Cleaning locks?

[chickwithpicks]

What kind of cleaner is safe to use on the exterior of locks? I just want to remove some light grime so they're tidier to handle, but I don't want to damage the finish or cause them to rust.

[gibson]

if you're talking about brass locks, try placing it in ketchup! no kidding - just let it sit for about an hour, and it takes the corrosion off. you can then rinse with water, and clean it with a brush. if the lock is disassembled you can soak the pieces in a mix of a tablespoon of salt, and a tablespoon of vinegar dissolved in about 750ml of hot water. leave it for about 45 minutes, and then brush off the tarnish. use a nylon brush, or an old toothbrush. these techniques also work with old keys that have been lying around and have turned brown with age. i use these techniques on old telegraph keys that i collect, and they work great!

[clearmoon247]

well, would there be any problems with taking a gunky lock cylinder and soaking it in a hot water/vinegar mix? i have a number of locks that are not in the best of shape and i cant pick them or unlock them to disassemble and clean, which is why i ask.

[MarkMcGrath]

Brass can take salt and viniger just fine but I can't think it would be a good idea on a modern lock. Most modern locks have some form of steel be it the springs etc, and that goes for the ketchup (unless used only on the outside). If you have a internally gunked lock my recommendation is triflow or other lubricants. Diesel or Kerosene also works wonders on lock and if you have enough you can shake the lock under said fluids to dislodge the debris in the lock.

[averagejoe]

To clean a gunky lock I would use Brakleen. It dries to leave no residues.

Another thing that really cleans brass would be ammonia. If you do not care about collector value, or the lock is worthless just let it soak in some ammonia to brighten it right up.

[globallockytoo]

Try Goof Off....available at your nearest big box h/ware store