How do I hardcore clean a lock?

[LocksmithArmy]

So i was on ebay a while back and came a cross a cylindrical lock that looked kind of like my favorite american lock... looks like a barrel... so i got it
turns out it came from a wardens son and the lock came from the jail... its very old and when i insert a clean pick in there it comes out all gunky... and the first pin is stuck up...

how would i go about cleaning this lock... I cannot take it apart like i would clean an american or medeco... should I soak it in gun oil or is there somthing better... im not looking for lube really... just clean it inside and out... with out taking it apart

ive been too afraid to pick it cause i did not want a pin to stay stuck up

[LocksmithArmy]

Also if anyone knows anything about this lock I would appreciate the info

[mcm757207]

Carburetor cleaner can work wonders. I've also heard of collectors using ultrasonic baths used to clean jewelry to clean locks. Nice find, looks like a cool lock although I'm not sure I can tell you much about it.

[LocksmithArmy]

thanks... carb cleaner is probably the cheapest idea ive herd... but would it be too abrasive on the etching on the outside(its almost rubbed off)

i dont think i can afford a sonic bath... maybe a jewlery store will let me borrow one lol

thanks

[Raymond]

That was a very lucky find. In 1964 while I was in junior high school I had one of those locks. It is probably one of the first I learned to pick on. I traded it for a 1946 Reed Padlock code book where I learned unbelievable lock facts. I still love that padlock. It is an Eagle #04810 for 1 1/2" and #04811 for 1 1/2". The letters are the lock code but I do not have that one listed.

About cleaning: Carb or brake cleaner will dissolve the oil product. The ultrasonic cleaner will ultimately be the best for getting everything else out.

Happy picking.

[LocksmithArmy]

well thanks. that atleast gives me some info to google lol

and 2 votes for carb cleaner and a ultrasonic bath... so looks like im off to a jewlery store to find an aultra sonic cleaner...
how long does it take to clean a lock in one of these. im sure a bit longer than cleaning a diamond ring

[LocksmithArmy]

how long does it take... The lady keeps bringing it to me and that first pin now moves but it won't go all the way down... Should I just leave it here and go 4 a walk or has it done all its gonna do

[LocksmithArmy]

ok... after 4 hours of soaking this thing an an ultrasonic bath...
its clean lol
that first pin moves freely... with a broken spring but it does move now (better than before)

ther is no more squishy feeling when you turn the key... no gunk on the key... yaaaay

thanks guys

and for future reference to anyone that does not happen to have an ultrasonic cleaner and needs a lock cleaned, go to a jewelry or watch repair store... the lady was happy to clean it for free

[globallockytoo]

drop it in a can of petrol/gasoline. let it sit for 3 hours or so, then lube it up with Tri-Flow or the like.

The petrol will act like a solvent.

[Lorek]

Well if its just greese and grime one of the previous suggests, carb cleaner or other cheap solvent should work well. For heavy duty cleaning like say someone puts a bunch of glue in a lock I usually resort to acetone. Its pricier but it tends to dissolve most of glues as well as greese and grime. Unfortunately I haven't found anything that can dissolve gorilla glue yet once it cures. Oh just a word of caution, with acetone make sure there is plenty of ventilation and also acetone can melt some plastics.

[jdislandlock]

i will usually use lighter fluid and try to get as much gunk out as possible with pick and a towel underneath for the gunk.

[unlisted]

well thanks. that atleast gives me some info to google lol

and 2 votes for carb cleaner and a ultrasonic bath... so looks like im off to a jewlery store to find an aultra sonic cleaner...
how long does it take to clean a lock in one of these. im sure a bit longer than cleaning a diamond ring

Pfft, make it one step- carb cleaner IN the ultrasonic bath..

(I am in no way responsible if something goes BOOM, poof, catches fire, does something neat, ends your life, removes one arm, etc, and so forth. Please read all safety, warning and manufacturer labels, and follow them. Your results may vary.)