When it comes to safety and security, bollards are a fantastic solution. They are an efficient and effective way to stop vehicles entering specific areas, protect pedestrians and secure driveways. They stand tall all year round, but because of this, maintenance is essential to keep them in good working order and preserve their longevity. 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to preserve the quality of your bollards. In this guide, we provide insight into the damage bollards face, including their twisting locking mechanisms, and tips on how you can help preserve their condition.

Do bollards need to be maintained?

Like any other piece of equipment, bollards require maintenance to keep them in top working order. Regardless of whether they are static bollards, automatic bollards or telescopic bollards, it’s important to give them the occasional clean and check them regularly for any signs of wear and tear.

What can cause damage to bollards?

Bollards typically sit outside, and because they are mostly out in the open, they can sustain damage in multiple ways. The environment and people are the two main causes of wear and tear.

Environmental

Although security bollards are designed to withstand the elements, they can still sustain some slight damage through weather conditions such as wind, rain, hail, snow and high temperatures. If left without regular maintenance, this wear and tear can include corrosion, rust, and imperfections like nicks and scratches. 

Human

It might not come as a surprise to learn that humans tend to cause more physical damage to bollards than the weather. Damage from vehicles, vandalism, and improper use can all cause kinds of damage to bollard posts. 

Another main reason for bollard damage is due to being dropped instead of gently lowered. This causes the components of the bollard to bend over time and will eventually stop the bollard from functioning. While maintenance cannot prevent these situations, it can help to repair the bollards if damaged.

How to maintain bollards

It’s important to put a maintenance system in place for your bollards. With regular checks and simple preventative measures, you can stop some damage before it even starts. Removing debris that may have gathered around the bollards is an important step in the maintenance routine, as is cleaning the bollard to prevent dust, dirt build-up and rust. Learn more about our annual service contracts.

How do you clean bollards?

Cleaning security posts is straightforward and essential for keeping your bollards in good condition. Although, it’s important to avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning, as you could cause more harm than good. This is especially relevant to painted bollards and galvanised steel bollards. A simple mix of hot water and a mild detergent will do the trick.

Removing rust is crucial to the health and lifespan of bollards. Use a scourer and all-purpose lubricant to clean off the rust, and make sure to scrub with the grain. Scrubbing against the grain could scratch the bollard’s surface.

For areas where temperatures drop to low levels, consider investing in good-quality de-icer. Ice can cause rust and mechanical issues, so when it appears, it’s good practice to get rid of it and prevent future ice buildup. Following this, it is important to flush out the lock with products such as Ambersil 40+ or WD40 to prevent freezing again.

In extremely cold weather conditions, bollard locks may become frosted or iced over, but this issue can be easily resolved:

  1. Warm some water in a small jug or cup (avoid boiling water). Have a dry cloth ready.
  2. Pour the warm water over the top of the bollard, focusing on the locking barrel.
  3. Quickly wipe away excess water to prevent refreezing.
  4. Insert your key into the lock and gently wiggle it from side to side to dislodge any remaining ice.
  5. Usually, this method effectively frees the lock, allowing it to function properly.

Lock jamming due to dirt

If you encounter difficulty with the lock due to dirt or grit buildup, follow these steps:

  1. Spray WD-40 into the locking barrel liberally—it won’t harm the lock.
  2. Gently use the key to dislodge any trapped dirt. You can use a hammer to very gently tap the top of the key when in place to help break up any grit and dirt in the lock. 
  3. After each attempt, remove the key, wipe it clean with a dry cloth, and spray the lock again with lubricant.
  4. Repeat the process until the lock turns freely. It can take up to 10-15 rounds. 

Superglue damage

Sometimes, bollards can be vandalised with superglue and will require maintenance. The glue can be freed by using Nitromors paint stripper – taking the usual precautions when handling this corrosive material. When the glue has softened, rinse it away with warm soapy water.

Ramming damage

If you are a victim of ram-raiding, the post may be bent and unable to retract. Depending on the level of damage, we at Rhino Security can exchange the damaged inner section for a replacement. Do not attempt to force the post down, as this will make it more difficult to repair.

Lock maintenance

A little time spent lubricating the locks with either Ambersil 40+, WD40 or similar silicone lubrication spray is recommended. Ideally, this should be carried out weekly. Insert the straw that comes with the lubricant can into the slot at the top of the lock, as this will help flush out any grit.

Folding lid maintenance

Periodic checks should be made to ensure that the lids are opening fully. Dust and dirt build up behind the hinge and can be cleaned out using a screwdriver or similar tool. Lubricate with one of the lubricants mentioned above.

Check your security bollards regularly

Make sure to check your bollards for dents, nicks, scratches or rust. While it’s best to repair these issues as soon as you see them, it’s understandable that you may not have the time or feel equipped to do so. This is where we come in. 

Bollard service and repairs by Rhino Security

If you need your removable or telescopic bollards maintained, we can help. Here at Rhino Security, we offer a reliable service and maintenance contract for all of our manual telescopic and lift-out bollards. This service entails a visit twice a year suited to your schedule, where one of our engineers will perform a full service on each of your posts.  

This service includes:

We also replace any standard-wearing parts as required and do this at a reduced cost.

Along with our contract, we also offer a one-off service. When the damage is too great to repair yourself, or if it can’t wait until the next routine service, you can arrange a one-off visit for one of our experienced engineers to fix the issue. Visit our maintenance contract page to learn more about what we offer through our service and repair contract. We also have a maintenance guide for you to download and use for smaller issues.

At Rhino Security, we offer an extensive range of products. From car park bollards to telescopic bollards, we have security posts for different locations and requirements. We also offer replacement parts should you lose keys, handles or lock covers.

To learn more about our bollards or discuss which bollards may be best suited for you, call our team today on 01603 484999 for our expert advice. If you’d like to place a quick service request and don’t have time to call, use our easy online form.