wd 40

[bpc293]

my locksmith friend that i just met so i dont like to second guess him but he told me every lock before he starts to try to pick it he sprays it real good with wd 40. is this just personal prefrence or are you realy suppose to spray every lock before picking it. i always thought if it was old and rusty or something you should spray it.

[pradselost]

There's a lot of posts out there if you do a search that mention the merits and demerits of WD-40. Personally I prefer a silicone spray, as WD-40 eventually leaves some gunk in the lock. If you're using it to "wash out the lock" it's not bad, particularly if you use a real lubricant chaser.

As far as lubing every lock you come across, it's usually not necessary. There's a lot of dirty locks out there to be sure, but a lot of them are entirely pickable without lubrication first.

[bpc293]

the silicone spray that you use is it made for locks or is it just plain old silicone spray. and i was reading a post about grafite lock spray i think some people where saying not to use it have you heard this

[Raccoon]

It was my understanding that a lock should be kept clean and dry, using only graphite to lubricate it. Starter fluid or break cleaner to clean out the gunk, let to dry, then simply and strictly graphite after.

[bpc293]

alright we need a locksmith no im just playing but what are the facts

[digital_blue]

I use a 3-in-1 lube. WD40 is not the best product out there. However... I've been known to use it in a pinch and it's not the end of the world, despite what some might have you believe.

db

[Varjeal]

Spraying a lock with lubricant before picking isn't a bad idea as long as you don't intend on impressioning the lock.

As far as lubricants go, WD-40 should only be used as a cleaner or a temporary solution at best.

A lock should really be cleaned before lubrication and picking, but most of the time a technician will simply try picking the lock before anything else.

As far as lubricants go, teflon or silicon sprays reign supreme. Graphite has its applications in specific places, but silicon or teflon sprays can be used in nearly every situation (with the exception of safe locks and certain other hardware) without worry of overapplication.

[bpc293]

thanks guys

[keysman]

I personally like a nicely lubed lock if I have to pick it, but I am REALLY lazy.


For every day use, Schlage recommends powdered Graphite, as does Best , Medeco recommends using their patented product ( can’t remember the name) which is a white powdery spray ( Teflon ?)

I like powdered Teflon, as I HATE getting dirty taking graphited locks apart. Additionally Teflon is the slipperiest substance known to man.

[Raccoon]

Where can one acquire teflon powder?

I prefer dry locks for locks that are installed, but will use 3-in-1 for picking. Is this the general consensus, or do locksmiths recommend fluid lubrication for installed cylinder locks? The thing with fluid lubrication is that oils, no matter what oil, will break down over time and exposure to heat, dampness, and dirt. If you want a lock to survive 50-100 yeas, you want to keep it dry and oil-free. This is my humble opinion.

[jeremy]

I like to clean locks with carburetor cleaner sometimes. Works good on carburetors too, of course. Naturally, there are times when using carburetor cleaner is a bad idea. I don't recommend, for example, that you spray it in a car door lock when the lock is installed in the car.

Tri-Flow (with Teflon) ain't a bad choice of lubricant. Almost clear, smells like bananas. Graphite really is filthy.

[chrisjc33]

i have never used powdered Teflon but what happens if you apply this to a lock that has been oiled?
are you gonna end up with a load of gunge?

[keysman]

i have never used powdered Teflon but what happens if you apply this to a lock that has been oiled?
are you gonna end up with a load of gunge?

http://www.school-for-champions.com/sci ... ncoeff.htm


I have always applied to clean locks, so I don't have any 1st hand information , but I have seen graphited locks that have been oiled, and it isn't pretty!,

[bpc293]

ok so for the question i asked. so far i got wd 40 and graphite is not the ideal stuff to use. i want to clean the lock with starter fluid or brake cleaner something that does not leave anything behind and then use powderd teflon or silicone to lubricate is this correct.

[Raccoon]

Anything used in excess is bad, and some people over-do graphite. I maintain that an installed lock that is clean and not-oiled would benifit from moderate amounts of graphite for a long life and happy lock. It is an industry standard, but your milage may vary.