How to Protect your Home from Lock Snapping
December 20, 2023
How to lubricate and look after your UPVC and composite door locks
by Craig Andres
Maintaining the locks on your flat, house or bungalow can save you money and avoid lock problems if done correctly.
I am a locksmith with 22 years of experience and have worked on a variety of door types including UPVC, wood, composite, and aluminium. These door locks only require a small amount of attention to keep them working at their best. If you have any of these issues you may need to lubricate your locks:
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Your key is difficult to get in or out of your lock.
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Multi-point locking mechanism is stiff.
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Stiff shutting / operating night latch lock.
The first thing I would do before lubricating your locks, is check your key for any visual defects. Some common defects with keys include bent keys, cracks, or damage to your key. If this all appears correct, then you are ready to lubricate your locks.
Different types of lock lubricant recommended:
- GT85 Lock lubricant (suitable for most household locks)
- WD40 Lock lubricant (suitable for most household locks)
- Graphite based Lock lubricant (more specialised lock lubricant for lock brands Brisant Ultion, Avocet ABS, APECS, these locks are dimple type locks and are more specialist and usually higher security).
GT85 or WD40 are a good choice to lubricate most locks as they are effective and easily obtainable at competitive prices. Normally you only need a small puff to lubricate and maintain your locks. Most WD40 and GT85 lubricants have a spray nozzle to make applying the lubricant fast and easy. Suitable for most euro locks, rim locks, night latch locks, bolts, and multi-point locking mechanisms both GT85 and WD40 are very good for lubricating, cleaning, displacing water, and rust protection.
GT85
WD-40
Graphite Based
Locks that should not be cleaned with GT85 or WD40.
In my professional opinion, I would not recommend GT85 or WD40 on dimple style locks as these types of locks are more specialist and the tolerances are much tighter inside the lock. Dimple style locks are normally higher security and, in some cases, using the wrong type of lock lubricant in the lock can unfortunately invalidate your warranty on the lock and cause lock issues.
When lubricating dimple style locks, I would check with the manufacturer or brand of the lock, before lubricating. The purpose of this is to see what they recommend or sell, to maintain the warranty on your lock, to keep the best performance and operational lifespan.
Lubricating multi-point locking mechanisms.
Multi-point locking mechanisms are fitted to all UPVC and composite doors right across the UK. This type of lock uses a series of locking points that may include bolts, hooks, and rollers to create a secure multi-point locking system which is usually activated by lifting the door handle and turning the key to secure your door.
These locking mechanisms go through rigorous testing by the manufacturer to provide a reliable and secure locking solution. A small amount of maintenance is required each year to keep everything running smoothly and in good working order. Over time, dust, dirt, debris, and corrosion can accumulate on the locking mechanism causing friction and hinder the locks performance or feel.
When looking at your multi-point locking mechanism running down the edge of your door there will usually be lubrication markers already marked by the manufacturer on where the lubrication points are recommended. These are marked with an oil container and drops showing to lubricate at maintenance intervals, which is usually once a year.
It is important that the locking mechanism operates and slides freely giving you a nice smooth locking operation, not stiff and straining the internal working parts, which may cause your lock to have a shorter life span or a failure.
I would strongly suggest WD40 or GT85 or a silicone-based lubricant to keep your multi-point locking mechanism running free and have a smooth locking operation.
Troubleshooting and locksmith tips.
If the multi-point locking mechanism was stiff, you have lubricated the lock and it is still stiff, then there is still something you can try!
- With the door open try and lift the handle and turn the key – if the handle is stiff to lift or the door will not lock then it is likely that you have a lock issue.
- If you have lubricated the mechanism and with the door open, you can lift the handle and turn the key and the lock works smoothly. However, when the door is shut you cannot lift the handle and turn the key, this is likely due to the door requiring adjustment and realignment to allow the door to lock correctly.
- What do I think about three-in-one oil for lubricating locks? This oil will cause dirt, dust, and debris from the atmosphere to stick to the oil. The result - your lock will usually get sticky and gummy and cause major problems with lock operations. I do not recommend 3 in one oil for any lock lubricating requirement.
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