A: Although WD-40 is magic stuff, it is not the best choice to lubricate automotive door locks and linkages. Although it does a good job of cleaning and temporary lubricating, it goes away, so it makes a good first step. Graphite has long been a popular lube choice, but we like to use bike chain lube.
Graphite dry powder lubricant is the professional and preferred choice for lock lubrication, as unlike oil based lubricants, it does not build up a sticky residue in the mechanism which can over time cause lock malfunction.
Teflon-based dry lubricant is preferred by some locksmiths over other options, like graphite or WD-40. It's ideal because, besides lubricating your lock, it repels water and dust. That means that once you fix a lock with this type of lubricant, you can expect the lock to be in good shape for a long time.
Lubricants for locks is quintessential for the longevity of a locking mechanism. WD40, Is okay for a temporary solution but the best is graphite as it is dry and is designed specifically to lubricate locks.
But this multi-faceted product has limitations – it should never be used to lubricate locks! The main reason for this is that WD40 is not a true lubricant; it is a water and oil displacing solvent. This means that it can actually remove any lube already in the lock, leaving it dry and susceptible to sticking.
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.
When using a powdered graphite lubricant, it can be easy to use too much. With an application like a lock, it may be tricky to get the graphite into the hard-to-reach areas, prompting a user to dump in more. Or, if the graphite is starting to wear off, a user may put too much in to refresh the lubrication.
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.
To fix the problem, the first thing to do is to squirt a small amount of dry lubricant or graphite powder inside the slot where the key goes. Insert the key into the lock and pull it out a few times without turning it.
Molybdenum Disulfide
MoS2 lubrication performance often exceeds that of graphite and is effective in vacuum as well, whereas graphite is not. The temperature limitation of MoS2 at 400 °C is restricted by oxidation.
Graphite as a Lubricant
Graphite is a crystalline carbon that has a black appearance. It is hydrophobic and offers superior lubrication properties. Graphite is mainly used as a dry lubricant but can also be dispersed in oil. Solid or dry lubricants reduce the force of friction between sliding surfaces.
When it comes to lubrication properties, graphite is a top performer. Also known as black lead, graphite is a crystalline form of carbon and features a layered structure. While graphite is known for its lustrous shine, it's also a highly effective solid lubricant.
WD-40 Specialist High Performance Silicone is your go-to silicone based lubricant spray that works well on all tools, rubber pipes, window seals, linkages, valves, locks, doors, plumbing fittings and belts.
Prevent Frozen Locks:
Got an older lock that's not working as well as it used to? Try applying a thin later of Vaseline and inserting it into the lock to lubricate the tumbler.
Just gently squeeze a very small amount of graphite powder into the keyhole, and then use your key to slowly work the lubricant into the lock. Another way to do it is to coat your key with the graphite powder first, and then simply insert it into the lock.
In fact, sometimes graphite is mixed with water, or other liquids, to allow the graphite to flow into all parts of a mechanism. The water evaporates and the graphite remains to keep the parts well lubricated. A little graphite goes a long way. One small tube will last most household for a year or two.
There are other dry lubricants, Teflon or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), being the primary alternative to Moly and Graphite. PTFE lubricants have many great applications where being inert and non-conductive are desired characteristics.
As with all lock issues, a key spinning in a lock could be due to a number of different reasons depending on the lock type. It often means the internal mechanism has detached, resulting in the power of your turn not affecting the bolt. Alternatively, the cylinder itself may be loose.
Like most natural styles, moisture will be key in maintaining dreadlocks at home. After all, dry hair is more prone to brittleness and breakage. Your best bet is to use hair oil on top of a moisturizing spray to keep dryness away. The scalp is skin and needs the same protection that the skin on your body or face needs.
Reduces friction: Graphite is a natural lubricant that helps reduce friction between the lock's internal components, making it easier to turn the key and operate the lock mechanism.