When was the last time your locks were changed? For a lot of people, the answer is a shrug. Because unless something actively goes wrong or you lose your keys, you don’t really think about your locks all that much. But locks don’t last forever and eventually, you’ll need to get them replaced. So, here are 6 sure-fire signs that it’s time to get your locks changed (before you’re forced to!)
Age
Don’t get us wrong, locks can last a very long time. But even if your older lock seems to be in good working order it’s safer to throw that retirement party for them and replace your locks with a more modern mechanism. Security regulations do change over time, and that includes the guidance around locking mechanisms. Most locks from 20 years ago won’t stand up to locks of the same standard today, simply because technology has advanced so much. Features like anti-snap locks offer much better protection for your home, and are designed to stand up to the more modern techniques used by burglars.
Wear and Tear
Despite what you might think, your door locks are without a doubt the most hardworking piece of mechanical hardware in your home. They see daily use, opening and closing, locking and unlocking, which means they’re subjected to a lot of wear and tear, and will break down over time. Even more true if the locks came with the property. You have no way of knowing how old your locks are, if the previous owner used them properly, or if the last owner really liked slamming their doors. So if your lock is looking particularly old or worn, it’s time to replace it.
Damage
Locks might be rugged, but they can be damaged. Lock damage tends to fall into one of three categories – incorrect use, incorrect installation or intentional damage.
If the door or the locks have been installed incorrectly, this can mean the door is misaligned, and the mechanisms will have to work harder and become damaged in places that aren’t designed to take the pressure. If you like to excessively jiggle the keys in the lock or the door handle, then this could cause things to come loose over time and damage the lock. If you slam doors, open them without fully turning the handle or otherwise misuse your door, then it will cause damage and eventually stop working.
Then, of course, there’s intentional damage. This is usually someone trying to force the door open when it’s locked, or trying to force a key that’s sticking to turn, jamming it in the lock. It could also be damage caused by a burglar trying to gain entrance. Whatever the cause. Damaged doors and locks mean replacements, stat!
Moving Into a New Home
If you’re moving into a new property, one of the first calls should be to a locksmith. We’ve even had some people call us in on moving day, so we’re replacing the locks while they’re unpacking boxes and deciding where the furniture will go!
Replacing the locks on a new property is absolutely essential. After all, you can’t guarantee who still has keys to the property. Old owners or tenants, ex-landlords and careless estate agents. Whoever was living there before you could have made copies of their keys to give to children (who are very prone to losing them) or to neighbours in case of an emergency. You don’t want to spend all of that energy, time and money moving only to not protect it properly. So, calling a locksmith really is your best move.
Local Break-Ins
If you, or someone in your neighbourhood has been the victim of a break in recently, you should consider changing your locks as a precaution. If the burglar used brute force to get in, then the locking mechanism will be damaged and need replacement anyway. But if they got in by picking the lock or using a badly hidden spare key, then your home isn’t secure anymore and you’re more likely to be the target of criminals again. If your neighbours were the targets, then you may well be next on the list. Whilst there’s no sure-fire way to prevent a burglary, making sure you have the most advanced and secure locks in place can go a long way to helping. It also acts as a deterrent for would-be criminals. Remember – criminals are lazy, and would always prefer an easy mark!
Malfunctions
Buildings don’t really stay in the same place the whole time. They shift and settle, moving as the earth moves just ever so slightly. Some more than others! Which puts a lot of stress on your door, the hinges and the locks. Which puts a lot of stress on your door, the hinges and the locks. While locks are designed to take extreme pressure in short bursts (it’s how they stop burglars), they’re not designed for long stints of it. This constant pressure and movement can cause misalignment, cracks and breakage inside your locks. This can sometimes leave you locked in (or out) of your home! If your doors aren’t hanging properly in their hinges, the locks aren’t hitting the right part of the strike plate, or you’re struggling to get the doors to stay shut and ‘click’ into place, then there’s a good chance your door is misaligned. Which means your lock is too. Replacing the lock and rehanging the door are really the only ways to beat it.
At My Locks, we specialise in diagnosing lock and door problems, and then providing you with the most secure and efficient solution. Whether that’s grabbing the screwdriver and realigning the door while we’re there, replacing locks or cutting new keys, we’re on hand to make sure your locks are always in good nick and working well. If you’d like to know more, just get in touch with us today.