Product Care

Product Care

General Product Care & Maintenance

Our products are designed and manufactured to provide reliable physical security in demanding outdoor environments, however they will require regular inspection and maintenance to maximise service life, ensure smooth operation and maintain protection against the elements. Product Care & Maintenance is essential to keep your equipment performing at its very best.

Routine Inspection

We recommend inspecting your security products at least every 3 to 6 months, and more frequently in coastal or high-exposure environments.

Check for:

  • Signs of corrosion or damage to protective coatings.
  • Loose fixings, bolts or fasteners.
  • Excessive wear on hinges, lock mechanisms and moving parts.
  • Accumulations of dirt, mud, leaves or debris that could affect operation.

Any issues should be addressed promptly to prevent further deterioration.

Lubricating Locks & Moving Components

Locks, hinges and other moving parts should be lubricated regularly to ensure smooth and reliable operation.

  • Use a suitable lock lubricant or light machine oil
  • Lubricate lock cylinders, hinges, pivot points and moving mechanisms every 3 to 6 months.
  • In exposed coastal or industrial environments, lubrication may be required more frequently.
  • Remove excess lubricant after application to avoid attracting dirt and grit.

Never force a lock that is difficult to operate. Clean and re-lubricate the mechanism first.

SAS recommended Lock Lubricant

SAS recommended grease

Lubricant and grease
Lubricant and grease

Protection During Periods of Non-Use

If a property or installation is likely to be unattended for an extended period:

  • Apply a suitable lock lubricant to the lock cylinder and internal mechanism.
  • After lubrication, cover exposed lock cylinders with insulation tape or another suitable waterproof covering to help prevent water ingress.
  • Remove the covering before use and check that the lock operates smoothly.
  • Reapply lubricant if required before returning the product to regular service.

This simple maintenance procedure can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion, moisture ingress and lock seizure during extended periods of non-use.

Managing Corrosion

Steel products installed outdoors will benefit from periodic maintenance.

  • Remove dirt, salt deposits and other contaminants using clean water and a soft cloth or brush.
  • Touch up damaged paint or protective coatings as soon as possible.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with fertilisers, road salt, standing water and other corrosive substances.
  • In coastal locations, rinse products periodically with fresh water to remove salt build-up.

Surface corrosion should be treated promptly before it progresses.

Heavily Rusted Corroded Metal Texture

Winter & Severe Weather Care

Following periods of severe weather, inspect products for signs of damage or restricted movement.

During winter:

  • Keep lock mechanisms free from ice, snow and debris.
  • Do not force frozen locks.
  • Use a suitable lock de-icer where necessary and re-lubricate afterwards.
  • Ensure drainage paths and moving joints remain clear.
Melting Snow on a Stormy Winter Path
Assorted Cleaning Bottles with Sponge and Cloth

Cleaning

To maintain appearance and performance:

  • Wash periodically with warm water and a mild detergent.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners, wire brushes and aggressive chemical products.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry where practical.

Important

Regular maintenance is essential for outdoor security products. Environmental conditions, especially coastal, agricultural and industrial locations, can accelerate wear and corrosion. Appropriate inspection, cleaning and lubrication will help ensure reliable operation and maximise the service life of your security equipment.

Maintenance Tip: A quick inspection and application of lubricant a few times each year can prevent most common lock and hardware issues before they occur.