Three Tips To Help Your Business's Locks Avoid Common Problems
One of the responsibilities of managing your business is to keep it safe from criminals. Unfortunately, there are many business owners that may assume this only requires making sure there are locks on each door. While locks can be an excellent first line of defense, it can be common for individuals to overlook the type of maintenance that is required to keep a lock in good condition. By using these tips, you can help ensure that your locks are free from some common performance compromising problems.
Ensure The Hinges Are Tight
The hinges on your doors allow them to swing open and close. However, if the hinges on a door become loose, they can cause the door to pull away from the frame, which may severely compromise the security of your locks. To prevent this common issue from exposing your business to a higher risk of crime, you should make sure to inspect any hinges at least once a year. If you notice that the hinges are becoming loose, you can use a screwdriver to tighten them. However, you will need to test the door after adjusting the hinges to make sure that you did not over tighten them as this can cause warping to occur.
Keep The Locks Clean
Cleaning the doors may be an important part of keeping your business welcoming to customers, but it can be easy to overlook cleaning the locks. Over time, dust and dirt can gather on the exterior of the locks, and if these substances get inside it, they can prevent the key from opening it. You can help to minimize this problem by wiping down the exterior of the lock with a damp cloth. Avoid using soaps or other substances as these can leave a residue on the interior of the lock, which may make it easier for dust and dirt to get trapped.
Have Any Locks Serviced Every Couple Of Years
In addition to performing routine maintenance on your locks, you will also need to make sure that you are having them professionally serviced at least once every couple of years. During these service visits, a locksmith will carefully clean the interior of the locks to remove any substances that may have gotten inside, and they will also closely inspect the internal components to make sure that they are properly lubricated and free of wear and tear. While these service visits may cause minor disruptions to your business, it can be more than worth it to help ensure that your locks are providing your enterprise with effective protection.
For more information, contact a local professional like Hicks Safes & Locks Inc.