How to Check Door Locks

Most people don’t think about their door locks until something goes wrong. The key sticks, the deadbolt won’t throw, or worse—you come home to find out it wasn’t locked properly. A little maintenance goes a long way toward making sure your locks actually secure your home.

Why This Matters

Your locks are the only thing standing between your stuff and anyone who wants it. But locks are mechanical devices with moving parts. They collect dust, dry out, and wear down. A lock that worked fine five years ago might be a liability today.

• Worn locks are easy to pick or force – Internal parts get loose
• Sticky locks slow you down – When you’re rushing to get inside
• Misaligned strikes leave gaps – Deadbolts don’t fully engage
• Loose hardware is a security risk – Strike plates pull out with force

A lock that’s hard for you to use is a lock you might not use properly. That’s a problem.

What to Check

Go around to every exterior door and check these points:

1. Key Operation

Insert your key and turn it. It should:

• Slide in smoothly without forcing
• Turn without excessive resistance
• Return to center easily after unlocking
• Work the same from both sides of the door

If you have to jiggle the key or lean into it, something’s wrong.

2. Deadbolt Throw

With the door closed, lock the deadbolt. It should:

• Extend fully into the frame (usually 1 inch)
• Move smoothly without sticking
• Sit flush with the door edge when unlocked

A deadbolt that doesn’t extend all the way isn’t doing its job. It can be forced with a credit card in seconds.

3. Strike Plate

Open the door and look at the metal plate on the frame where the bolt goes:

• Are all screws tight?
• Is it securely fastened to the frame (not just the trim)?
• Does it align with the bolt?

Loose strike plates are a major weak point. Tighten them. If the screws spin freely, replace them with longer screws that reach the framing.

4. Latch Alignment

Close the door without locking it. The spring latch should:

• Click into the strike plate smoothly
• Hold the door snug against the weatherstripping
• Not require lifting or pushing to close

If you have to push, pull, or lift the door to latch it, the alignment is off.

5. Lock Engagement from Outside

Lock the door from outside and walk away. Come back and try to open it without unlocking. It should stay put. Test the knob and deadbolt separately.

Maintenance Steps

Lubricate

Once a year, put a few drops of graphite lubricant or dry silicone spray into the keyhole. Insert the key and work it back and forth to spread the lubricant.

Don’t use WD-40 or oil-based sprays. They attract dust and gum up the mechanism over time. Graphite or Teflon-based products are designed for locks.

Tighten Hardware

Check the screws on:

• Lockset faceplates (both sides of door)
• Strike plates on the frame
• Deadbolt faceplates

If any are loose, tighten them. If the wood is stripped, remove the screw, fill the hole with a toothpick and wood glue, let it dry, and re-install.

Clean Keyholes

Dust and debris accumulate in lock cylinders. Blow out the keyhole with compressed air or insert and remove the key several times to clear it.

Warning Signs It’s Time to Replace

Some problems aren’t worth fixing:

• Key requires jiggling or forcing – Internal wear
• Lock is visibly damaged – Bent parts, corrosion
• You’ve lost track of keys – Who has copies?
• Lock is over 10-15 years old – Technology improves
• Doesn’t meet current standards – Look for ANSI Grade 1 or 2
• Previous break-in attempt – Internal damage may exist

If you’ve moved into a previously owned home, consider rekeying or replacing all exterior locks. You don’t know who has keys.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

DIY: Basic maintenance, lubrication, tightening screws, replacing inexpensive locksets.

Call a pro: Rekeying multiple locks to match, high-security lock installation, fixing alignment issues, installing smart locks, getting locked out. Find a locksmith →

How Often to Check

• Quick check: Every 6 months
• Full maintenance: Once a year
• After any issues: If a lock starts sticking, address it immediately

The Bottom Line

A lock that doesn’t work right is a security risk. Spend fifteen minutes once a year checking your exterior locks. Tighten what’s loose, lubricate what’s sticky, and replace what’s worn. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your home.