Why do locks fail?

 

Why Does My Lock Fail? Comprehensive Causes of Cylinder Breakdown

"Why did my lock fail?" is one of the most common questions we receive as we replace a faulty cylinder. In Thanet, lock failure is rarely due to a single issue; it is usually a combination of environmental stress, poor quality components, and incorrect lubrication.

As your local, experienced locksmith, here is our professional analysis of the primary factors that cause locks to fail:

1. The Critical Role of Maintenance (The Biggest Culprit)

Bad or Non-Existent Lubrication: This is the single largest cause of premature lock failure. Lock cylinders are precision mechanisms that require a dry lubricant.

• The WD40 Myth: The most common mistake is using general-purpose oil, like WD40, inside the lock. Over time, these oily residues mix with dust and grime, creating a thick, sticky 'gunk' that actively prevents the internal pins from moving, leading to failure.
• The Professional Solution: Never use oil. Locks should only be lubricated with a graphite powder (lightly applied to the key pins) and a silicon-based spray applied sparingly to the cam and outer casing.

2. Environmental and Geographic Factors

Your property's physical location in Thanet significantly impacts a lock's lifespan:

• Coastal Corrosion: Homes near the seafront are exposed to salt in the air, which accelerates the corrosion of internal brass and steel components, leading to rapid failure.
• Airborne Contaminants: Locks on properties close to main roads are susceptible to becoming choked with heavy car fumes, grime, and fine brake dust, impeding smooth operation.

3. Component Quality and Key Accuracy

Even high-quality locks can fail due to user or manufacturing issues:

• Subpar Manufacturing: Locks are mass-produced, and occasionally a cylinder will be manufactured with slightly subpar components or tolerances, causing it to fail much faster than its design intended.
• Badly Cut Keys: Using a copy of a copy, or a poorly cut key made on a universal blank, rapidly wears down the internal pins and springs. This accelerates the wear and tear of the cylinder, ultimately leading to failure.

The Solution: Prevention is Better Than Cure

The best solution is regular, preventative care. We strongly recommend scheduling a professional lock service at least once a year. A local locksmith who knows the impact of the Thanet coastline and busy roads can clean, lubricate, and inspect your locks correctly, drastically extending their lifespan and saving you from an inconvenient lockout.