You want your security gate to last as long as possible, but that can be hard to achieve without the proper care and maintenance. Knowing how to properly maintain your security gate hardware will ensure that it remains in excellent condition for many years to come. Here are a few tips you can use to extend the life of your security gate.

Wash and Wax to Keep Rust at Bay

Rust and corrosion are always constant threats when it comes to the overall longevity of your security gate. Just as long-term dirt and grime accumulation can ruin the paint finish on your vehicle, dirt and grime can also ruin the paint on your security gate. Once that fails, it's only a matter of time before rust begins to take hold. By washing your security gate at least once a year, you'll be able to keep your gate's finish in good shape.

In addition to washing, you should also protect your security gate with a thin coating of protective wax. The wax will prevent dirt and grime from sticking onto the gate and maintain the fresh, pristine appearance of your gate's paint finish.

Check Your Internals for Rodent or Insect Intrusion

Pest control isn't just a concern for indoor spaces. Various organisms in search of a safe place to shelter may be attracted to the confines of your security gate operator box. Once these pests have made themselves at home, they may proceed to chew away wiring insulation, connectors, and other parts of your security gate operator's circuitry, resulting in malfunctions and unexpected gate downtime. Some pests can introduce enough moisture to cause short-circuiting issues. Mice, lizards, spiders, and slugs are the most common invaders of operator boxes.

The best way to deal with pests is by creating a hostile environment within the operator box. This may include placing fast-acting, long-lasting pesticides inside the box to deter and eliminate most pests. You can also use natural, non-toxic remedies to keep pests away from the box and other electronic control units attached to your security gate system.

Always Lubricate Moving Parts

Lubrication is an absolute must when it comes to your security gate's moving parts. Otherwise, the constant metal-on-metal contact can easily cause damage in the form of accelerated wear and tear, thus shortening the life of your security gate.

Here are a few things to remember when it comes to lubricating your security gate's moving parts:

• Make sure your security gate's moving parts are lubricated at least once a year; in climates that see severe winter weather regularly, you should lubricate your gate on a bi-annual basis.
• Always use white lithium grease to lubricate unsealed bearings, gate hinges, and wheels. Use a heavier grease such as Moly D to lubricate gears and internal chain drives.
• Never use water-displacing lubricants such as WD-40, as the formula for such lubricants does not offer the long-lasting lubrication needed for your various security gate parts.

Keep in mind that some gates use hinges and wheels that are sealed against the elements. These components usually contain bearings that are maintenance-free and require no lubrication for the duration of their lifespan.

Check and Tighten Loose Security Gate Components

Vibrations are sometimes a given when it comes to using a security gate. The vibrations generated by ordinary use can cause certain components, including electrical and structural connectors, to gradually loosen. With enough time, such connections can unexpectedly fail and prevent your security gate from working like normal. Constant expansion and contraction of metal components due to temperature fluctuations can also cause various parts to loosen with time.

Whenever you conduct your visual inspection of your security gate hardware, it's a good idea to check all of your gate's connectors and moving parts. Loose electrical and structural connectors should be tightened up before serious operating issues emerge.