You probably don't give them a lot of thought unless you're stranded without keys and need to call a locksmith, but your home's locks serve a pretty important purpose and should be treated with the respect they deserve. Here are four tips related to residential locks in order to keep your home's belongings, and your family, safe and sound.

#1 - Make sure your doors have the best locks possible

No matter where you live or how safe you believe your neighborhood to be, you want to be sure you have top-notch security at the entrance to your home. And the biggest part of this security is a proper lock. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your selection:

1. Get a deadbolt. If you don't already have one, a deadbolt lock is a must. They are virtually impossible to pick and obviously provide a strong reinforcement to a single lock on the door handle. Also, your homeowner's insurance may offer a discount if all of your doors have deadbolts.
2. Purchase the right kind of deadbolt. The deadbolt lock should be made of hardened steel and have at least 3-inch screws. At that length, the screws go into the wall, not just the door jamb, which makes the door that much more resistant to a forced entry. Also, be sure the hole where the throw or bolt extends has a reinforced metal strike plate. If you really want to beef up security, make sure the throw is at least one-inch long and is reinforced with steel pins, and choose locks that come with steel chips inside the lock housing. This will prevent burglars from being able to drill through the deadbolt for removal.
3. Install double-cylinder deadbolts near windows. If there's a window near the door, consider installing a double-cylinder lock. Single cylinders unlock with a key on the outside and with the twist of a knob on the inside, whereas double cylinders require a key at both ends. Double cylinders near windows prevent unwanted guests from breaking the glass, reaching in, and turning the knob. Make sure you keep the key near the door in case you ever have to make a hasty exit from your home.

#2 - New home buyers should have locks rekeyed

If you've recently bought your home, or a roommate has abandoned ship, it's a good idea to have your locks rekeyed so you don't have to worry about returning visitors.

Now, most people think about replacing all the locks in their home under these circumstances, but rekeying is actually cheaper and works just as well. A locksmith can get the job done fairly quickly, and all it involves is replacing the pins and springs in the lock to work with a different set of keys altogether.

And consider this: if you've just moved into a brand new community from a single builder, there's a good chance that multiple contractors needed access to your home while building. So there could be a number of master keys to your home floating around out there. A locksmith can take care of this problem with a simple rekeying.   

#3 - Know what to use for keys that jam

If you have a lock that's been acting finicky, not unlocking easily, or grabbing your key and holding it hostage, don't assume you need to run out and replace the lock. Usually, all you need is a little lubricant like WD-40 to loosen up any pins that have gotten stuck.

If you've heard rumors that this product can gum up your locks, it's just a myth. WD-40 works fast and is great at getting rid of accumulated dust and debris that probably caused your lock to jam up to begin with. The product to avoid in this situation is any sort of household oil as it can attract dirt and grime.

#4 - Give the right key to housekeepers and others

Does a housekeeper or pet sitter have a key to your home? If so, there' a good way to give them access to your property without compromising security. After all, can you really be sure they're keeping your house key under lock and key?

To keep your valuables safe, consider having a locksmith make one master key for all the locks on your doors, handles and deadbolts included, for each member of your house. But your housekeeper, pet sitter, or anyone else who needs routine access to your home should only have a key that unlocks the doorknob. Just be sure to leave the deadbolt unlocked on days they are supposed to come by.   

For more information and options, talk with a professional locksmith, such as those at Arapahoe County Security Center Inc.