Troubles happen. For example, when you rush home, you try to quickly open the front door, but it does not lend itself. And it's not even that you mixed up the key. This happens if you have not lubricated the front door lock for a long time. Of course, it is better not to allow such situations and to produce lubrication periodically, and not when it is too late. But to argue from the side is easier than to solve the problem, when reasoning does not help.
Modern castles
I must say that many manufacturers do not answer the question of how to lubricate the door lock. They categorically argue that this is not worth it. Modern locks, they say, do not need lubrication over the entire life of the lock. Many manufacturers refuse warranty claims if they find out that the buyer was trying to lubricate the lock.
But it is worth saying that this rule applies to modern doors and mechanisms. If we are talking about old doors with locks, then the locking mechanism in them can and should even be lubricated from time to time in order to prevent problems when the door lock locks. How to lubricate such a door? Let's deal with the issue in order.
What is the danger of lubrication in modern locks?
Greasing, getting into the mechanism, clogs the running elements. Indeed, if you lubricate a modern lock, then for some time you can feel the benefit (it will work smoothly), but very soon the grease will begin to thicken, as well as accumulate dust from the environment. It's not very good.
You will also begin to enter dirt into the lock mechanism with the key. Yes, these are microparticles, but each time a little, and already in a month a sufficient amount of dirt accumulates. Sometimes, to break a clear modern mechanism of secrecy, you need very little dust. In addition, metal will be absorbed into the lubricant. Each opening / closing process erases both the key and the metal microparticle lock. Modern locks have special anther channels for these purposes. But if you add grease, then these channels will clog.
Old castles
Old locks had grease laid in them from the factory. During their operation, the addition of grease is required. This is due to the fact that the details of the locks in such doors have gaps, as well as rubbing elements. It is to reduce the friction force that lubrication is needed here. How to lubricate an old-style front door lock?
Formulation Options
There are many options that answer the question of how to lubricate the door lock. Consider the most common:
- Silicone Grease. Suitable for lock options with cylinder larvae, silicone provides a clear smooth glide of the moving elements of the lock, and is also a preventive measure against corrosion, since silicone repels moisture.
- Graphite grease. A good option, moreover, you can use a regular pencil lead to lubricate the locks of a lever type.
- Common sunflower oil. An affordable option, which is always nearby. This is an emergency measure rather than a recommendation for prevention or an answer to the question of how to lubricate the front door lock.
- Melted fat. This is another option that will solve the problem, but only temporarily. Over time, jamming of the castle will be even more aggravated by fat.
- WD-40. Extra comments are not required. After all, this composition is from all troubles! Corrosion protection and corrosion. Good remedy.
- Solid oil, or calcium grease, is a good tool, if you have one, then grease the lock with it.
- Litol (lithium waterproof grease). This is a grease for bearings, but in this situation it will be good.
- Carbon grease is a conductive graphite grease. The effect of this tool will be, but, perhaps, temporary, the lubricant is easily washed away from water.
How to lubricate the door lock of this variety? It is preferable not to use improvised means. It is better to take graphite grease, solid oil or lithol. Although all other options are acceptable to one degree or another.
When do you need to lubricate?
Lubricating the door hardware or door lock is your responsibility as the owner. Prevention is always better than solving a problem, remember this. Lubrication is an improvement in glide. If you feel that friction occurs inside the castle, then the time has come.
If there is a lack of lubrication, there is a problem with the normal operation of the lock. The parts begin to rub against each other, and the microparticles of dust brought inside make the situation even worse, they act as an abrasive.
With a lack of lubrication, dust begins to collect in the lock, which eventually blocks the movement of the crossbars in the larva. How to lubricate the door lock cylinder? For the larva, the same compositions are used as for other parts.
The formation of rust in the castle is the most dangerous situation. Important corrosion components will begin to break down and seize over time. Once, in general, a lock can jam. If your front door lock starts to seize, then how can you lubricate it? If it is rust, then the means that convert rust. If the matter is simply a lack of lubrication, then by any means that we have listed and described above.
Experts say that the lock must be lubricated approximately once every 6-8 months, but at least once a year. We will not dissemble and say that no more than 5% of all people act this way. The rest of the majority lubricates the lock or tries to lubricate it when it is already jammed tightly.
Work Rules
Before lubrication, you should clean the keyhole, if you have planned work, then this is not difficult. It is necessary to fill in the well with a special cleaning agent and wait. Dust and the smallest debris will come out. The cleaning agent must be poured in sufficient volume so that the liquid flows out of the lock.
If the lock mechanism is jammed, then try to remove the key first. Do not use force for this; try to smoothly swing the key. If it doesn’t work out, you will have to disassemble the lock and pull out the larva itself. In the case of a complete analysis, it can be immediately lubricated. How to lubricate the door lock, we have already said.
If you have a lever mechanism, then initially you need to remove it from the door and analyze its “secret”. After that, the crossbars are lubricated (it is better to make it with graphite powder or graphite lubricant). After lubrication, develop the mechanism with a key several times.
How to lubricate the lock of the entrance metal door? All works are identical, like on any other door, only the problem will be aggravated if you have to remove the lock, because, for example, to press a closed metal door is problematic. If you cannot solve the problem yourself, then call the wizard.
Other lock malfunctions
There is no perfect mechanism in the world. Over the years, any thing can break. The main reasons for the malfunction of the castle:
- Various mechanical damage to the mechanism.
- Non-observance of the correct operating mode.
- Skewed to one side or sagging door leaf.
- Incorrect installation of the door leaf.
Do not underestimate the voiced problems. They are relevant and lead to serious consequences. Watch your door to avoid problems with it and with the lock.
Hardware
After we examined how to lubricate the door lock of the front door, it was time to talk about the fittings, namely the hinges. They can and should be lubricated at all doors (both modern and old-style). Lubrication of door hinges is a multiple extension of their service life, as well as the elimination or prevention of nasty creaking, which sometimes occurs on any type of door.
Conclusion
If you regularly do preventive maintenance (lubrication), this will significantly extend the life of the lock. Today we have completely sorted out the question regarding how to lubricate the door lock of the front door and how to do it. The most important thing to do before lubrication is to find out if your mechanism can be lubricated. This is usually stated in the instructions.
If you notice that the lock starts to work incorrectly, but you are not sure that it can be lubricated, and also just do not want to do it, then call a wizard who will give you advice and perform all the necessary steps for a qualified repair or maintenance.