Do not know how to grease the castle so that it does not freeze in winter? A few tips on the selection and lubrication process. How to properly lubricate the lock on a steel door How to lubricate a garage rack lock in winter
In pursuit of the soft work of the lock, the Russian person likes to use lubricants. This habit comes from the Soviet era: rubbing parts made of low-quality raw materials with huge gaps between each other needed to be lubricated for a smooth ride. If you don't grease it, it won't work as it should.
Since then, we have been pouring: either “anti-freeze” into the lock of the garage, or sunflower oil into all other mechanisms.
Remember grease for modern door locks is harmful. Dirt from the key, atmospheric dust and the worn metal of the key will then stick to it. A thick substance is formed - coke, which will stick to the elements of the lock and will prevent its correct operation. For most modern castles, it is critical that grains of sand larger than 0.2 millimeters get inside.
All modern locks “leave” the factories clean inside. The presence of lubrication in the secrecy mechanism today is a sign of hack work and low quality.
And why do our people strive to lubricate?
Usually, in this way, he tries to restore the correct operation of the lock. And locks often begin to “stick” and “bite” for a million reasons that have nothing to do with lubrication.
An even bigger mistake than sunflower oil in a door lock is the use of "anti-freeze" or "brake" on garage locks. This is supposedly necessary so that the castles do not freeze in winter.
The problem is that these liquids are hygroscopic, that is, they subsequently attract moisture to parts from the air, as a result of which the lock mechanism, even with special treatment, begins to quickly corrode and become unusable.
Comrades, remember that in order for the castle to work well (regardless of where it is installed) - it needs to create ideal conditions. That is: the absence of dirt, grease, frost, condensation and ice. All other measures taken will only complicate life.
This is what is wrong:
And when you can use lubricant, are there such cases?
Yes.
The lock was not used for several years - it stopped opening with the native key. In this case, it makes sense to spray WD-40 liquid into the lock mechanism. After successful opening, the lock must either be cleaned or completely replaced.
Conversely, there are situations when the lock does not open due to global wear and tear. The code elements and the key in this case have already decreased in size so much that they are unable to “reach out” to the desired positions. In this case, for emergency opening of the lock, it is necessary to use, on the contrary, a thick grease of the Litol type.
If it helps, the lock must be cleaned and wear removed - it is strictly forbidden to use with grease added.
To extend the service life of the front door, it is important to monitor the condition of the fittings and, first of all, this concerns the locking mechanism; to ensure its smooth operation, it is necessary to regularly lubricate the lock. At first glance, this is a simple procedure, but it has a number of important nuances, if you do not follow these recommendations, you may eventually have to completely change the lock due to its breakdown.
From time to time, any door lock needs lubrication.
When is it necessary to process the lock
Lubrication of door fittings is the responsibility of every owner, such work should be carried out regularly in order to avoid problems and breakdowns of various kinds. This is especially true of the castle, since it is this detail that plays a huge role in ensuring the security of the home. Let us consider in more detail for what purpose it is necessary to lubricate door locks:
- For sliding. Lubrication improves the turning of the mechanism and makes it easier to use.
- Rubbing and wear. With a lack of lubricating fluid, the operation of the system becomes difficult, the parts rub against each other, remove chips from the metal, and dust particles that get inside further exacerbate the situation, acting like abrasives.
- Dust. With a lack of lubrication, the dust clumps into dense lumps and blocks the movement of the crossbars in the larva.
- Rust. This is the most dangerous enemy of any metal mechanism, it leads to the fact that the most important elements are gradually destroyed, begin to jam and completely block without any possibility of displacement from position.
Door hardware should be lubricated regularly to prevent
Now let's figure out how often you need to carry out such processing. Usually people lubricate the locks only when there are certain inconveniences and malfunctions in their functioning. To prevent this and maximize the life of the locking mechanism, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment at least once a year. However, for frequently used interior latches, this will not be enough and the interval should be reduced to 6-8 months.
