What is the best lubricant for locks ?

[Pintickler]

I've been told by some never to use WD40 in a lock, yet I know locksmiths who never use anything else. It's a faint memory, but I think I recall reading somewhere ( maybe the Bill Phillips book ) that graphite powder is the best lock lube. I rebuilt a Kwikset Titan deadbolt the other day that the customer had put graphite in. What a frigging mess ! What do y'all use ?

[GWiens2001]

Which lube is the best is an area of vigorous debate. Personally, think it depends on your environment. If you use the search button at the top right of the web page, or over on the top blue menu on the left, you will find LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of threads and answers on the same question.

Gordon

[Pintickler]

I should have known that. Thank you. Now I feel kinda dumb.

[GWiens2001]

I should have known that. Thank you. Now I feel kinda dumb.

We all do it, Pintickler. Don't feel bad. Just did not feel like typing out what I have typed twenty times (or more) yet again.

Gordon

P.S. - like your username.

[deralian]

We like Tri-Flow, it lubricates like WD40 but does not stay wet like WD40 (aka dirt and dust wont attract to the lock). It is more expensive and little harder to find

[YouLuckyFox]

I should have known that. Thank you. Now I feel kinda dumb.

No sweat man, it is good to search for previous threads before you start new ones because if you make a comment on a previous thread that you searched for, it will all be in one place rather than having several separate threads on the same topic. This will help new users find the answers they need more easily, as it avoids them needing to go from thread to thread to find the answer they need. Of course there is also "necro-ing" by responding to a thread that is several years old, and that is usually frowned upon if a reply is made to a member who has not been an active member for several years . In cases like this you are usually encouraged to start a new post, it can be hard to know when to do which!

[nite0wl]

To reply to the OP's question anyway:

I go through copious quantities of WD-40 but I use it mostly as a cleaner for second hand locks or locks with hardened factory lubricants. Once I get the lock freed up and working I flush the WD-40 out and remove all traces of it then lubricate the lock with something else. The problem with lubricating with WD-40 in the long term is that it remains wet for a very long time and will trap dirt, dust, dry lubricants, and other stuff that will eventually jam the lock. It is however of great use in repairing corroded or damaged locks to the point that they can be picked and fully serviced.

For lubricating an in-use lock and maintenance I will use either fine powdered graphite in a puffer or use a PTFE lubricant (Master Lock has one that is surprisingly good and comes in a pen style dropper which is quite handy). Graphite is a dry lubricant and should not be used until the interior of the lock is bone dry. PTFE lubricants start out as a liquid but dry into a thin film which allows them to be used in a lock which might be inappropriate for dry lubricants while avoiding the drawbacks of WD-40.

[jeffmoss26]

My #1 choice is Houdini, followed by LPS1.

[MBI]

...it is good to search for previous threads before you start new ones because if you make a comment on a previous thread that you searched for, it will all be in one place rather than having several separate threads on the same topic...
...Of course there is also "necro-ing" by responding to a thread that is several years old, ... it can be hard to know when to do which!

The rule of thumb is that it is poor internet forum ettiquette to resurrect an ancient thread just to say something insubstantial like "cool lock bro" or "nice post".

However, if you have some useful information to add to the discussion which has not already been brought up by someone else previously in the thread, or if you have a question related to the original post but which was not answered by the thread, then by all means go ahead and post in an existing thread on the topic to better consolidate information for future forum users.

[Squelchtone]

It is my experience that the blood of n00bs is the best lubricant for locks.

Squelchtone

[Pintickler]

It is my experience that the blood of n00bs is the best lubricant for locks.

Squelchtone

That is a good suggestion, thank you. I ran into a guy recently who told me oil from snakes was the best thing to use. He even had some for sale.