Top 5 signs your lock needs to be replaced
If you have ever wondered, do locks last forever, we can safely say - they do not.
These are the top 5 signs that you should be looking into changing your locks for new ones.
Whether it's your home, office, post box or storage door lock, a secure and properly functioning door is the first line of defense against burglars and intruders.
Most people, whether they’ve recently purchased their first home or have lived there for decades, don’t think about changing their locks. In today’s world updated and well-functioning door locks are a must!
If your locks are damaged, getting hard to use or you’ve just moved into a new property, you should think about getting your locks changed. In this blog post we will take you through the top 5 signs you’ll need to change your locks!
1 - Wear and tear
Even if older locks seem to be in good working order, it may be safer to replace the locks with a more modern locking system. Over the years security systems and regulations have changed. Most locks of the same standard today, compared to 20 years ago, are a lot better in many ways.
Burglars use a range of sophisticated techniques and equipment to remove or deactivate lock systems, so modern upgrades such as anti snap locks offer far greater protection for your home. Despite what we think about our kitchen appliances, locks are the pieces of mechanical hardware that see the most daily use.
Because we’re constantly locking and unlocking our doors, the locks themselves are subjected to more wear, making them more likely to break down over time. This is especially true if your locks came with your home or apartment, there's no way to tell how old your locks are and definitely no way to confirm if the previous owners used them correctly or if they enjoyed slamming their doors.
If your locks are particularly old, it might be time to replace them. A standard lock with proper care and maintenance could see you through several years but as wear and tear take their hold the risk of failure grows.
2 - Damage/ incorrect use
We have come across so many occasions where the lock has been damaged due to incorrect use. This can happen due to incorrect installation, age and misalignment. It can be the result of excessive jiggling of the key to make it work or even force a door and lock that shouldn't be forced. If your lock is damaged in any way, you may experience issues turning the key or, in the worst case, the door may fail to lock or unlock resulting in an emergency locksmith needing to come out and gain access. If this happens with your door even once, it’s best to be proactive and look into replacement options before you risk a complete lock-out.
3 - New property
Before you celebrate moving into your new, welcoming home, we recommend that you change the entry door locks.
You cannot confirm that the previous tenant has a copy of the key. Even if your house is new, replacing the door lock set with new ones will ensure your peace of mind, or you may consider installing a customize lock or smart lock (such as a smart fingerprint lock, smart card lock) as an additional line of defense. Moving is an exciting (if not slightly stressful) experience where thoughts on décor and getting the Wi-Fi set up are usually top of the list. However, it’s also important to take a moment to think about changing the locks.
Even if the locks are in working order, you never know who might have a key and what their intentions could be. It’s possible that the previous owners still have a spare key somewhere, have given duplicates to children, friends, or neighbours or might even have lost a few.
We always advise that one of the first things you do in a new home is to change the locks. Calling out a local Locksmith to meet you on your move in day is a great way to protect your home, valuables, and family.
4 - Recent local break - in
If you or someone in your neighborhood or apartment complex has been the victim of a recent break-in, it’s almost imperative that you get your locks replaced. If the burglar entered using brute force, it’s likely that the door or locking mechanism is now damaged, making it all the more likely that it won’t shut or lock properly. However, if the burglar entered by picking the lock or using a poorly-hidden spare key, two things are almost certain: your locks are not secure enough, and criminals are likely to target you again. Replacing the lock is the remedy for both issues.After the break-in incident, none of us can be sure if the keys have fallen into the wrong hands. We should not be lucky, it is vital to replace all locks as soon as possible. Otherwise, it leaves your home vulnerable to another burglary. Not only could your locks have been damaged in the attack but it can also mean that your locks weren’t up to scratch security wise. There is unfortunately no sure-fire way to stop a burglary but different locks can come with different security features, making your home more secure and protected against attack. Likewise, it’s not uncommon for burglars to return to a home they have already targeted with the assumption they will be able to get in again, so it’s even more important that you change your locks to protect your home!
5 - Malfunction & manufacturer error
Buildings can shift, basements are built and the earth moves. All these can put additional unseen stress on your door, the hinges and the lock.
Locks are meant to take extreme pressure in a short amount of time. This is usually the best way to protect against a burglary lock attack. However, constant pressure due to misalignment causes breakages and cracks in the internal parts of the lock. This can expose manufacturer weaknesses and cause your lock to malfunction leaving you locked out or in. If your locks haven't been installed by a professional, this will most likely result in issues down the line. A misalignment now, that only causes slight tension on the bolt, can turn into a much ore serious issue when winter comes and the door swells.
This is perhaps the most obvious — and urgent — sign your lock needs to be replaced. If your lock is damaged in any way, you may experience issues turning the key or, in the worst case, the door may fail to lock or open entirely. If this happens with your door even once, it’s best to be proactive and look into replacement options before you risk a complete lock-out.
