The lock on your front door is a primary piece of security to your home, and only someone with a key may enter. However, as with anything that has moving parts, the lock on your front door can wear down and be less efficient in securing your home. Or, someone you no longer trust may have a copy of your keys.

In fact, there are ten good reasons why you should be replacing the locks on your home. In this article, we’ll tell you what they are and give some advice on how to look after your locks so they may last longer.

10 Signs You May Need to Replace Your Lock

1. Key Issues.

If you have issues when inserting your key such as having to force it in, or it’s difficult to remove. Sometimes the fit is quite loose and you have to jiggle the key around for it to turn and unlock your door. This indicates damage or wear and tear with the locking mechanism.

This is also an indicator that your lock may be easier to pick or bump open.

2. Physical Wear and Tear

Can you see visible rust or corrosion around your lock? This can weaken the structure of your lock, making it easier to damage and force entry into your home.

Additionally, scratches or dents around the keyhole may indicate someone as attempted to tamper with or break your lock. There could be damage to your locking mechanism so it won’t lock correctly, or hamper the use of your key.

3. Loose Components

Your door handle may wobble when you hold it and open it, or the deadbolt needs to be fiddled with to align with the door frame.

The wooden door or doorframe may have deteriorated leaving the screws holding your locks loose and unsecure. Or age and corrosion may have worn away at the moving parts of your door handle, making it loose as well.

4. Operational Problems

If your door doesn’t close all the way, or the deadbolt doesn’t align fully with the door frame, you would need to look at servicing the door and door frame, or replacing the lock itself.

5. Strange Noises When Turning The Key

Sometimes there can be an internal problem with the lock mechanism, so when you turn the key it clicks, or there is a grinding sound, or possibly even a squeaking sound. All of these are evidence of metal rubbing on metal, a sign that the lock is deteriorating and needs to be replaced.

6. Security Risks

There may not be anything physically wrong with your locking mechanism at all. It may be a case of you’ve just moved into a new home, or you’ve lost your keys. You should change your locks in case someone finds those keys and finds where you live. It is good for your peace of mind.

Also, if you’ve moved into your new place and it’s an older home, the locks are probably old as well. One of the best things you can do first is get new locks on all your doors. The last thing you want is to have just moved in, when everything is still in boxes, and have someone come calling when you’re not home.

7. Moving to a New Place

When you buy a new place you can’t be sure how many copies of the keys to the front door are out there. Does the Real Estate Agent have some? Do the previous owners still have keys? Did they have cleaners who let themselves in?

One of the first things you should do when moving into your new home is get your locks changed. Either rekeying or replacing your locks entirely, it provides certain security for you and your new home.

8. Lost or Stolen Keys

If you’ve lost your keys, or if your bag was stolen which included your driver’s licence showing where you live, then you should absolutely get your locks changed, on your home and your car. This will protect you from unauthorised access to your home.

9. After a Break-In or Attempted Break-In

If someone forced their way into your home, or tried to, chances are that your locking mechanism is damaged and compromised.This is where you’d get your lock replaced, often with something stronger and more capable of withstanding assault.

10. Separation or Divorce

Changing your locks after the ending of a relationship can bring security and peace of mind, knowing that someone who has moved out cannot get back in whenever they like.

For the above examples, have a conversation with RAM Locksmiths to check if you need to completely replace your locks or have your lock rekeyed. Either way, our licensed locksmiths will help you feel safe and secure in your home once again.

If you need an emergency locksmith in Eastern Suburbs, or would like one of our locksmiths in Moonee Ponds to install a new smartlock for your home, contact us today in Melbourne on 03 8784 3900 or, if you’re based in Perth, call 08 9201 9232.

How You Can Maintain Your Locks

You can monitor and maintain your outside locks to help extend their lifespan. This can save you money over the life of your home. Things you can do include:

• Invest in higher quality locks. These can last up to 20 years for the top of the range locks, while cheaper ones may only last five years.
• External locks exposed to the elements may weather and corrode much faster than normally. You should check them annually.
• High Usage. For doors that are used in high traffic areas, with the constant use of keys, they too should be checked annually for wear and tear.
• Cleaning and lubrication can help maintain your lock. Spraying a small amount of WD-40 into the keyhole, or giving your lock a thorough clean of any grit and dirt can extend the life of your door lock.

Even with maintenance and regular check ups, if your lock is showing any signs of failure, you should get it replaced. Better to do it before it breaks and you’re left with a wide open home.

If you have concerns about the quality of your door locks and want them inspected, or changed over for something new and secure, get in touch by phone or email and one of our team will be happy to help, anywhere in Melbourne or Perth.

FAQ 

Q: Do I need to change all my locks at the same time? 

It’s a good idea to change all entry point locks at the same time. Front door, back door, and side doors should all have the same level of security. Updating one and leaving others unchanged creates a weak point that an intruder could exploit.

Q: How often should rental properties have their locks changed? 

Locks on rental properties should be rekeyed every time a tenant vacates. This is standard practice and protects both the incoming tenant and the property owner. Some states in Australia may also have specific legal requirements around this.

Q: Can I just rekey my locks instead of replacing them every time? 

In most cases, yes, rekeying is a perfectly adequate solution when the lock itself is in good condition. It achieves the same security outcome as a full replacement at a lower cost. Replacement is only necessary when the lock is damaged, outdated, or no longer up to standard.

Q: What’s the best way to keep track of when my locks were last changed? 

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Keep a simple record, even a note on your phone, of when your locks were last rekeyed or replaced. This is especially useful for landlords managing multiple properties, or homeowners who want to stay on top of their home security.

Q: Where are RAM Locksmiths located? 

RAM Locksmiths has premises in Dandenong and Hallam in Victoria, as well as a Perth location. They hold security licences across Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT.

Q: Can RAM Locksmiths help with home security beyond just locks? 

Yes. In addition to locks, RAM can supply and install home alarm systems, security cameras (CCTV), intercoms, and safes, making them a genuine one-stop shop for residential security.