Entrance doors should be inspected and repaired much more often; in multi-apartment residential buildings, this is recommended to be done every six months. But the owners of private houses need to take care of the health of the system every 3-4 months, since the lock is in constant contact with the external environment, as a result of which dirt clogs into the well and gradually accumulates on the details of the larva, which leads to its jamming and early abrasion.
Composition selection
In order for door locks to function properly, it is important to choose the right composition for their processing. To do this, you can purchase special formulations or use some improvised means, but this approach is highly undesirable. So, consider how you can lubricate the front door lock:
- "Processing". This used engine oil is a great option for standard locking system models, as it allows you to use waste to good use. This is an ideal option for car owners, since you do not need to spend money on the purchase of a special tool.
- Silicone. Excellent for cylinder larvae, ensures smooth sliding of parts and protects them from corrosion due to moisture retention.
- graphite dust. It is used for dry processing, it is in this way that locks of the level type are worked out. You can use shavings from a simple pencil.
- Sunflower oil. The option available to each farm is used only in emergency cases where there is no alternative.
- Melted fat. Another popular way, provides an instant effect, but over time can only aggravate the situation.
- WD40. The well-known anti-rust agent allows you to put old locks in order, additionally protects the larva from re-corrosion.
- Solidol. Calcium grease, widely used for processing various types of parts, including lubricating door locks.
- Litol. Lithium water-resistant grease, mainly used for bearings, but locks can also be successfully processed.
- Carbon lubricant. Conductive graphite grease in the form of a dark fluid substance, easily washed off with plain water.
Machine oil and silicone are the most common compounds for processing door hardware.
The most preferred means are substances produced in the form of an aerosol, they are convenient to apply, since they have a special spout for hard-to-reach places. It is a little worse to work with an oil can and a viscous liquid. If you use improvised means, in no case do not apply them to the locks with cotton wool, as you risk clogging the mechanism even more with fine fibers and lint.
Work performance rules
In order not to cause even more damage to the door system, it is important to know how to properly lubricate the front door lock. First of all, you should clean the keyhole. If you are doing scheduled processing, it will be very easy to do. To do this, pour cleaning liquid into the lock to wash out dust and small metal particles from worn parts. It is necessary to moisten the lock abundantly so that the liquid pours out, while it is important not to stain the door itself, clothes and nearby objects. If the mechanism is stuck, try to carefully remove the key from it, if you can’t do it, try to disassemble the lock and pull out the larva itself.
In no case do not use brute force if the lock is stuck, as you can or damage the parts of the mechanism.
In order to remove all the debris from the well, you need to stick the key into it several times. Gently wipe off all the accumulated dirt on it with a cloth and repeat the procedure until it is completely clean.
You can remove dirt from the door hole with a key
After that, you need to carefully pour or inject lubricating fluid into the lock. Wipe off any excess so it doesn't spread across the door. Wait for a while, and then insert the key into the well and turn it back and forth several times. Remove the key and wipe dry. In the next few days, with abundant filling of parts, traces of grease may remain on the wrench, watch this so as not to stain yourself and your clothes.
In the case of lever systems, it is initially recommended to remove the lock from the door and open its secret. Then treat the crossbars with graphite powder and assemble the product. Turn the key several times and you can return the lock to its place.
If you regularly carry out preventive maintenance, namely, lubricate the locks not only on the front door, but throughout the house, you will extend the life of the fittings. In addition, this way you will prevent the occurrence of inconveniences associated with the creaking of parts, their jamming or sinking.
In need of service. If some time after the start of operation, you notice that the locking mechanism began to work a little tighter than initially, you should not blame the manufacturers for a poor-quality product. We advise you to worry about the question of how to lubricate the lock, since all problems in the operation of the mechanism can be caused primarily by lack of care.
Problems in operation can be caused by many reasons that are not related to the quality of manufacture of individual components of the mechanism and their assembly at the factory:
- dust;
- dirt;
- microscopic droplets of moisture and much more.
All this penetrates into the product through the keyhole and most often the source of contamination is the key, on which particles of dust and dirt are attached. Many, when buying an expensive model of a well-known brand, do not even think about what to lubricate, naively believing that such products do not initially require attention. This opinion is erroneous, since the main task of such locks is to reliably protect the premises from intruders, and not to save the owners of the house from having to take care of the locking mechanism.
