(248) 672-0462 • EMERGENCY SERVICE

My dear friends, may your day be filled with kindness.

To keep your locks working smoothly and without issue here are a few easy tips.

  1. Make sure your key is properly cut. A Locksmith shop is always a better place for duplicate keys. Remember: Use the closest key you have to the original if not the original.
  2. If your locks stick, key hard to insert, remove or turn do the following;  Purchase a lubricant.  A lite petroleum spray lubricant is what is needed. WD-40 is well known and inexpensive. There are many others out there better but most will work. make sure that is has the straw attached. Synthetic lube is good too. Graphite was used for years and does a good job, but very messy and mixed with moisture turns to mud.
  3. Put straw on nozzle.  Hold the straw in the key hole and SLOWLY depress nozzle. A small squirt is ample. If still not working well, another  squirt is okay. Have a rag to catch the over flow. Remember that your key will be oily for a few uses so be careful when putting it in your pocket or purse.
  4. Spray some lubricant on the latch and bolt of your lock too. This is the parts that stick out of the edge of your door. You can also spray a little inside the neck of the lock. The part that is between the knob and the door.
  5. Living in Michigan and driving during winter brings salt. Salt in locks equals trouble. Car washes during winter equals trouble for locks. A well lubricated lock equals no trouble. Spray all automotive locks (not ignition) with a lite lubricant every 3 months.  If you get your car washed, spray lubricant in locks after the wash to force out the water so it wont freeze. DO NOT USE LOCK DEICER!   You may also spray more heavy lubricants inside door edge up inside the door latching mechanism and hinges too. Trunk locks are very susceptible to salt and corrosion so pay extra attention to it.
  6. Ignitions: A very lite lubricant like synthetic lube or silicone will do and it wont damage anything. Keep a rag under key hole while spraying. Remember that the key will be oily for a time while working locks so use caution when placing in pockets or purse.
  7. After lubrication, exercise the locks by inserting and removing key a few times and rotating left and right. This will help spread the lubricant in the lock. Open and close the door so the latch can get well lubed.

Any questions please write me or call us.