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It’s best to avoid using oil-based lubricants within a lock because they attract larger amounts of dust and debris. When this occurs, it can make it harder for you to operate the lock, or it can even cause damage to the internal locking mechanism. A dry lubricant is the ideal solution instead.

Door locks should be changed roughly every seven years. The average lifespan of a door lock is seven to 10 years, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and change them early, especially if they are showing signs of wear and tear. Examples of deterioration include visible rust and difficulty opening or closing the door. Some locks can work safely beyond 10 years, but it depends on how often they are used and whether they are exposed to damaging environmental conditions like precipitation or extreme temperatures.

Various types of deadbolts are available, from the classic single-cylinder lock to a double-cylinder, rim deadbolt, smart deadbolt, and electronic deadbolt lock. Most homes in the U.S. use a single-cylinder deadbolt lock, which requires a key on the exterior and only a thumb turn on the interior to open or close the lock. 

A smart lock is a variation of a traditional lock, and since it uses similar locking mechanisms, it’s technically not any safer. The difference is that a smart lock requires a login instead of a physical key. Some smart locks have added safety features, like shutting down after too many attempts with the wrong code. Some smart locks are considered harder to pick than traditional locks, which can further deter intruders.