How to lubricate properly
The frequency of maintenance of the product directly depends on how many times a day you use the lock and in what conditions it is installed. So, apartment locks on the front doors require attention at least once a year, but devices installed on the street - for example, at the entrance to a house or entrance, require lubrication once every three months.
In order to significantly increase the service life of the locking mechanism, to maintain its protective properties, you need to know how to lubricate. Leading manufacturers produce their own brands of lubricants. For example, ASSA, a fairly well-known brand, produces Lock Cleaner and Lock Spray for cleaning and lubricating locks. The first helps to remove dirt from the mechanism and can even melt the ice quickly and without harming the product itself and its secret part.
What You Didn't Know About Lock Grease, But Were Afraid to Ask
It is important not only to choose the right way to lubricate the lock, but also to know some secrets. So, if a cylinder type of lock is installed on the door, then its mechanism cannot be lubricated, since the oil will simply bind the dust particles and imperceptibly fill the device with dust. In cylinder locks, only the bolt is lubricated, which helps to reduce the friction force when opening and closing. For these purposes, it is used:
- ordinary engine oil;
- WD40 grease.
But many do not even guess how to lubricate the lock of the lever type. It turns out that an ordinary pencil is suitable for this - you just need to scrape its lead to collect a little powder that is poured into. If you are too lazy to remove and disassemble the mechanism, then try blowing the powder into the keyhole. Traditional lubricants, such as oil, without prior cleaning, are best not to be used, since they also contribute to the adhesion of dirt, and this will certainly lead to jamming of the mechanism.
Locking mechanisms with a complex design have special holes on their body for the introduction of lubricant. In addition, the attached instructions clearly describe how to care for the product and how to lubricate the lock.
With proper attention to the locking mechanism, it will last for many years. Its maintenance does not require much time and effort. First, spray some cleaning agent into the keyhole. It would be ideal if it starts to flow out of the well a little. Wipe the larva with a dry cloth, and then insert and remove the key, but do not turn it, otherwise in this way you will only disperse all the dust along the cylinder, which will lead to jamming of the mechanism. After you remove the key, wipe the larva again. It is necessary to repeat the described manipulations until dirt and dust no longer stick to the key. Only after dust and dirt have been removed with the help of a special cleaning agent, a little oil can be injected into the well for lubrication. Now the key can be turned.
Door locks, like hinges, need to be lubricated regularly. This prolongs the life of the locking mechanism. Almost all types of locks on steel doors are lubricated. For this, special compounds are used.
Why you need to lubricate the lock on the door
Door locks are subjected to even more stress than hinges. These are complex mechanisms, so without proper care they will quickly fail. Most often, owners begin to carry out preventive work with locks when any problems appear. For example, the mechanism is lubricated if it starts to stick. Ideally, this should be done on a regular basis.Locks are lubricated to prolong their service life. Lubrication protects the mechanism from:
Corrosion and rust;
- dust;
- rubbing and complete wear.
Corrosion is the enemy of all steel structures. A lock that has been exposed to moisture or steam will not last long. Corrosion is especially dangerous for lock structures in steel doors of private houses.
Dust is another factor that can destroy the mechanism. Once inside, it can block the movement of the crossbars. The lock will start to open worse.
Lubrication in the lock is needed for sliding. When there is little or no lubrication, the mechanism works with difficulty. The door does not open well, especially under certain weather conditions. In addition, this creates conditions for friction, rubbing and wear of the lock. The parts of the product begin to rub in, as a result of friction, chips appear, which then clog the mechanism.
How to lubricate the lock: types of lubricants
Locking mechanisms can be lubricated with the same compounds as door hinges. It is important to choose the right funds. If you choose the wrong composition, you can only spoil the castle. All lubricants can be divided into two main categories:Special;
- folk.
From folk remedies, such compositions as sunflower oil, graphite, melted fat and grease are well known. It can also be partially attributed to folk lithol and engine oil - these funds have long been known among the population.
