If your combination safe lock is not opening, it may be because the lubricant has dried out. In this blog post, we will show you how to lubricate your safe lock using a few household items. Follow these simple steps about how to lubricate a combination safe lock, and your safe lock should be working like new in no time!
A safe is a necessary investment for any home or office. Not only do they provide peace of mind, but they can also be a valuable storage space for important documents and belongings.
If you have a combination safe, regular lubrication will help keep the lock running smoothly. After going through this guide, you will know all information about lubricating your safe’s lock using three simple steps. Let’s get started!
Why Do You Need to Lubricate a Combination Safe Lock?
There are many reasons that you may need to lubricate your combination safe lock. Such as:
1. To Remove Old Waxy Buildup
One of the most common reasons to lubricate a combination safe lock is to remove old waxy buildup. Over time, your lock can become covered in white or brown residue that will have an impact on the performance of your safe. If you notice this, you should clean out your grate and apply heavy-duty grease to prevent future build-up.
2. To Reduce the Noise
Another reason to lubricate your combination safe lock is to reduce noise. If you are having trouble hearing and opening your safe, adding more lubrication, especially gun grease, could make a huge difference. This will also stop your mechanism from cracking or breaking down over time due to metal-against-metal friction.
3. To Keep Away Derbies
Finally, one of the most important reasons to lubricate your combination safe lock is to keep away derbies. If you do not regularly clean and lubricate your safe, it can lead to a buildup of dirt, dust, and other debris that can cause your lock to seize up or jam over time. To prevent this from happening, make sure to keep your safe, clean, and well-lubricated at all times.
As you can see, there are many important reasons to lubricate your combination safe lock. Whether you are looking to keep it clean and quiet or prevent your lock from seizing up over time, regular lubrication is essential for the proper functioning of your safe.
How to Lubricate a Combination Safe Lock in 6 Easy Steps
Step 1: Remove the Safe’s Door
This is the very first step since it is next to impossible to lubricate a safe without removing its door. So first you have to remove the safe’s door by twisting or unlocking it. But you have to make sure that you remove the door of a safe that contains an open combination lock.
Step 2: Remove the Combination Lock Assembly
After removing the safe’s door, you need to remove its combination lock assembly because this is what you will lubricate, and your first step is just a preparatory one. To remove it, simply unscrew a few screws attached to the safe’s door.
Step 3: Clean the Lock Assembly
Next, you have to clean the combination lock assembly with a soft cloth and remove all of its dust and dirt. If there is any buildup in or near the keyhole, you can wipe it away with a piece of compressed air or a cotton swab dipped in gun oil. Once you have cleaned the lock assembly, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Apply Lubricant
The fourth step is where you will apply lubricant on your combination safe lock. This is important since it will keep the moving parts of the mechanical lock from corroding and rusting. Make sure that you use a small amount of lubricant, just enough to cover all the parts that need to be lubricated.
Step 5: Replace the Combination Lock Assembly
Once you have finished applying lubricant and wiping off any excess, you can now put back in place your combination lock assembly. This process is usually easier than removing it since, most of the time, all you need to do is to screw it back in place.
Step 6: Test It Out
Finally, test out your newly lubricated safe by twisting or unlocking its handle and checking if the combination lock still works smoothly. If it does not, try cleaning the inside of the keyhole again or reapplying an additional coat of lubricant.
Some Additional Tips to Lubricate a Combination Safe Lock
1. Use High-quality Lubricant
A high-quality lubricant is essential for a well-functioning safe lock. It helps your combination safe lock to work as smoothly as possible. So make sure you choose a high-quality lubricant when you have to lubricate your safe lock.
2. Adjust Safe Lock Regularly
Once in a while, it is advisable to adjust your safe lock properly so that it can work smoothly and without any issues. So as part of maintenance tips for combination locks, you should always keep an eye on your safe lock and, if needed, adjust it.
3. Avoid Lubricants with Petroleum
Petroleum-based lubricants can harm the combination safe lock and decrease its working life span significantly. They collect dust and dirt more easily, which causes the combination lock to get jammed. So it is a better idea not to use petroleum-based lubricants on your combination safe lock, which will make the lock last longer.
4. Watch Out for Any Signs of Rust or Corrosion
One of the important maintenance tips for a combination lock is also to watch out for any signs of rust and corrosion on its parts. If there are any signs of rust or corrosion, it is important to get the lock repaired immediately before it causes more serious issues for your safe lock. This will help extend the life of your combination safe lock significantly.
5. Make Sure Your Combination Safe Lock Is Clean
As part of regular care tips for a combination safe lock, it is important to clean the safe lock regularly. This will help make sure it works smoothly and without any issues. So you should make it a habit to clean your combination safe lock regularly so that you can use it for many years to come.
6. Keep It in a Dry Location
It’s also important to keep your combination lock in a dry location. If the safety lock is in a damp or wet environment, it will be more likely to corrode and rust over time. So make sure you keep your safe lock in a dry location to extend its life span as much as possible.
7. Keep Your Safe Lock Away from Extreme Heat or Cold Temperatures
Finally, you should also try to keep your safe lock away from heat or cold temperatures, as these can damage the parts of the safe lock over time. So make sure you store your safe lock in a location that is not exposed to extreme heat or cold temperatures.
With these important tips, you can make sure your combination safe lock lasts a long time and works smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Combination Safe Lock?
A combination safe lock is the locking mechanism on a safe that requires an individual to enter a code consisting of three or more numbers in order to unlock it. These locks are commonly found on safes and vaults, and they range in complexity from simple dial-based locks to more advanced electronic locks.
How Much Does a Combination Safe Lock Cost?
The cost of a combination safe lock will depend on the lock’s complexity and whether it is electronic or mechanical. For example, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a dial-based combination safe lock, while an electronic keypad lock will typically cost $150 or more.
What Are Some Common Problems With Combination Safe Locks?
One common problem with combination safe locks is that they can be easily broken into if the code is known. This is particularly true of older dial-based locks, which rely on a rotating tumbler system that can be manipulated using tools like calipers or specialized keys.
Additionally, electronic combination safe locks may become defective or stop working for a variety of different reasons. In these cases, it is usually best to have the lock repaired or replaced by a professional, safe technician.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick guide on how to lubricate a combination safe lock. Remember, before you begin any work on your lock, always consult the user manual that came with your particular model. And if you’re ever in doubt about what you’re doing, don’t hesitate to call a professional locksmith for help.
Lubricating a combination safe lock is an easy process that can be done at home with supplies you may already have. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your combination safe lock will continue to work correctly for years to come.
Have you ever lubricated a combination safe lock before? What tips would you add? Let us know in the comments
