While you’ve made a smart investment in commercial rekeyable locks, specifically those with interchangeable cores, your security system isn't a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Just like any other critical piece of equipment, your rekeyable locks require regular care and attention to ensure they function optimally and continue to protect your valuable assets. Neglecting their maintenance can lead to many problems, impacting your security, operational efficiency, and even your bottom line.
What Could Go Wrong If You Neglect to Maintain Your Commercial Rekeyable Locks?
Ignoring the upkeep of your commercial rekeyable locks can have significant repercussions, ranging from increased risk of security breaches to higher replacement costs. And that may just be the tip of the iceberg. Before launching into how to proactively maintain your rekeyable locks, let's explore what could go wrong if you choose not to.
Locks become difficult to operate
Dust, debris, and corrosion can build up within the cylinder and interchangeable cores, causing keys to stick, become difficult to insert or turn, or even fail to work altogether. This can lead to frustrating delays for employees and potential security vulnerabilities if doors can't be secured properly.
Increased risk of security breaches
Worn or damaged internal components within the rekeyable locks can make them more susceptible to picking, bumping, or other forms of forced entry. A compromised lock is an open invitation for theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access to sensitive areas.
Higher replacement costs
Neglecting minor maintenance issues can lead to more significant problems down the line. What could have been a simple cleaning or minor repair might escalate into the need for a complete lock cylinder or even an entire lockset replacement, resulting in unnecessary and avoidable expenses.
Compromised key control
If the internal mechanisms of your interchangeable cores are not functioning or pinned correctly, it could potentially impact the integrity of your rekeying process. This could lead to situations where old keys might still work or new keys might not function as intended, undermining your key control efforts.
Voided warranties
Some manufacturers' warranties on commercial rekeyable locks may be voided if the locks are not properly maintained according to their guidelines.
Tips to Maintain Your Commercial Rekeyable Locks
Fortunately, proactively maintaining your rekeyable locks doesn't have to be a complex or time-consuming process. Implementing a few simple yet effective practices can significantly extend their lifespan and ensure reliable security.
Regular External and Internal Cleaning
Just like any mechanical device, your commercial rekeyable locks can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris over time. This is especially true in environments with high foot traffic or exposure to the elements.
- External Cleaning Tip: Regularly wipe down the exterior of the lock cylinders and hardware with a clean, dry cloth. For tougher grime, you can use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap, ensuring you dry the components thoroughly afterward.
- Internal Cleaning Tip: Periodically, you can use a specialized lock lubricant or a dry lubricant like graphite powder to keep the internal mechanisms of the cylinder and interchangeable cores moving smoothly. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract more dust and eventually gum up the works. Apply the lubricant sparingly into the keyway and work the key in and out several times to distribute it.
Inspect Regularly for Wear and Tear
Routine visual inspections can help you identify potential problems before they escalate. Make it a habit to check your rekeyable locks for:
- Loose screws or mounting hardware
- Signs of physical damage
- Corrosion or rust
- Stiff or sticky cylinders
- Worn or damaged keys
Invest in Environmental Protection
For exterior commercial rekeyable locks, there is often a range of weather conditions at play, making environmental protection crucial. Consider installing weather-resistant escutcheons or covers that shield the lock cylinders from rain, snow, ice, and dust. This can significantly prolong the life of your locks and prevent corrosion. Additionally, ensure that any door or frame designs allow for proper drainage to prevent water from pooling around the lock mechanisms.
Evaluate Key Management Processes
Although it is not directly related to the physical maintenance of the locks themselves, effective key management is linked to the overall security and longevity of your commercial rekeyable locks with interchangeable cores.
Within your key management processes, you must track key distribution and maintain a detailed record of who has which keys. You also must implement key control policies that establish clear processes regarding key handling, borrowing, and returning.
Also, know when rekeying is necessary. One of the significant advantages of rekeyable locks with interchangeable cores is the ability to quickly and cost-effectively change the keys without replacing the entire lock. Rekeying should be done whenever a key is lost or stolen, when an employee leaves and the key isn’t returned, or when there's any concern about unauthorized key possession.
Finally, conduct regular audits of your key inventory to ensure all issued keys are accounted for.
Prolong Lock Life with InstaKey’s Rekeyable Locks
By pairing InstaKey’s commercial rekeyable locks with interchangeable cores, with these simple maintenance steps, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your locks, ensure their reliable operation, and maintain a high level of security for your business.
