What is the best lock lub

[vitti]

What do you guys recommend for a lock lubricant? I have always used graphite powder but some locks I have purchased at pawn shops and yard sales are gunked up beyond what graphite powder can overcome.

I was tempted to use the old standby WD40 but was afraid the residue left behind would just cause more problems later. Is there a better option?

[bumber]

Sou should use wd-40 to clean them out as best you can, if you have the key spray inside the lock and put the key in and turn it around a few times to loosen up the crap tapping out the extra wd-40 on a rag. Then use a spray can type brake cleaner to get the wd-40 out, then the lock should be tapped on a rag to get out most of what brake cleaner is left inside the lock. If you have an air compressor you can spray out the remaining cleaner, DO NOT GET IT IN YOUR EYES. After it has dryed completly (should evaporate within an hour or two) you add the graphite.

Graphite cant be used to clean out a lock, just to lubricate it. If you can take the lock apart it make for cleaning it a whole lot easier, and may eliminate the need for wd-40 all together. Hope that helps

[paulvalente]

That's very helpful Bumber thanks for that I've been wondering much the same thing.

Can you recommend a source for graphite please?

Cheers

Paul

[eurolock fan]

You can usually buy graphite powder (it comes in tubes) at a local hardware store or take a pencil and shave the lead off of it.

[vitti]

Thanks for the info bumber. I'd read several posts saying to use WD40 but wasn't sure how to deal with the residue it leaves behind in locks that aren't serviceable like padlocks.

paulvalente, here in the US you can find the graphite powder just about anywhere that cuts keys. Even Wal Mart carries it. Its usually on the spinner rack, sitting on the counter next to the key machine, along with keychains and key ID tags and such. I would assume the same to be somewhat true on your side of the pond.

[bumber]

Just incase for some reason you cant find graphite powder, you can get some mechanical pencil refills and crush them up with some pliers...it doesn't really take alot of graphite to lube up a lock so one piece of the pencil 'lead' will be about enough for one lock.

But when I get a tube of graphite I just grab whatever is there because they only have one brand and it's never more than a few dollars.

[Squelchtone]

What do you guys recommend for a lock lubricant? I have always used graphite powder but some locks I have purchased at pawn shops and yard sales are gunked up beyond what graphite powder can overcome.

I was tempted to use the old standby WD40 but was afraid the residue left behind would just cause more problems later. Is there a better option?

Lock Saver

http://www.mil-comm.com/lock_lubricants.html

frickin awesome stuff.

Squelchtone

[arris]

assa lock spray

or whatever they call it something like assa lachesphray

[Beyond]

Something like Tri-Flow or Houdini will work just fine and will keep it well lubricated for many moons, assuming the locks not in harsh conditions constantly.

Graphite powder is good but be careful not to apply too much as that could be counter productive.

Always make sure you run the key in and out 15-20 times after using any lubricant in any lock to properly disperse the lubricant. It also works it in for you.

[paulvalente]

Thank you very much for your invaluable advice all of you!

I've just ordered some graphite powder fro ebay!

Thanks again.

Paul

[vitti]

Ditto on the thanks guys.

I'll order one of those lock lubes.

[maxxx]

Not a chance I do not use Wd40 . Triflow is much more effective as a lube. WD40 evaporates into nothing in a short period. It is a good water displacer hence the WD.

Kroil is the best penetrating oil. Better than PB blaster etc. I have seen aircraft mechanics ready to fist fight over the last can of Kroil. Its that good.

I know about penetrating oil. My hobby is restoring a Willys MB jeep from WWII. I use a lot of it. It is called Kreeping oil. Kreeps into one millionth of an inch. Dont believe me? buy a can and try it. You will throw away your WD40.

[Beyond]

Not a chance I do not use Wd40 . Triflow is much more effective as a lube. WD40 evaporates into nothing in a short period. It is a good water displacer hence the WD.

I think it's pretty clear that he doesn't use WD-40 purely for lubrication (at least thats what his post seems to hint), I think he uses it to degrease and clean the lock.

[selim]

I have this stuff called Lab lube,it wok's great!It come's from the Lab Pin Co., It's TL_107 a PTFE lubricant made from 100% virgin Teflon.(what ever that mean's).
I used to use graffite (wicked messy though) until I found Lab lube. I've also heard of the use of Tri-Flo in lock's; I use that stuff on my bicycle chain,can't see dripping it in to a lock.
WD-40 is a good fix for a-lot of thing's,but only short term.Living in the East I get lock out call's all the time in the winter month's I would go to the lock out with the WD-40 on my dash with the heat on. The first thing I would do when I got there would be to squirt some warm WD-40 into the lock,and presto, you the hero. People just don't know that thing's can freeze up.
selim

[jaysonbernard]

I use automotive brake cleaner to clean out built up gunk. Let it dry, then a little squirt of Tri-flo