And I'll never use Dry Graphite lube again - a cherished belief Crushed!
- Thread starter Oro_O
- Start date
Kestas
Staff member
I've had many locks get arthritic where they needed lube. I use sewing machine oil. Easy enough.
Best stuff I've found in the snowy, salty midwest is Fluid Film.
There is only one lock lube that I will ever buy it's called houdini and it is amazing. Try it
I'm in the electric power transmission business and am responsible in part for all maintenance work in 19 very large power substations. Some of these yards have well in excess of 100 padlocks that live their life out in the the direct elements. Every single lube that has been mentioned so far in this thread WILL attract blow dirt with the exception of Houdini.
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Ive used 3 in 1 oil from the hardware store with good results.
Originally Posted by cronk
Ive used 3 in 1 oil from the hardware store with good results.
As I went through the thread I was starting to wonder if I was the only one still using the stuff. I've been using it for years and no problems, other than the inconvenience of having to wipe the key after use for the first week or so, lest I coat my hands and pockets with the stuff.
manicrodder
$50 site donor 2022
Best IMO!
What about silicone spray? Comes with a straw to get the stuff into the lock. Won't gum up like grease. Protects more than WD40. You probably already have it on the shelf.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2023
I use Houdini and that stuff that comes in a gray can can’t remember the name right off. When I was working alongside a locksmith training to use my key cutting machine she told me never use WD40 or graphite lubricant. I need a lube for my key cutter wonder if Houdini would work?
Someone at the local Ace recommended that stuff, he sent people to a locksmith that stocked it.
but with a key cutting machine, wouldn’t you need something more conducive for cutting or sliding lubrication to prevent brinelling or fretting wear?
It dries up into a waxy, cosmoline like goop on any surface it's dried on. I wouldn't try it.
Both of my GM/Chevrolet manuals state that one need only periodically (annually) apply a *drop*, maybe two of any synthetic motor oil to a key and work it in out and of course twist the lock open and locked a few times. Withdraw they key and wipe clean. Done. The locks on the external door surfaces are "gated", the metal cover within the keyhole is pushed back when you insert the key. Not weather tight, but it does keep grime and gunk out.
If a key starts to feel stiff in a door lock, the drop of oil and working it around trick seems to keep them going.
Says who? I have regular and laser key machines and have never used a lube to cut keys.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2023
It’s for the machine itself the motor on it. Not actually for cutting them.
Ok that make sense now.
JHZR2
Staff member
The aerosol? Or one of the liquid/grease products?
I've used Hornady One-shot Cleaner & Dry Lube with good success. Aerosol, cleans and leaves a Nanoparticle dry lubricant, no residue, no oil, no mess. Works on door hinges too, one shot, squeak is gone.
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- Jul 13, 2020
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- 191
I’ve recently tried spray dry teflon and been disappointed in it. Works well on wooden drawer slides but the 2 door locks I have used it on are sticking.....and they were disassembled and cleaned prior to the spray Teflon. Guess I’ll try the Superlube or 3 in 1.
