Cleanning lock cylinders

[allan501]

Having given in to over enthusiasm I purchased a couple of lots of lock cylinders. So now I have a bunch of cylinders needing minor to major cleaning.

The obvious solution is to strip and clean the parts with a degreaser and a brush but this seems time consuming and tedious. So is there a better solution.

Thanks.

[Divinorum]

Having given in to over enthusiasm I purchased a couple of lots of lock cylinders. So now I have a bunch of cylinders needing minor to major cleaning.

The obvious solution is to strip and clean the parts with a degreaser and a brush but this seems time consuming and tedious. So is there a better solution.

Thanks.

If you really want the lock clean and at best performance then no there is better solution that will more effectively clean the lock then taking it entirely apart. It shouldn't take to long if you know how to take it apart. If you don't already know well now you can learn something new As far as cleaners go I recommend Lock Saver or break/carburetor cleaner.

You could spray the cleaner in the key way without taking it apart but don't rely on that to work really well.

[allan501]

They are practice cylinders and won't actually be used so as long as they are basically degrunged that should be good enough. Some will definitely need to be stripped but it will be a chance to practice. I am already getting good at crawling around looking for little spring loaded parts.

Not sure where to buy Lock Saver. Is it something that I would have to get at a locksmith supply place or would it be at a hardware store? Brake cleaner I know where to get and will try later in the week.

[Divinorum]

They are practice cylinders and won't actually be used so as long as they are basically degrunged that should be good enough. Some will definitely need to be stripped but it will be a chance to practice. I am already getting good at crawling around looking for little spring loaded parts.

Not sure where to buy Lock Saver. Is it something that I would have to get at a locksmith supply place or would it be at a hardware store? Brake cleaner I know where to get and will try later in the week.

I have not been able to find Lock Saver in any store. Although I have not physically checked the locksmith supply stores near me. The manufacturer sells it on their website ( http://mil-comm.com/index.php?option=co ... &Itemid=47 ) as do many other places (Amazon, Grainger, clksupplies.com ). You should be fine with break cleaner though and its cheaper. Look into making a homebrew pinning mat to catch the pins/springs when taking the lock apart. There's a great thread about mats HERE and I'm sure there's others floating around.

[dll932]

I use brake cleaner. If you can use or afford an ultrasonic cleaner, they are the BOMB.

[illusion]

I've used varying things from kerosene to anti-freeze - it's no replacement for stripping them down though.

[2octops]

A mixture of ATF and kerosene works very well for a soaking solution. So does Simple Green and rinsed with hot water and compressed air if you are just trying to get rid of grease and grime.

We use electrical contact cleaner in the field. It eats grease, flashes off quickly and does not disturb paint. Brake cleaner and carb cleaner will work very well also but will also damage paint on surrounding areas.

[GWiens2001]

I've used varying things from kerosene to anti-freeze - it's no replacement for stripping them down though.

Have not used anti-freeze in that particular application. Having worked with the stuff on cars for a decade, will say that you will not want to let anti-freeze dry in the lock at all. Be sure you clean it all out or it will gum up the lock.

Gordon