Keeping your property safe, come rain or shine

 

Whatever the weather, we rely on locks to control access to our property. But changes in the weather put a lot of strain on external locks and access control systems. There are many factors that can compromise a lock’s performance and lifespan, here are three to look out for: 

1. Changes in temperature and humidity
   Because of the humidity and moisture in the summer air, it’s common for doors to expand causing them to jam. During the winter, wooden door frames contract causing a poor fit between the lock and the door itself, which makes it difficult for keys to turn when locking and unlocking the door. 
    
2. Harsh environments 
   Locks used by tradesmen, farmers, and construction workers can be exposed to chemicals and dirt. Over time, a build-up of residues can cause the lock to become stiff, preventing it from locking. Exposure to chemicals or sea air, can also cause corrosion, preventing locks from operating properly. 
    
3. Frequent or infrequent use
   In places that experience high volumes of traffic, such as offices, schools and restaurants, locks can become worn and damaged if they are not maintained properly. Conversely, locks that are left unused can sometimes seize up if not regularly lubricated.

Lock maintenance tips

To make sure locks don’t let us down and compromise access to your business or home, we must take care of them. Here are four tips for maintaining healthy locks:

1. Clean your lock – but don’t overdo it
   Clean your locks regularly with a mild detergent or damp rag. Avoid abrasive, petroleum-based or chemical cleaners that can cause more harm than good.
    
2. Lubricate locks annually
   Spray a small amount of lubricant into the keyway and run the key in and out of the lock repeatedly, wiping away any debris. 
    
3. Avoid using unnecessary force
   Applying too much force on a lock will weaken it over time, compromising its ability to function properly. Slamming doors and applying excessive force to doorknobs and latches can also weaken your lock and cause it to malfunction. Ensure that you have selected and installed the appropriate lock for the environment in the first instance.
    
4. Make sure your door is properly hung
   If your door is sagging and isn’t aligned with the frame, this can put unnecessary pressure on the lock and can hinder access. You should look for an even gap along the sides and the top of your door. 

Time for an upgrade?

If your lock is beyond maintenance and really needs replacing, keyless mechanical locks provide a simple but effective access solution. Ideal for frequent and constant use, keyless mechanical locks are robust, flexible and well suited to high traffic and varied weather conditions. Pushbutton functionality eliminates the need for keys, removing a potential entry point for debris or rain. This helps to keep maintenance and upkeep of the lock to a minimum.

 

 

Introducing Marine by Codelocks

If you’re looking for an extra level of protection on the access door to your building – especially for harsh environments – the Marine by Codelocks range is ideal. Codelocks has taken its easy-to-use core range of mechanical locks and given them a tougher, more robust exterior. 

Designed to resist exposure to moisture and help to prevent damage caused by corroding, the Marine by Codelocks range offers reliable and flexible access control. The newest member of the Marine range is the CL600. It allows customers to choose between knob or lever handles, it has a key override function and on-the-door code changes. All locks in the Marine by Codelocks range are salt spray tested – performing 1000 hours* – and as an added bonus the protective coating provides a sleek, black finish.

Chosen by security experts

There can be few higher recommendations for a lock than when it is chosen by a security specialist to protect its own property. CES, a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic access control systems for public and industrial buildings, was looking for a robust and reliable lock to secure its warehouse, located on the River Medway. 

Codelocks recommended its CL515 Mortice Latch Black Marine Grade finish lock. Mario Del-Signore, managing director at CES UK said, “The CL515 MG is a solid and robust product. You can feel the quality just by pressing the buttons. It is far superior to what I’ve seen in the marketplace and this aligns with our CES products. We sell quality products here, so we want quality products on our own door too.”

So, if you’re looking for a way to control access to your property, come rain or shine, choose Marine by Codelocks. 

 

24, Nov 2022