Lubricant specifically for Abloy disc retainers

[nite0wl]

A lot of 'factory fresh' locks seem to come with some variety of silicone grease applied. WD40 is a good solvent for removing vitrified or congealed lubricants (especially graphite deposits). While powdered graphite is still sold, most manufacturers are starting to push PTFE/Teflon based lubricants, commonly available as either sprays or 'oil dropper' type applicators with a more viscous formulation. Most PTFE formulations should work well in any environment as PTFE dries quickly but does not form a powder which can become damp.

[AspiringLockpicker]

So would you recommend 3-in-one with PTFE oil for use in the Abloy locks or a raw powdered PTFE or what?

[GWiens2001]

So would you recommend 3-in-one with PTFE oil for use in the Abloy locks or a raw powdered PTFE or what?

No, 3-in-One is an OIL, not a GREASE. An oil is too thin for the discs.

The Abloy manual recommends Vaseline (white petroleum jelly).

Gordon

[AspiringLockpicker]

I did not get a manual with my PL321 locks and I doubt I would get one with the PL330 I plan on getting in a couple of months or so. But Vaseline? That would surely make cleaning a PL321 that you cannot disassemble an absolute B wouldn't it? Something THAT thick? I have silicone grease that I use on orings on my flashlights, it's a really thick sticky mostly clear gel-like substance. Would that be any different better/worse than Vaseline?

[GWiens2001]

The Vaseline thing is in the Abloy Service Manual, not the owners or users manual. It is meant to be used super-sparingly - almost like nothing at all. Unless you are in an area with heavy, blowing dust and dirt, you will rarely need to service the lock.

Gordon

[Wizer]

...the bearings would not stay in the chamber making it impossible to put back together.

I allways thought this is the only place in the lock that may need vaseline. It helps the bearings stay in place.
I would not put much if any of it on the discs. Even if fine oil may not be recommended any lock oil will be ok to lubricate a keyway if it feels cranky.
Usually it takes years before Abloy locks need this, and you may need to repeat oiling after a few years. I have never oiled my house lock Abloy Sento, it has been working for about 10 years.

[AspiringLockpicker]

Wow that's great news.

[ltdbjd]

ASSA has their own lock lubricant (ASSA Lock Spray) that they recommend. Hard to say what's in it because the MSDS/SDS only lists the propellant and "proprietary" ingredients. However since they say not to use graphite or silicone, you're pretty much left with Teflon (PTFE).




More info from ASSA http://www.assalock.com/en/site/assalock/solutions11/care/

Cylinders
ASSA cylinders are a mechanical device and like any mechanical device they need regular preventive maintenance. At the time of installation cylinders must be lubricated with ASSA approved lubricant. Wipe off any excess lubricant on exposed surfaces. Cleaning and lubricating the lock mechanism that the ASSA cylinder is being installed into is important as well. ASSA cylinders should be lubricated at least twice a year as normal maintenance.
Do not use graphite or silicone lubricants. Use only ASSA approved lubricants.
Do not expose ASSA cylinders to chemical wash.
Do not paint any cylinder surfaces.
Do not over lubricate ASSA cylinders.
(If you suspect your cylinder has been over lubricated or suspect excessive dirt or other particles or debris, thoroughly flush with ASSA cleaner deicer or use an alcohol base electrical contact cleaner. Let dry or dry with compressed air then re-lubricate with ASSA approved lubricant.)


I figure you can always go with a Medeco approved lubricant - which approves the use of Teflon/PTFE:

Medeco approved lubricants http://www.medeco.com/Other/Medeco/Downloads/Key_Lube/1/Cylinder_Lubrication.pdf

Medeco Cylinder Lubrication Approved Products:
Medeco KeyLube 2.0 Multi-purpose Lubricant PX-KYLUB2-03 (5.25 oz.) Aerosol can with spray tube
Sandstrom Poxylube CP-200 Air Drying Solid Film Lubricant Poxylube CP-200 (4.5 oz.) Aerosol can with spray tube
Synco Super Lube Dri-Film Lubricant
Super Lube Dri-Film (11 oz.) Aerosol can with spray tube

Super Lube: http://www.super-lube.com/drifilm-aerosol-ezp-69.html

Super Lube® DRI-FILM lubricant contains sub-micron sized particles of PTFE powder in a solvent base. When applied, the solvent carrier cleans and carries the dry lubricant powder to the components to be lubricated, then evaporates very rapidly, leaving behind a protective shield lubricant that will not attract dust. The dry coating provides a low coefficient of friction which gives excellent lubrication and release properties. Super Lube® DRI-FILM can be used on wood, paper, glass, rubber, fabric, leather, vinyl, metal and most plastics not under stress. It has excellent thermal and chemical stability, forming a natural insulating barrier when used on electronics.

[AspiringLockpicker]

Well the product I use is 3-in-one with PTFE. Hopefully that will be ok.

[ltdbjd]

Generally speaking just about anything will be fine for normal use.

The SPAM that worked at my facility before me had one way to fix stuff. Literally drench it in penetrating oil. Big Folger Adam locks outside in the historic Wyoming wind at a facility basically set in a dust bowl drenched in penetrating oil. Not such a great combination.