How Long Should a Good Lock Last?

If you’ve ever wondered how long a lock is supposed to last, you’re not alone. It’s a question we hear often—usually after a sticky deadbolt or a key that just won’t turn the way it used to.

The short answer? A properly installed and well-maintained lock should last 7 to 15 years or more. But that can change quite a bit based on a few variables. Let’s dive in.

1. Quality of the Lock Itself

They’re not all created equal.

A cheap lock from a box store may start to give you grief after merely a few years—or even months. Meanwhile, a high-end lock from a pro-grade brand like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or ASSA ABLOY can function flawlessly for many more than a decade.

💡 Tip: If the lock feels light, flimsy, or comes with a paper-thin key, it probably won’t last long.

2. How Often It’s Used

A front door lock on a business home or office gets used much more than a rear gate or interior office door. The more a lock is used, the quicker its internal mechanisms will deteriorate.

🔁 Heavily used, locks will require replacement or rekeying sooner—every 5–7 years.

🔒 Used sparingly, locks can last many years, provided it gets occasional lubrication and maintenance.

🌿 Mount weather-resistant or marine-grade locks outdoors.

3. Environmental Exposure

If your lock is:

•     On a beach property (salt air = corrosion)
•     In direct sunlight or heavy rain
•     Or mounted on a metal gate or fence

…it may need to be replaced or serviced more often than an indoor or covered lock.

4. Installation Quality

An excellent lock may shorten its own lifespan early on if it is not installed correctly. Sagging doors, misaligned strike plates, or screws tightened too much all place undue stress on the lock mechanism—and cut its lifespan shorter.

5. Maintenance Matters

Yes—locks adore attention too!

A tiny bit of lock-safe lubricant every twelve months and loosening loose screws will work miracles in keeping things humming along.