Your door locks should always be a bit more than you think they need to be. If you live in a neighborhood that you deem to be very safe, you may find locks for doors that don’t have a lot of strength. You may be saving money or you simply don’t think something more is necessary. You may not realize it, but the safe neighborhoods are the targets for some types of thieves. Just because it has been safe up until the point when you buy your door locks does not mean someone won’t try to force their way in the very next day.
There are times when you may have trouble with your door locks. If you find that you are having a hard time moving the key when it is inserted into the lock, there are a few things that could be wrong. At times, it might mean that the door lock mechanism needs some lubrication. WD-40 can work well for that. If that does not seem to help, it could be that your door hinges have sagged a bit and your lock is out of alignment. This often happens after a period of years, but it might happen if the door locks are installed improperly. The door can be re-hung, and at times, new hinges will be needed.
Even more important than installing good door locks is using them. Just leaving your door unlocked to run your child to school or to go get a gallon of milk at the store can lead to a lot of trouble. Someone could notice you didn’t lock your door on the way out and walk right in while you are away. They may not get away with much, but they will find something of interest to take with them. Door locks should be used at all times, and having more than one is also good. Using a chain lock on the inside is a good idea for when you are home. This can help prevent home invasions while you are sleeping or going about your day.
