Informative link

[zeke79]

Here is a link i found and thought would be informative. I didnt see this link posted anywhere on the site when i done a search so I am sorry if this ends up being old info.

{edited by Varjeal: link deleted due to copyright infringement}

[Quin]

On that site he says:

Lubricate the plug generously with WD40 or any other approved spray. Do NOT use graphite.

That flys in the face of everything I've read everywhere else

[marso]

I think this is the locksmiths version of "linux" vs "windows". Each has their own opinions, some more educated than others. Graphite I have seen negative coments when used by a lay user as they normally put too much. Of course I know bugger all.

Nice site even if i only learn one thing from it.

[RedMcSwede]

any graphite or lubricant will work well...just don't mix the graphite with the lubricant...you'll make glue

[CitySpider]

I strongly disagree. I'll bow to Varjeal or someone else with more experience in the mechanics of locks, but I've had very bad experiences with graphite. I count myself lucky if there's no improvement.

[Varjeal]

Graphite is o.k. when used in very small amounts in a clean, dry, and preferrably warm environment.

In extremely cold, wet, and/or debris filled environments, graphite tends to attract dirt, etc, into a lock and gum it up. Overuse is extremely common, and thusly is why I recommend people NOT to use it.

WD-40 is commonly used, but I've found personally that it tends to dry out locks and leave behind no lubricant qualities. It does work well to flush locks, and is a good cleaner.

I always recommend a silicon or teflon based lubricant, because they are designed to leave a film behind that acts as a long-term lubricant without the dirt attracting qualities of oil or graphite.