November Maintenance Checklist: Fix Door Locks and Hinges

With cold weather and the holidays fast approaching, this month’s to-do list focuses on some of the less obvious, but very important, indoor cleaning and repair tasks to get your home in tip-top shape for holiday guests.  There are a lot of home to-do list items that cover the bases without breaking your back or budget. Most of these chores are quick and easy; and, best of all, they take few materials or tools.  A couple of the things that should be on your November Maintenance Checklist are lubricating your door locks and fixing those pesky squeaky hinges.

Lubricate Door Locks

When you’re busy and on the go during the holidays, sticky door locks can really slow you down. Fortunately, the solution is quick and easy.

Pick up a small tube or bottle of graphite at your home center or hardware store, making sure to choose one with a narrow tip for easy application. Graphite is a dry powder, which makes it the perfect lubricant for door locks, since it doesn’t attract dust or dirt.

Put down a piece of newspaper or plastic to protect the floor under the door lock, and squirt a small amount of powdered graphite into the keyhole. Insert the key and turn it a few times to distribute the lubricant throughout the lock mechanism, and you’re done!

Fix Squeaky Door Hinges

While you’re at it, give some attention to those squeaky door hinges as well. It won’t be long before Christmas is here, and you wouldn’t want a squeaky hinge calling attention to any sneaky elves!

You can use powdered graphite for door hinges, but the black powder can sift down and stain your floors. For better results, pick up a small container of white lithium grease or machine oil.

To Lubricate Door Hinges:

• Close and latch the door.
• Use a hammer and nail, or a nail set, to tap out the hinge pin.
• Coat the hinge pin with a small amount of white lithium grease or machine oil. A little goes a long way!
• Tap the hinge pin back in the hinge.
• Open and close the door a few times to distribute the lubricate.
• Use a rag to wipe up any extra grease or oil that squeezes out of the hinge.

Easy peasy!  Now sit back and enjoy a cup of hot cider!

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Photo Credit:  NagornyiSergiy / Shutterstock.com