Your home has plenty of door locks and you need to keep them maintained. If you're like most, you lock your doors often, which can wear out your locks over time. Maintaining your door locks helps to keep you from needing to replace the locks as often.

Door locks don't work forever. Even well-maintained locks will wear out over time. Here are some of the best tips you can use to ensure your door locks last a very long time.

Make Sure Your Door is Hung Properly

If you don't know was a properly hung door looks like, you can have a residential locksmith inspect the door for you. You want to make sure the door isn't sagging and is completely even with the frame. If the door isn't hung properly, it can put unnecessary pressure on the lock, which can cause an issue.

Properly hung doors won't bind and there won't be an uneven gap. You want a uniform gap along the sides and the top of about an eighth of an inch or at least less than a quarter of an inch.

Lubricate Your Locks Regularly

If you want to make sure your door locks function smoothly, you should use a lubricant about once or twice a year. Dry lubricants are very easy to apply and will help to ensure the lock remains in working order. Simply lubricate the inside of the lock with the key by moving it in and out a few times.

Clean Your Locks

You will also want to clean your door locks to keep them well-maintained. Use a mild detergent or a damp rag to clean the outside of the locks. If you use an abrasive or chemical cleaner, it can do harm to the lock. Even a petroleum-based cleaner may damage the finish of the lock.

Only Copy the Original Key

It can be a very bad thing for your door locks if you copy a copy of the original key. Always make your copies from the original key to ensure you get the best possible duplicate key for your door locks.

Check Your Deadbolt

You want to make sure you can easily secure the deadbolt without having to push or pull the doorknob. If you have to move the door around to get it to lock with the deadbolt, it means the lock or the frame wasn't installed correctly. Make sure the deadbolt extends all the way when locked, as well.

Check the Strike Plate and Screws

You want to make sure at least one of the screws in the top hinge is long enough to secure the door to the wall frame. This helps to prevent sagging and adds a bit of security. Usually, you want to add three-inch or longer screws to each hinge.

In addition, you want to check the strike plate to ensure it’s secure. You want to use long screws for this, as well.

Maintaining your door locks is very important if you're a homeowner. Locks that don't work right could cause an issue and may make it easier for your home to be broken into. Make sure you keep your door locks maintained and if you need work done to the locks, contact a professional Chicago locksmith.