Put a little amount of graphite powder inside the door lock to ease any friction inside, making sure not to put in too much. You'll also want to put some of the powder onto both sides of the door key. If you don't have any graphite powder you can use a pencil.
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.
Wd40 or other grease or liquid lubricants aren't recommended for locks because they will gunk up with dust inside the mechanism eventually. Usually dry lube powders or sprays (liquid that evaporates and leaves powder behind) like graphite or Teflon are recommended for locks.
Graphite powder is the preferred lubricant for locks. You should be able to get it at any hardware store in a squeeze bottle that is half air, allowing you to blow it right into the keyway. You are going to have to wait a while before putting it on, as the residual WD-40 will gum it up.
To lubricate the lock Safestyle recommends using graphite powder, the fine particles mean less residue than oils or sprays which can also be sensitive to hot or cold conditions. Put a little amount of graphite powder inside the door lock to ease any friction inside, making sure not to put in too much.
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.
The issue most homeowners face with their locks is that the key jams in the lock and is hard to pull back out. Usually, this happens when the lock pins are dirty or need to be lubricated. Common causes of this include corrosion, rust, and a build-up of dirt and debris.
If you are in a rush and need to remedy a sticky lock, the most convenient way is with olive oil from your pantry. In order to fix the lock using the olive oil, simply rub a small amount of the oil on your key and insert it in the lock.
WD-40 silicone vs WD-40
It is silicon based. A lot of people use WD-40 just the basic one. It is a penetrating oil, It is not a lock lubricant. But for sticky locks or or a lock that's jammed up on you WD-40 is is a nice start because it's a penetrating oil but it does not lubricate your lock.
To fix a stuck key, apply a lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone-based spray to the keyhole. Gently wiggle the key while pulling it out. If this doesn't work, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the key and carefully work it out.
Wrap rubber bands around a door or drawer knob to create a non-slip surface. You will use less grip force on the knob.
What's the best lubricant for your lock? When choosing the best product to lubricate locks, dry lubricants like graphite powder and PTFE lubricants are best. As mentioned above, oil-based products can attract dust and dirt which can damage the delicate internal mechanism of your lock.
If you can insert the key, but it will not turn, it is probably because the key was not cut properly. Unfortunately, in cases like these, you may need to get a new key cut so you can get into your home. Make sure you are positioning the key correctly within the lock before you decide to go ahead and send your key back.
The most common cause of sticking door handles is some kind of malfunction within the tubular latch itself. To test this, firstly open the door and check that there are no obvious obstructions on the tubular latch plate such as loose screws, or signs of internal parts of the latch or lock poking through.
Another possible cause of a stiff lock is dirt buildup on the tumblers inside the lock cylinder. When dirt builds up inside these tumblers, they may become stuck together, preventing them from moving freely when you try to turn your key or insert it into the lock.
Graphite powder – You can easily buy this online (it's basically the substance that pencil lead is made out of). Blow the powder into the lock cylinder and this should make the movement of the key smoother. Pro tip: If you don't have graphite powder, you can try a graphite pencil.
WD-40 While WD-40 is a penetrating oil and technically not a lubricant, it can get a stuck lock moving if you're in a pinch. Simply spray WD-40 into the lock. Then, repeatedly insert your key into the keyhole to work the WD-40 into the lock.
Tri-Flow Lubricant is a superior, light viscosity lube that allows for deep penetration into hard to reach moving parts. The aerosol spray uses high-grade petroleum oils that provide optimum lubrication under extreme temperatures (-60 to 475°F) and humidity. I use Tri-Flow after I rekey most domestic locks.
Great All-rounder
I use 3 in one drip oil for my hobby – restoring cars. It's really multi purpose as I use it for seat rails, door hinges and door locks. But it's also useful in the house for doors and locks.