Locks, Doors and Windows
With the winter months approaching we thought it a good time to talk about simple home maintenance for your locks, doors and windows that can save you a lot of money and inconvenience in the long term.
Part one is Basic Maintenance on what items and how and what products to use.
Part two will be on what to do if it is too late and repairs are needed.
In past posts we have talked about maintenance and this does not change anything, it is a reminder. Wooden doors nowadays are fitted with various locks and hinges and all need some maintenance, On Multipoint Locking Mechanism (Photo 1 & 2) which run the length of the door which you normally lift the handle to lock, they require light oil or grease. Various manufacturers will provide guidance but “we” generally recommend using a light spray oil and then a spray grease. You can use Graphite, but with the moisture in Cornwall I have found that it clogs-up and often fails to achieve good results.
Place a cloth under the door to catch drips and then spray the lubricant into the locking points. Work the mechanism back and forth to work in the lubricant.
The cylinder (Flat keys) (Photo 3), in the door can be lubricated with spray lubricant into the keyway and then run the key in and out. This gets lubricant in but also helps to break up any corrosion or salt crystals that may be forming on the pins and springs inside.
Hinges need to be lubricated. Again use the same products. Hinges covers are removed in different ways so it is suggested to try to simply squirt lubricant in through the end adjustment hole unless you know how to remove them. (Photo 4)
Handle sets (Photos 5 & 6) are prone to failure in the same way as locks. They are often the reason for a relatively simple repair taking far longer and becoming a lot more expensive as often the handles need to be cut away and destroyed to get them off the door to change a failing part. We suggest every couple of years removing the handles, grease them up inside and then grease spindle and the screws before fitting them back on the door. Then, hopefully, when they need to be removed they can be done without damage.
Mortice locks (known as Chubb). (Photo 7) Because the cases are more enclosed, deadlocks (no handles) are fairly impossible to get lubricant into but if they have handles (Sashlock) then operate the handle and retract the latch and spray into the case via the latch opening.
Upvc Window Units (Photos 8 & 9) also require regular lubrication. In the event that these fail, the repair task is both expensive and can be risky so regular attention is well worth doing. Lubricate the espagnolette (locking mechanism) that runs along the edge of the window where the locking points are. Again, a spray oil to get right into the workings and then over the top with your grease. The Stays or hinges need greasing, often, a solid grease is best. Add this to the stays and then work the window in and out to allow the grease to cover all the working parts. Wipe any excess off if needed.
NEVER USE WD40
How we do it and what we use:
| What to use: | GT85, 3in1, Chain Oil, General purpose Grease Spray / Solid |
| This is how we do it: | |
| Multipoint Locking Mechanism | Spray Oil, Spray Grease |
| Door Hinges | Spray Oil, Spray or Solid Grease |
| Mortice Locks | Graphite Grease Powder, Spray Oil, Spray Grease, |
| Cylinders | Graphite Grease Powder, Spray Oil, Spray Grease, |
| Handle Sets | Solid Grease |
| Upvc Window Units | Spray Oil, Spray or Solid Grease |
For any other information or advice, you can:
Call: Owl Locksmiths and Security on: 01736 309 303 Email to:
