Lubricant?

[jiggler]

Lubricant Madam?

But seriously; What brand of of slippery stuff do you use to lubricate your locks?

[xorb]

The graphite variety.

Thats what I got told to use.

I like it when elderly people tell you that they oil their locks with 'WD40', but quite frankly i think its pants, locks just don't seem to like it!!!

[Shrub]

Have a search around, theres loads of threads on this with multiple pages

[jiggler]

Yes, it's odd. WD40 says it is ok to use on locks on the tin - but it is petroleum based and lock manufacturers say not to use petroleum based lubricants

[jiggler]

Arrgghh, the cardinal sin!!! - I didn't search did I?

[xorb]

Graphite as an allotrope of Carbon has the excellent property of being able to have layers that bind on three bonds and dislocate on one thus making it feel slippy. It is that property that will make it hard wareing for locks.

[Buggs41]

Sometimes Mazola works wonders!

[Shrub]

Reset the counters Db

[NKT]

WD40 is a terrible thing to subject a lock to. It is a penetrating oil, it drives off water, breaks up rust and frees things up, and it leaves behind a thick, sticky layer to stop rust by stopping water getting on the coated parts.

But locks are made of brass and stainless...

WD40 ends up glueing a lock up inside, as every bit of grit, dust and sand gets in there and bound to the moving parts. These then wear lots, and get jammed.

Use something that leaves a non-sticky residue behind. I use a couple of teflon based oils, and sometimes graphite.

I could also tell you about the graphite mining opportunities to be found in the old 3 lever locks around here, though. Years of little puffs of graphite because it's a bit sticky means that you find the lock case half full of it.

[net-rom]

is this for picking or normal use of the lock ! oil is murder for the process of picking the lock !

[NKT]

That really depends on the lock!

[UWSDWF]

[pizarro]

LOL

[devildog]

Here's what I use, I'd say it's the best available:

http://www.hostonline2001.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=milcomm&Category_Code=lb (you can buy it from that same site)

[jiggler]

I was letting this thread die as I should have searched - but since it's been resurrected I'll chip in...
I meant the lubrication for maintenance and smooth operation of the lock. I was more after brand names really, rather than the type of lube.

What do you guys use to get the dirt and grime out of a well used pin tumbler lock (or one that's been fed too much graphite) if it's causing problems with operation or picking?

If the lock were open then I'd dismantle it and then I'd soak it in a solvent, then reassemble and lube it in the normal way.

For picking I've used butane lighter fuel and although it is a hydrocarbon like petroleum (according to wikipedia - I'm not a chemist!) it doesn't leave a residue as it's a gas at room temperature. It does stay as a very "thin" liquid for a few seconds and as it runs it takes some of the dirt away from the pins and their holes before it evaporates. Then I'd use a silicon based lubricant after picking the lock. Anyone use anything else they'd like to mention?