Special formulations are produced exclusively for the lubrication of mechanisms. This, for example, is WD40 - a universal grease, which is also used to lubricate hinges and locks of both entrance and car doors. The composition can be taken in a spray company, it is more convenient.
Silicone is suitable for some types of mechanisms, it is also a professional tool. Litol, despite its popularity among the people, still belongs to the category of professional formulations. It is ideal for lubricating locks in private homes and protecting them from freezing. The lithol composition prevents the locking mechanism from freezing even in the most severe cold. Carbon lubricant can be chosen instead of the usual graphite. This compound is a conductive graphite lubricant.
Features of lever locks
Reliable steel doors always have lever-type locks. Such mechanisms are also popularly called safe. Lever mechanisms are characterized by increased strength. These designs are best treated with dry lubricant, ideal for the prevention of graphite.To lubricate the lock, you must first completely turn the key in the well so that its mechanism comes out. It is on the “secret” that graphite chips or dust are applied. Graphite is also additionally blown into the keyhole. Experts do not recommend using other types of lubricants for such mechanisms. Various fluid substances can lead to malfunction of the mechanism.
What lubricates cylinder locks
Cylinder locks are larvae mechanisms that also need preventive maintenance. Lubricants are not recommended to be poured into such locking structures. It is best to treat only the deadbolt itself with plain machine oil or WD40 grease.If you pour oil into the mechanism, then very soon dust will begin to accumulate in the larva, which will clog the lock. The door will no longer open normally, and this will lead to breakdown in the future. Cylinder locks sometimes stick, they can corrode. As a last resort, if you need to check the mechanism, it is better to remove the larva and inspect it. In case of serious damage, the lock cylinder is replaced with a new one.
Does the combination lock need to be lubricated?
Like any other locking mechanisms, combination locks are also lubricated. However, it is impossible to give unambiguous recommendations on the choice of means here. Usually the recommended compositions are indicated in the instructions for the castle. In each case, this may be some kind of specialized tool. One thing is certain - folk compositions are better not to be poured into such mechanisms.Combination locks usually have special holes designed for the introduction of lubricants. The type of lubricant depends not only on the specific model of the lock, but also on the operating conditions. For example, when installing a mechanism on external doors, frost protection may be required. If the lock is installed on the inner door of the office or the safe, then such compositions are not required here.
Lubricants that are developed for combination locks not only penetrate deep into the mechanism and prevent friction and corrosion. They also additionally clean the lock from dust and dirt, which inevitably gets inside.
How to care for door locks
Door locks need regular maintenance. In order to avoid problems with the mechanism in the future, a number of rules must be observed.You should not wait until the lock is completely jammed or until some other problems appear. The best way to protect a castle is prevention. It is recommended to lubricate the doors about once every six months. If the owner carries out such work less than once a year, then he exposes the mechanism to the risk of wear and premature failure.
You should always use the right lubricants, and not use products recommended by neighbors or acquaintances. Friends may have other locks and operating conditions for mechanisms.
The locks on the exterior doors of private houses need even more careful maintenance. It is advisable to lubricate from about once every three to four months. This will avoid problems with the mechanisms. External locks are subjected to serious stress.
If you take care of the locks, you can extend their life several times. Today, in addition to lubricants, in stores you can also find various cleaners and even compounds that defrost ice-covered lock structures.
All locking mechanisms work worse over time, so they require additional care. There is a stereotype that after installing the lock, it is not recommended to touch it, as it can worsen its operation. However, this is misleading. During operation, debris, dust and other small elements enter the keyhole. In addition, iron mechanisms wear out over time and small chips are formed, which harm the operation of the lock, so it must be lubricated regularly.
Very little attention is often paid to a door lock, since opening and closing the front door to an apartment is a mechanical movement, and a person does not think when they are performed. But, in the case when the lock jams and an unpleasant embarrassment occurs in the form of being late for an important meeting, without having time to put on shoes, a person begins to think about the cause of the breakdown and try to solve it. In order to avoid breakage of the lock at the wrong time, it is necessary to properly care for it. An open well is prone to small debris. The most popular and effective method of preventing problems with the locking mechanism is its regular lubrication.
