Got An Old Wall Safe With A Combination Lock? Keep It Maintained With These Three Steps
Whether you inherited an old wall safe when you purchased your home or you had one installed a long time ago to protect your valuables, having access to a wall safe right in your home is definitely a convenience. Old wall safes with a combination lock may be the most common form of safe to have in a home, but these safes are notorious for developing issues with time that make them little more than a metal box in the wall. To ensure the combination lock of your safe remains working for the long haul, there are a few simple maintenance tasks to keep in mind.
Lubricate the moving parts of the handle and lock.
Just like any other mechanical thing, safes with combination locks need to have occasional lubrication to remain in smooth operating condition. The combination knob itself should be lubricated with a light spray oil to keep the knob turning easily. The handle which you use to open the latch once the correct combination has been entered should also be lubricated in the same fashion. With the door of your safe open, also lubricate the hinges and inner latch that secures the door closed when the lock is set.
Keep the inside and outside of the safe clean.
Interior home safes are usually made of steel and other metal materials. Therefore, these materials can rust and corrode with time, especially if the surface of the safe itself is not properly cleaned. Make sure you take the time occasionally to wipe down the safe with a mild solution of soap and water and then thoroughly dry it. Don't forget to also clean the inside of the safe as well. Removing built-up dirt, dust, and grime can help prevent the surface of your safe from developing rust and corrosion.
Have the safe serviced by a technician regularly.
All safes do need a little TLC and attention from a professional safe technician occasionally, but combination safes are especially needy in this area because wheels and tabs inside the lock have to sometimes be replaced to remain functional. The inner workings of the combination lock itself can get worn and need lubrication need cleaning. Taking the combination lock of a safe apart for these purposes is a highly detailed and complicated procedure which should only be performed by a true professional. If you use your safe regularly, it is a good idea to have it maintenanced every few years by a professional.
For more information, contact Arapahoe County Security Center Inc or a similar location.