Maintenance Tips for Padlocks

Master Lock Padlocks will help with the safety of your home and business. However, despite their ability to keep your property safe, they also require maintenance. The operation of padlocks may deteriorate over time. However, you don’t need to buy new padlocks to replace old ones: just take better care of them. To ensure your locks are operating properly, here are four tips for maintaining your padlocks.

Lubricate Routinely

A vital part of padlock maintenance is to keep your locks lubricated. Lubrication will help prevent the padlock’s cylinder and shackle from becoming stuck, as lubricant will wash away dust and dirt that can cause friction between the moving parts. Applying lubricant every three to six months will help improve the padlock’s longevity as well.

PTFE is the recommended padlock lubricant. This is a dry synthetic lubricant that can be sprayed on all internal and external padlock components. The advantage of PTFE is that it will not attract dirt. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants such as WD40 and other oils. These lubricants attract dirt and can actually reduce the operation of your padlocks. Also, make sure not to use silicone lubricant or dry graphite, as they too can attract dirt. We recommend the dry PTFE based Houdini Padlock Lubricant for best results.

Clean the Padlock

Another aspect of padlock maintenance is cleaning both inside and out. Use a cloth and water to scrub away any dirt or grime on the outside of the lock, and if you decide to use soap, use a mild detergent. Open the padlock and spray pressurized air into the padlock cylinder and shackle opening to remove loose dirt and grime. You can also spray the cylinder and shackle opening with pressurized water but be sure to leave the padlock open to dry completely. Once dry, lubricate the padlock immediately.

Protect From the Environment

The environment where padlocks are used impacts their operation. You cannot prevent condensation or wind born dirt from forming on your padlocks, but you can avoid submersion in water or direct contact with the ground. If you are using a padlock in conjunction with a security cable or chain, be sure to elevate the padlock so that it is not in contact with the ground. You should also lubricate padlocks more often when used in extreme environments.

Treat Your Keys Well

One component regarding padlock maintenance you might not think about is maintaining your keys. Most keys are made from brass which is a soft metal. Avoid forcing the key to turn the cylinder as this may cause the key to bend, twist, or break. The key also wears each time you insert it into the cylinder. If you notice that the key is twisted or bent or it sticks when trying to turn it, it is time to replace the key. Duplicate Keys are available as needed.