At the moment, various lubricants can be purchased in stores, and there is no need to look for improvised fluids, which are often ineffective.
There are many types of lubricants from various manufacturers. For each type of mechanism, it is necessary to select a lubricant suitable for it in terms of composition and application. Manufacturers provide easy and convenient supply of material in the cylinder devices, thus, the entire mechanism is completely lubricated and it can be easily opened and closed without fear of getting dirty.
Lubricants for street locks:
- Do not wash off with water;
- Excellent resistance to temperature changes;
- Not subject to condensation.
In addition, most lubricants contain anti-corrosion and other running components that extend the life of metal mechanisms, which is very important for outdoor options, for example, in a garage, and also for street locks, it is important in winter, so that the lubricant has an anti-icing effect. . After the procedure, it can be repeated as needed.
The front door lock sticks: types and breakdowns
The front door in an apartment or house separates the dwelling from the outdoor environment, so it is very important that it is reliable and the door mechanism does not fail. Repair of the lock, if the owner of the house does not have special skills, must be entrusted to the master, who will determine the type of mechanism without difficulty, and, accordingly, carry out high-quality repairs.
The main types of locking mechanisms for locks are not multifaceted. Smartlock is a modern complex system that does not involve the use of a key to fight back. The action of a lock with such a mechanism is based on the introduction of a password. Mortise - installation takes place inside the door leaf. Consignment note - installation takes place on the canvas, works due to an electromagnet. Hinged - fastened with brackets, the classic version.
The locking mechanism can break for a variety of reasons. One of the implicit ones is a manufacturing defect, but this happens extremely rarely.
The most frequent violations:
- Rough closing and opening;
- Violation of work with keys;
- Aging of parts and their wear;
- Deformation of the door leaf;
- High requirements with low lock quality.
Not everyone can disassemble and assemble the locking mechanism, therefore, when starting an independent repair, you need to soberly assess your knowledge and skills in this area, otherwise you can simply ruin the lock and even the master will not be able to restore it.
Grease for front door locks: what to smear
Why is it necessary to lubricate the locking mechanism regularly? After lubrication, turning the key in the lock will be much easier to use in this way for all family members. Lubrication is necessary to protect parts and mechanisms from rust, dirt and wear, significantly increasing the life of the lock, after lubrication, the lock does not creak when the key is turned.
The lock needs to be maintained once a year.
Locking street mechanisms need lubrication more often. Lubrication must also be carried out correctly, otherwise it may happen that the lubricant mixes with debris and dust and makes the lock work even worse. As a rule, an instruction is attached to a quality lock, and it indicates care measures and operating rules. Use only the lubricant specified in the instructions.
In addition to specialized products purchased at the store, you can use folk recommendations for lubrication:
- Machine oil (working out).
- Sunflower oil is used very rarely.
- Melted fat is not recommended, as it will give a quick effect, but then the situation will only get worse.
- Solid oil is the most common lubricant.
- Gun oil is recommended for outdoor locks, as it works well even with temperature fluctuations.
It is always necessary to lubricate the lock post and the larva, as they most often wear out from constant friction. The push pin needs lubrication, without it, efforts will have to be made to close. Pistons will last longer after regular lubrication. The latch is also constantly exposed to friction. The deadbolt of the lock is very important for normal operation.
The best silicone grease for locks
Silicone lubricant is offered by manufacturers in the form of a spray, so it is very easy to use. Such a lubricant is suitable in the cold season, prevents the freezing of water and condensate. Also on sale you can find a form of release in the form of a gel in tubes, in this form it is recommended to rub it into the details of the lock, having previously protected your hands with gloves, but in this form of release, the lubricant is not popular, since it is not always convenient to use it.
The composition of silicone lubricants consists of a complex of chemicals. Synthetic oils are used for the manufacture, which facilitate the operation of the lock and special additives that protect all parts from wear and aggressive environments. The result of using silicone grease is to reduce wear on parts by reducing friction, and this effect lasts for a long time. Lubrication remains on the parts, regardless of the impact on the lock. Removal of grease is possible only with special chemicals.
How to lubricate the front door lock (video)
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