AboutJames Expertise I am knowledgeable in almost every area of Locksmithing. This includes locks, keys, lost keys, residential and commercial lockouts, rekeying, masterkeying, high security locks, access control, electric locks, security cameras and home safety. I have been running an online business since 2004 where I sell all types of lock and security hardware to everyone from apartment renters to business owners to the US government. Before that I started a locksmith service in 1999. I deal with many types of security equipment including high security safe locks, heavy duty padlocks, exit devices, biometric readers, electric strikes, magnetic locks, full surface hinges and I only sell what I personally stand behind 100%. The online business has given me a more in-depth look at the locksmithing industry, helping me to learn more about each and every product that I offer, as well as products I don't have but end up finding for customers to solve any issues they have with security or door hardware.
Please don't submit any automotive or safe questions as these aren't areas that I can help in.
Experience I have been Locksmithing since 1999 and own my own Locksmithing business. I have many years of hands-on experience through the many services I have performed for my customers. I've run my business the way I wanted, treating everyone as I would like to be treated and knowing that any customer could be my last if I didn't perform my locksmithing duties as I had promised.
Organizations Montana Locksmith Association
Education/Credentials I have a diploma in Masterkeying, Advanced Locksmithing & Locksmithing from Foley-Belsaw.
Past/Present Clients US government, colleges, schools, city and state governments, large and small corporations, home owners.
I am trying to sort out the conflicting information I have read about lubricating locks. Experts recommend OR warn against using WD-40, graphite and silicone to lubricate lock mechanisms! (I list several of the results of a Google search, below.)
Please clarify what type of lubricant to use, under what conditions, and why.
Thanks.
A. Olson
Here's what one "expert" says:
There are a couple different types of lubricants that can be used in a lock, but we prefer graphite powder. Graphite powder is odorless and tends to stay in the lock rather than sticking to the key. If you use a petroleum based oil, it can make your keys oily and worse, dust tends to stick to it inside the lock and become gunky. However, whichever you choose, stick with that lubricant. Mixing lubricants is a sure way to gunk up a lock.
www.acmehowto.com/howto/homemaintenance/dnw/keystick.php
Here's another:
Lubricate padlocks periodically with very light machine oil. Do not use graphite in any form! Your Master padlock is a precision instrument, and graphite may actually cause the mechanism to stick. Apply oil only in shackle openings. A silicone or TeflonŽ based lubricant is recommended for the keyway.
www.masterlock.com/general/faqs_careandservice.shtml
Yet another!
If the key turns but only with effort, lubricate the lock mechanism with graphite powder or silicone spray by injecting the lubricant into the keyway. Work the key or thumb latch back and forth to distribute the lubricant
www.ehow.com/how_114582_troubleshoot-lock-problems.html
Answer Hello A. Olson,
In my opinion graphite will absorb some moisture and cause it to gum up. It's very messy as well.
I prefer gun oil, found at Wal-Mart in the sporting goods area and called Rem Oil. I use it for 2 reasons: 1) it doesn't stink like WD-40 & 2) it provides adequate lubrication for most locks, including the mechanical parts of locks and lock devices. It's also a bit thicker than WD-40 which will help it stay in the right places.
Graphite is old news. I know of only 1 local locksmith that swears by it, but they've been in business for 70 years and that's all there was for so long.
Some lock manufactures actually strongly recommend against using graphite in the locks they make and tell people to use a teflon based lubrication. Medeco manufactures high security locks and uses what I think was a teflon-based lubricant (you can contact them at their website www.medeco.com to find out exactly what it is).
Always try to use what the manufacturer recommends to keep from decreasing the life of the lock and/or the finish.
