In a remediation project, there are several potential problems to consider. No two job sites are the same, and you have to be prepared for everything that might happen. One area that is often overlooked is door lock maintenance. In our everyday life, we take the functionality of door locks for granted. We just assume they’ll work every time. But on a job site, there are a number of factors that could lead to door lock failure. And if failure occurs, that’s a huge problem. 

Keep in mind that, while the immediate goal is to remove hazards and stabilize an environment, the ultimate objective is usually full restoration. You aren't just cleaning; you’re preparing it to be functional and beautiful again. Overlooking a detail like lock maintenance during the cleanup phase can create a massive hurdle when it comes time to hand the keys back to the owner. 

So, how do you prevent a door lock from rusting, seizing, or failing on a job site? It’s actually not as difficult as you think. Like many things, it all comes down to being proactive and not reactive.

What Causes Door Lock Failure?

Unfortunately, a remediation site is a prime location for a door lock failure. Unwanted dust, dirt, water, and grime buildup are common on a job site and are the leading causes of a lock malfunction. 

The last thing a lock needs is a buildup of gunk in the locking mechanism. There are a number of parts of a doorknob and lock that can break when exposed to harsh elements. If you’re on a site, and you believe there’s a high likelihood that a lock has been exposed to an unusual amount of dirt and grime, then it’s important to know exactly what to do next.

Preventative Maintenance is Key

Harm prevention is an important topic in remediation. This includes everything from knowing how to prevent a dangerous fall to understanding how to properly use strong chemicals. Preparing beforehand will often lead to a much smoother experience. That includes lock maintenance. 

As mentioned above, the best thing to do when a lock is exposed to unwanted materials  or environments is to do preventative maintenance. Basically, it’s important to make sure the locking mechanism is clean and that actions have been taken to prevent undesirable muck from building up. 

Here are some basic preventative maintenance steps to take: 

• Use Pressurized Air: While chemical cleaners often work best in a remediation project, that’s not the case with a locking mechanism. The best first step to take when cleaning a lock is to use simple pressurized air. The air will dislodge particles and clean the lock without doing any damage to the parts inside. 

• Clean the Surface: A powerful cleaning solution or excessive cleaning can actually wear down the parts of a lock, causing even more issues than before. When cleaning the outside of a lock, all that’s required is a soft cloth or a bristled toothbrush and warm water. However, if a cleaning solution is necessary, use something mild, such as dish soap. 

• Lubricate: While there are many different lubricants on the market, most lock professionals recommend graphite and Teflon. Not only does lubrication ensure the lock mechanism will continue to work, but it also provides a layer of protection that can prevent dirt, dust, and grime from building up in the future. To lubricate, all you have to do is spray into the keyhole and insert the key several times (wiping off between uses). 

Properly maintaining these fixtures during remediation ensures that the restoration phase is both cost-effective and seamless. Restoration is significantly easier when you’re polishing an existing, well-cared-for lock rather than sourcing and installing expensive replacements because a mechanism was allowed to seize up during the dirty work.

How to Fix a Problem

While preventative maintenance can help you avoid problems, for the most part, it’s not 100% effective. This is especially true on a job site, where it’s just impossible to protect locks from the worksite environment. So, if you notice an issue with a lock, there are ways to fix it before total failure. 

Even though doorknobs and locks are often made with incredibly strong metals, they are actually composed of delicate mechanisms. So, if you notice a lock that is beginning to give you problems, the last thing you want to do is to use a lot of force. Trying to force a key to turn can not only break the key itself but also damage the lock internals. It’s important to be gentle. 

If a lock is completely seized and the key won’t turn, you can use graphite or silicone spray and reinsert the key. Try to turn the key a couple of times to spread the lubrication. However, if it still won’t budge, don’t force it. Again, we don’t want to do more damage. 

If you do get a bit overzealous and break the key, that’s when you have to turn to a pair of needle-nosed pliers. Simply grip onto the key and extract it. As long as you’re gentle, it shouldn’t be a problem.

If All Else Fails, Call The Pros

But what if nothing works and the lock is still seized? Or worse yet, you accidentally damaged the locking mechanism? That’s when you need to call an experienced locksmith. This is obviously the last line of defense and a costly endeavor, but it might be the only option left. A locksmith will not only have more tools and knowledge of locks, but they can also offer recommendations to prevent the issue from happening again. 

The Final Handover

At the end of the day, the transition from remediation and restoration to handing over the keys should be invisible to the client. By protecting the small details, like the functionality of the door locks, you ensure that when the final restoration is complete, the building isn't just safe; it’s fully operational. A lock that turns smoothly is the final 'click' that signals a job well done.