WHY IS THE WD-40 SO BAD?

by **Me_The_Great** » 31 Dec 2003 9:06

Water Displacement for 40 days :wink:

by **Varjeal** » 31 Dec 2003 9:50

WD-40 isn't necessary BAD, there's just other preferred, and honestly, better product available. I've never heard nor seen silicone sprays collecting dust in a lock. I guess it's mostly personally preference and what works best for the individual.

As a locksmith I do not recommend graphite to customers (especially powdered) because of the tendency to over use which CAN and does problems.

I also don't advise the use of WD-40 to customers again because it can leave the lock "dry" (After all, the product contains alcohol). WD-40 does not have any lubricating qualities.

As mentioned before by others and myself, it works great as a cleaner, and I still prefer a good teflon or silicon-based product that WILL NOT freeze up a lock even in the dead of winter.

by **Securityman** » 31 Dec 2003 11:58

Most locks should be lubed every couple of months depending on usage and make of lock. Very few locks are maintained to a reasonable level due to the fact that they are not treated like other mechanical objects. Some of our customers have never lubed their locks over 20 years of use. If you treated your sewing machine or car the same way it would not last long.

by **Nigromante** » 31 Dec 2003 19:58

WD-40 actually means Water Displacement 40th Formula. My dad's been a mechanic for near 40 years now so I'm trusting him. He was around when the stuff was freekan made. Anyways just wanted to throw that out. Also WD-40 cleans all impurities off a surface causing a lubricating effect. It does not leave a residue however which means it will not lubricate in that since. So depending on how you look at it, it does lubricate.

by **marso** » 2 Jan 2004 1:20

Just general disclaimer, I have never lub'd a lock so I have no idea.

Quote from the masterlock site relating to padlocks that i thought was worth a mention. Sorry if it has been posted before, varjeal can always delete it

Here are a few tips that will help you keep your padlocks working efficiently:

1. Lubricate padlocks periodically with a light machine oil. Do not use graphite in any form! Your Master Lock padlock is a precision instrument, and graphite may actually cause the locking mechanism to stick. Apply oil in both the keyway and shackle openings.

http://www.masterlock.com/general/faqs_ ... vice.shtml

by **cormu** » 2 Jan 2004 6:35

Gun oil is good also lock oil

by **marso** » 2 Jan 2004 10:16

My lockwood cylinder says:

Maintenance:
Lubricate cylinder keyway with graphite powder only.

by **Securityman** » 2 Jan 2004 12:06

...for the CORRECT information on WD-40 i recomend you visit http://www.wd40.com/AboutUs/our_history.html .

WD-40 does not contain alcohol and does have lubricating qualities. It is non-flamable, and dries without depositing a tacky film like silicon or teflon lubes.

I don't even know why I care .....I do not own shares in the company and you can no longer use it as a blowtorch

by **Chucklz** » 2 Jan 2004 16:56

Securityman, for WD-40, it is and always has been a flammable liquid. Check an MSDS sheet for the most accurate safety data available. 67% of the composition is White Spirit Cas 64742-82-1 . Which, if you are not familiar is a flammable hydrocarbon mixture. According to WD-40's own information about their product, the complete formulation has an Open Cup method flash point of 43 degrees C.

by **critter** » 6 Jan 2004 10:18

Any oil based lubricant will attract dirt. Asfar as combination locks for safes they are encased and machine oil is OK as long as there is regular service.
I prefer on pin tumbler locks to not use graphite as it is messy and black and gets on your key your hands your clothes eeww! A nice teflon spray will do the trick and not encorage dirt collection.

by **marso** » 12 Jan 2004 7:41

Medeco lubrication advice:
http://www.medeco.com/products/pdfs/Med ... cation.pdf

by **CuMsCrOtE** » 12 Jan 2004 15:42

WD40 can be used on a difficult lock to pick as it slows the pins from falling down when you rake it! gives you a better chance of a succesful pick.. Also to the guy thats been having trouble with a lock with only getting the first pin, u could be hitting an anti pick pin.. in that case its no good trying for the other pins, try to get the others first..

by **s25** » 18 Jan 2004 7:52

Would anyone reccomend lubricating a lockpick before the picking takes place as it may make it easier

by **CitySpider** » 18 Jan 2004 8:44

s25 wrote:Would anyone reccomend lubricating a lockpick before the picking takes place as it may make it easier

My suggestion is only do it if the pins are sticking. I've only once had a lock that needed to be lubricated, but most of my locks don't come from dirty enviroments.

You might want to run a quick search before asking simple, direct questions like this. Saves us time, and it'll get you your answers faster.

by **Brian240sx** » 19 Jan 2004 22:16

Hey guys, this is my first post and I figured I'd leave my feedback for once instead of just reading...I've worked for Home Depot for 10 years now in the hardware department. I also am a locksmith on the side.

In my experience, WD40 is a great lube if u continue to lube regularly. Though, if you live in the west coast you'll find that the dust is the mother of all problems and most wet lubs, wd40, even silicone will gunk up locks in no time. For the past 10 years I've used graphite and it is probably the best lube for this application in my opinion.

WHY IS THE WD-40 SO BAD?

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