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Keeping Your Belongings Safe In A Safe I did not realise there was so much to consider when buying a safe to protect valued possessions. After my grandmother passed and left me her jewellery, I quickly became aware of my need to get a safe to protect it. Because I live in a rental property, I needed secure options which were transportable when I move to future homes. In this blog, I want to share with you my findings on the best types of safe and the best location to hide a safe, so you can keep your personal belongings safe and sound too. You can use my research to help you whittle down your safekeeping needs quickly.

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Home Security: How to Maintain Your Residential Door Locks

Residential door locks are expensive to purchase. Therefore, you should be diligent in their care and maintenance for ideal performance and a prolonged lifespan. In simple terms, if your locks are neglected, they will not perform as expected, and their weakness could expose your home to unexpected threats. Moreover, the lack of care will accelerate internal wear, necessitating expensive repairs or lock replacement. Fortunately, some light upkeep can go a long way. Here are some practical guidelines for maintaining your house locks.

Lubricate the Locks

Door locks are manufactured using metals such as steel and brass, and they have multiple moving components. Over time, the surfaces of the internal parts become rough due to constant movement and friction. If the frictional force is not resolved, it will increase the rate at which locks wear. Therefore, you should perform routine oiling of the keyhole to minimise this internal friction and promote smooth operation of the lock. You can purchase a specialty lubricant from a local hardware store. It is not advisable to use household oils. These products tend to solidify easily, and they attract dirt and grime. Over time, they will cause the lock to seize up and fail.

Check the Screws 

There are multiple screws installed on a door lock to keep the critical components in place. If these screws come loose, your doors can be breached if sufficient force is applied. Therefore, it is crucial for you to inspect these fittings regularly. You should pay particular attention to the screws installed around the strike plate and the lock case. If they are damaged, you should perform immediate replacement to increase security. If they are loose, you should tighten them to restore integrity. You should also check the handles and their supporting screws. While the handle might not affect house security, it will determine the ease of operation and the risk of a lockout.

Adjust the Door

Your door could be causing accelerated wear and damage to your locks. Simply speaking, if your entryway is not installed correctly, it could be placing excess weight and mechanical stress on your locking units. Consequently, the lifespan of the mechanism will be shortened. In most cases, you can adjust and correct the position of the door by tightening loose or misaligned hinges. However, if the door and framing are out of form, you might need to remove and reinstall the feature. 

If your locks malfunction or fail, you should consult a residential locksmith for professional troubleshooting and repair help.

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