oil ?

[prof]

I read on the instructions for a new cylinder night latch, not to use oil, if the key gets stiff apply graphite from a pencil lead (further) graphite grease is the correct lubricant.

so how does this affect picking, raking, bouncing etc. ? is it better with the lock dry, ? would oiling help or hinder the picking process?

[devildog]

Graphite is ok, and that pencil trick has been around FOREVER (nifty, and it works, and that's kinda funny it's in a new lock installation manual!)

On lube, three very important things first:

1. Don't use WD-40

2. Don't use WD-40

3. Don't use WD-40

Ok, now that that's establised, I personally prefer Houdini Lock Lube; it's an aerosol liquid, not petroleum based, won't gum up, and won't evaporate or dry out, and it's a hel# of a lot easier to apply than graphite (although that is an acceptable choice). Just stay away from the standard spray on lubes that you see at the hardware stores like silicon/teflon sprays and the like, i.e. WD-40!!

[devildog]

Oh, and yes, you definately DO want your locks to be properly lubricated--a lock being poorly lubed will make picking MUCH more difficult than it should be. The only time a lock being poorly lubed is actually a good thing is if you're going to impression it (if you don't know what that is, don't worry about it--it's not picking at all).

[Mad Mick]

I have a lock which is rough when inserting the key...I think it's a little bit dry, can I use WD40?

[digital_blue]

I have a lock which is rough when inserting the key...I think it's a little bit dry, can I use WD40?

Yes, but just you Mick.

db

[n2oah]

I use WD-40 in cutaway making because it is a great attraction to filings.

[machinist]

I hate to play the idiot but, why no WD-40?

[digital_blue]

WD-40 is not a good lube for locks... per se. It acts as a degreaser, which is somewhat counter to what you're after. It may work ok for a while, but give it time and you're in trouble.

Search the forum for WD-40. We may have already talked about it once before. I don't remember.



db

[machinist]

Interesting, I used some on a lock after I couldn't find my graphite I was worried you were going to say it eats away brass and zinc or somthing. One time I used olive oil on a lock in an emergency. lol.

[TOWCH]

I've used lighter fluid before. Whatever works right?

[lockstocknbarrel]

Machinist.
WD40 sprayed in a lock is ok if you have nothing else at the time ues it as a last resort, (WD40and wind dirt etc) equals
"VALVE GRINDING PASTE"
Say no more.............

[grit1]

I've reduced myself to using Purell hand sanitizer [from the little bottles] when I had NO other lube around, and had a sticky key. It actually worked! I properly lubricated it with some fine oil afterward but the alcohol based soultion helped! ~Grit.

[Mad Mick]

Anyone mentioning Mazola is going to get E-B*tch-Slapped!!

[skold]

Where is Whitehat? nmjyh

[skold]

I really dont know where the "nmjyh" came from