauthorized access. By prioritizing the proper fit of your door within its frame, you contribute to a robust security system that may obviate the necessity for replacing locks in the future.
Check the strike of the door frame
Checking the strike of your door’s frame is a pivotal step in maintaining the security and functionality of your locks, thus averting the need to change them. The strike plate is the metal piece affixed to the door’s jamb, into which the lock’s bolt fits when the door is closed. Over time, wear and tear and frequent use can cause the strike plate to become misaligned or loose. Regularly inspecting and ensuring the proper alignment of the strike plate is crucial to prevent issues like jamming or difficulty in latching.
How To Prevent Rust From Forming in Your Locks?
Preventing rust in locks is essential for maintaining their functionality and prolonging their lifespan. Using a silicone-based spray regularly creates a protective barrier, preventing moisture from reaching the internal components of the locking system.
Additionally, consider installing weather-resistant locks, especially in outdoor or exposed areas. Regular cleaning of the locking mechanism with a dry cloth will help remove accumulated dirt and debris. When possible, shelter locks from direct exposure to harsh weather conditions by using protective coverings or installing features like door canopies.
Properly Working Locks Create a Safe and Secure Property
The importance of rust removal from your door’s locks cannot be overstated when considering your property’s overall security and functionality. When you need to open a rusted lock quickly, safely, and securely, call Hiro Locksmith today. We not only save time, and money, but also a lot of frustration.
By prioritizing rust removal, you contribute to a secure living or working environment, avoiding the inconvenience of malfunctioning locking systems and the need to open a rusted lock or premature locking system replacements. Ultimately, a proactive approach to maintenance is an investment in the long-term security and durability of your property’s locking systems.