Winter and locks
Boise's winters bring snow and regular freezes; NOAA's engineering weather data for Boise records about 78 freeze-thaw cycles a year. Moisture in lock cylinders can freeze and stop a key from turning, especially on gates, sheds, garage side doors and padlocks. Don't force a frozen key. A lock de-icer or a gently warmed key usually works. Applying a dry lubricant made for locks in fall helps keep moisture out; avoid oil, which gums up in cold weather.
Doors and seasonal movement
The National Weather Service describes Boise as semi-arid, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Doors expand, contract and shift through those seasons. A deadbolt that throws easily in summer may bind in winter. Adjusting the strike plate or hinges keeps the bolt moving freely and protects the lock from wear.
New to Boise
The Boise area has welcomed many new residents. If you've just moved in, rekey every exterior lock, including garage entry doors, gates and sheds. If your locks are compatible, a locksmith can key them alike.
Strengthening doors
A reinforced strike plate fastened with long screws into the wall framing, longer hinge screws, a solid exterior door and a quality deadbolt make forced entry much harder. Sliding doors benefit from a secondary lock or bar. Doors with glass near the lock may need security film.
Smart locks and cold
Battery-powered smart locks lose capacity in cold weather. Check batteries before winter, keep a key backup and know what happens if the batteries die.
Garages and outbuildings
Many Boise homes have attached garages, detached shops or storage sheds. The door from the garage into the house deserves a deadbolt and a solid door. Shop and shed locks should be weather-resistant and, where possible, keyed to match the house.
Lockouts
Being locked out in a Boise winter can be dangerous. If someone vulnerable is at risk, call 911. Otherwise, ask any locksmith for a total price on the phone, the business's legal name and address, and a promise to try non-destructive entry first. Get the price in writing before work begins.
Before you hire
Ask Boise locksmiths whether your locks can be rekeyed or keyed alike, what grade of deadbolt they recommend, how they'll reinforce the door, and how they'll keep exterior locks working in winter. Look up the business's Idaho contractor registration with DOPL where installation work is involved.
Rentals and short-term stays
If you rent out a room, a basement apartment or a whole house, a keypad or smart lock lets you give each guest or tenant a unique code and delete it when they leave. With traditional locks, rekey between tenants. Keep a record of which keys or codes are in circulation, and change them when anyone who had access moves on.
Lock maintenance
A lock that's starting to stick is easier to fix than one that has failed. Lubricate cylinders with a product made for locks, tighten loose handles and deadbolt screws, and have a locksmith look at any lock that requires jiggling to open.