Can you use Vaseline to lubricate a lock?

Author: Dr. Forrest Rempel III  |  Last update: Thursday, January 1, 2026

Yes, you can use Vaseline instead of WD-40 if you need a quick substitute. However, keep in mind Vaseline may not work for all applications, including inside locks. While it can work great on door hinges, it may be too sticky for locks and end up attracting dust and dirt particles—which can cause damage to your lock.

What can I use to lubricate a lock?

Here are some suitable options: Graphite Powder: This is often considered the best option for locks. Graphite is dry, which means it won't attract dirt and dust, and it provides excellent lubrication. Silicone Spray: A silicone-based lubricant can also work well.

Is it safe to use Vaseline as a lubricant?

The short answer is: no, petroleum jelly is not a good sexual lubricant. As you've noticed, it usually comes with a ``for external use only'' label. This means that it's not meant to go inside any part of your body (hint: it isn't edible, either).

How to loosen a stiff lock?

Do not put liquid, eg. WD-40, in there, it will only stick more dirt and dust in the lock. Instead use powdered graphite, or 'write' on the key with a graphite pencil, then work that into the lock with the key. It will loosen right up.

Is Vaseline a good lubricant for metal?

Yes, vaseline will work and it will not harm any threads or metals. At least it hasn't for me over the last 50 years.

Lock lube with Vaseline

Can Vaseline be used as an anti-seize?

For example, oil casings where lube oil is used in order not to spoil the oil. The bottom end bolt of the main compressor is coated with lube oil. Vaseline / Petroleum jelly/ Soft Soap, are not used as anti-seizing elements but they are used if a requirement arises.

Can you use Vaseline instead of wd40?

Vaseline. It's no secret that there are many Surprising Ways To Use Vaseline In Your Home, but you can consider it a go-to idea when you are out of WD-40, too. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, can be a huge help to add much-needed lubrication to door hinges and window sash locks.

Is it okay to put WD-40 in a lock?

The simple answer is you should not use WD40 to lubricate locks. WD-40 is one of the solvent-based lubricants and does not contain any lubricant and over time can make your lock even stickier by gumming the lock up.

How to fix a lock that's hard to turn?

Fortunately, this is often an easy fix. Simply grab a can of WD-40, silicon-based lubricant, graphite spray, or a dry lubricant and spray it into the keyway.

Can petroleum jelly be used on metal?

Beyond skincare, petroleum jelly can significantly extend the lifespan and improve the performance of various household tools and appliances. By applying a thin layer to metal surfaces, it can prevent rust and corrosion.

Can I use olive oil as a lubricant?

A sexual lubricant, or lube, can reduce friction and enhance sexual pleasure. Although olive oil has other benefits for health, people should avoid using it as a sexual lubricant. Water and silicone based lubricants tend to be preferable.

Is petroleum jelly the same as Vaseline?

It is also known by other names, such as petrolatum, white petrolatum, soft paraffin, paraffin jelly, mineral oil jelly, or multi-hydrocarbons. Another common name for petroleum jelly is Vaseline. However, Vaseline is also a well-known American brand of petroleum jelly.

Can you use olive oil to lubricate a lock?

Don't use oil.

Oil might assist the moving parts of the motor in your car, but it is never a good idea to squirt it in a stiff lock. The oil will just combine with any grime already in the mechanism and compound the situation.

Is silicone spray ok for locks?

Once dried, this formula leaves a clear, non-staining film that doesn't stick or make a mess, so it won't attract dirt. This silicone lubricant spray is great for use on cables, pulleys, guide rails, valves, linkages, hinges, locks and more.

What is the best lubricant for a car door lock?

Silicone car door lock lubricant

As a general rule of thumb, the best way to lubricate a car door lock is with the help of silicone-based lubricant. This is due to the barrier they form against water which does a good job at preventing moisture along with dirt and dust from entering the locks.

Why is my door suddenly hard to lock?

Door lock problems are often caused by a malfunctioning lock mechanism or latch assembly, but there are several common reasons why locks stop working: The lock is dry or dirty. It doesn't fit in the door properly. The latch and strike plate don't align.

Where should you not use WD-40?

7 places to never use WD-40 — you'll be surprised
  • Hinges. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Bike chains. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Locks. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. ...
  • Sensitive electronics. ...
  • Wax polishes and some wax coatings. ...
  • Anything that comes into contact with food.

How to fix a door lock that won't turn?

If you have a stuck door lock, spray lubricant into the lock's keyhole. Doing so will loosen any debris or deposits sitting inside your stuck lock and prevent your key from turning. Insert the key and rotate it a few times to work in the lubricant, releasing the stuck part.

Is 3 in 1 oil good for locks?

Keep your locks in tip-top shape with 3-IN-ONE® Lock Dry Lube, formulated to keep lock mechanisms running smoothly and prevent lock rust and corrosion. Our lock lubricant dries quickly and leaves no oily residue, which prevents dirt and dust from collecting in your locks.

Is Vaseline a good metal lubricant?

Vaseline: you can use vaseline for all sorts of applications. It is a great lubricant for metal parts such as air installation, but it is also regularly used for installing PVC parts. Note: contrary to ball bearer grease, vaseline does become liquid at higher temperatures (40 - 60°C), causing it to drip.

What is a substitute for penetrating oil?

Vegetable oil with five percent acetone works. Increasing the acetone to 10 percent or up to 30 percent boosts performance. At higher concentrations, you can free the seized bolt using less than half of the force that it takes with WD-40.

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