Some Do's And Don'ts Of Safe Maintenance And Upkeep

Selecting and installing a safe is an important part of security for your home or business. But once the safe is in place and keeping your stuff protected, are you taking the necessary next steps to keep everything at its peak? If you're not sure what you should be doing, here are a few important dos and don'ts. 

Do Perform Some Home Maintenance

Safes, like all mechanical devices, require some regular maintenance to keep working well year after year. While today's safes are designed to be user friendly and require as little work as possible, that doesn't eliminate all maintenance needs. You can do some simple upkeep tasks yourself, such as changing the battery of electronic locks and lubricating external hinges and locking bolts. 

Don't Forget to Use Professionals

Even though the safe owner can perform some light maintenance jobs, the unit still needs professional maintenance on a regular schedule. Many parts of the safe are difficult or impossible to access without the right skills and equipment. Using the wrong DIY materials can damage the internal lock workings and improper repair attempts can easily result in locking yourself out of the safe permanently. 

A busy, well-used safe may need an annual checkup. Other safes should be inspected after the first few years of service, then on a schedule according to their condition. Small safes can be brought to a repair location or a technician will visit your larger safe in-situ. 

Do Check Out the Safe's Surroundings

Look beyond the safe itself when doing maintenance. Every safe is affected to one extent or another by its environment. Warping in floors or walls, for instance, can cause a safe door to stop working properly. Dust and debris from a dirty environment can get into the locks, bolts, and dials of a safe.

Don't Ignore Signs of Trouble

Pay attention to how your safe works over time. Don't ignore indicators — even small ones — that it's aging or becoming harder to operate. It could be anything, from difficulty finding the combination due to drifting in the lock, to loose handles and dials or stiff hinges. Unfortunately, problems like these start out small and easy to miss, but they eventually build into something that can catastrophically fail and lock you out.

Do Consider Upgrading

Stay abreast of new security trends and options during your safe's life. Improvements, particularly in technology, make locks and safes more secure and easier to use all the time. At some point, you may find that updates such as better fire protection or a longer-lasting lock unit may be worth upgrading your current safe. 

Don't worry that you will have to spend a fortune to take advantage of some updates. Some parts — including handles, hinges, and locks — can often be replaced when the time comes. So, if you decide later on that an electronic lock would be more convenient for a busy retail office, you can change just this part. 

Finally, though, remember that no safe lasts forever. Eventually, repairs and replacement may not be possible any longer. Or you may find that your needs call for a larger safe, one with more customization, a safe you can hide, or even one that takes up less space. Safe removal and disposal can be a challenging task that needs a professional, so consider adding a line item to your budget. 

Where to Learn More

Want to know more about regular maintenance, replacement parts, and upgrades available for your model of safe? Begin by consulting with the security pros at Dixie Safe & Lock Service. We will help you find out more about your particular unit or help you repair anything that's already impacting its proper function. Call today to get started.