Wheel pack lubrication

[Sesame]

I have recently bought some group 2 combination safe locks on eBay. I've taken them all apart and cleaned the parts. So here's my question: What kind of lubrication should you use when reassembling wheel packs? I'm kind of tending toward a dry lube, eg Triflow, but also wonder if a thin oil or even grease might be best.

[Wolfe]

Here are some recommendeds:
Dow Corning Multi-Purpose Lubricant, 14.1 Ounce Stick
GE Versilube 5.3 Oz Can
GE Versilube 2.2 Oz Can
GN Metal Paste 2.8 Ounce Tube
GT85 Lubricant
Hougen Brand Rotabroach Lubricant, 16 Oz Stick
Lubriplate Lubricant, 1.75 Ounce Tube
Magnalube-G Teflon Grease, .75 Ounce Tube
Kaba Mas X-07 Lubricant Pouch
Kaba Mas X-08 Lubricant Pouch

You can also use PTFE on most wheelpacks
hope this helps
W.

[Raccoon]

wow.

Which do you use, wolfe?

[mercurial]

To add to the extensive list above, one other I have seen reccommended here before, is White Lithium grease.

Only a TINY amount is needed - enough to cover a matchhead.

...Mark

[lunchb0x]

for safe combo locks you are told to ue something like wd40 that dries and doesnt leave any residue, cleaning the locks with shelitte is alot good.

another way ihave been shown but i dont like as much as the first is after cleaning it with shelitte is too rub a small amount of graphite on the brass parts then blow the excess graphite off

[Chucklz]

I would check the manufacturer's website for the locks you own. Perhaps they have a very specific lubricant for a specific lock. Lube mistakes can be disasters. Just look what happens to some locks when sprayed with wd40 in some climates.

S&G specifies a GE or Corning lubricant depending on the lock

[Wolfe]

Im particularly fond of PTFE. So gt85 is a good product. I also use teflon grease.
good luck

[JackNco]

for safe combo locks you are told to ue something like wd40 that dries and doesnt leave any residue, cleaning the locks with shelitte is alot good.

Im not sure where you herd this but WD40 most certainly does leave a residue... im not sure if that what you meant or u missed a comer in there?

All the best

[Shrub]

Hmm beaten to it i think but....

WD40 DOES leave a residue, thats the whole point of wd40,
Never put wd40 in a lock as a final lubrication,

NEVER use lithium grease, im not sure where you read that but what a load of bollocks, litium grease will attract more shite than a hoover, it will also go black when worked and when hot run into the bottom of the lock case,

PTFE or Silicone spray is what to use, if you can get the triflows etc then its ok but a bit thin and wont stay on the surfaces as long as the ptfe or silicone,

Spray whatever you think of useing on a bit of wood then throw a load of dust and crap off the floor at it, you will see how good the silicone and ptfe are against the oils and greases, you will note that nothing will stick to the sprays where as the greases will hold every last bit you throw at it,
Once you get even one bit of crud on there the item will make almost a lapping paste and produce wear on the article,

[lunchb0x]

Yeh sorry i got that wrong i was in a bit of a rush, i use to think that you shouldent use wd40 but just recantly i have done a course for ASIO for servicing of their safes and was told to clean it with wd40 then wipe over it with a clean rag to leave a small film over the wheel pack

[Wolfe]

What shrub said and you want to stay away from petroleum products as much as possible when dealing with all locks. You have to rememebr that WD and light petroleum oils are really for ferrous metals.
The only time ive used WD is to clean the bolt work and sometimes the lock case.
(this would include bolt,lever,fence,relockers,and screws) Even after ive used WD its smart to spray it down with FTFE to defuse the oil.You do this for the same reson as you would a pin and tumbler. You dont want unwelcome dust and particals guming up your moving parts.The same holds true to any product that leaves a light film on the surface like teflon grease or lithium.

There are many manufactures that produce PTFE products. The list I gave you is a recommended list not a list cut in stone.

Remember that most of the manufactures will send you a sample of thier product if you email or write to them, that includes the list above.

good luck
W.

[Sesame]

Remember that most of the manufactures will send you a sample of thier product if you email or write to them

What a great idea. I never would have thought of samples.

Thanks all, excellent advice.

There's a good chance I'll be at Defcon. If so I'll bring a bunch of clean-as-a-whistle and freshly lubricated safe locks down.

[mercurial]

Hmm beaten to it i think but....

NEVER use lithium grease, im not sure where you read that but what a load of bollocks, litium grease will attract more shite than a hoover, it will also go black when worked and when hot run into the bottom of the lock case,

I stand corrected!

I read it here ages ago at LP101, just searched for it again - see the post by zeke halfway down this page : http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=16404&highlight=white+lithium

...Mark

[butterboy]

WD-40 stands water displacment, but I dont know what the 40 stands for.
I wonder if it should ever be used on any lock?
Considering how it will hold dust.

my 2 cents

[butterboy]

WD-40 stands for water displacement

sorry for double post