What is the best thing for a stiff lock?

Author: Prof. Miles Halvorson  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Most locksmiths recommend using a dry graphite powder to lubricate sticky locks. You can find a powdered graphite powder at your local hardware store, as well as precision straws that allow you to aim the lubricant in the exact right spot.

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.

What is the best lubricant for stiff 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.

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

Using WD-40 in a lock is generally not recommended. While WD-40 can help displace moisture and may temporarily lubricate a lock, it can also leave a residue that attracts dust and dirt over time. This can lead to a buildup that can eventually cause the lock to jam or function poorly.

How to fix a lock that is hard to turn?

Lubricate the Lock

Spray the lubricant into the keyhole and insert the key, turning it back and forth to distribute the lubricant evenly. Graphite lubricants are preferred over oil-based ones, as they do not attract dust and dirt, which can exacerbate the problem.

What Is The Best Lubricant To Use In A Lock?

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.

How to fix a stuck lock?

Most locksmiths recommend using a dry graphite powder to lubricate sticky locks. You can find a powdered graphite powder at your local hardware store, as well as precision straws that allow you to aim the lubricant in the exact right spot.

Why is my door lock mechanism stiff?

There are three main reasons why a door lock mechanism is stiff or sticking: Debris in the lock. Extremes of temperature. A broken lock mechanism or gearbox.

Can you use Vaseline to lubricate a lock?

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 spray on my lock to lubricate?

GT85 Lubricant is perfect for using and applying to Door Locks the GT 85 spray is a multi-purpose lubricant that helps keep your door and window hardware in good working order. GT85 lubricates and protects while also cleaning automobiles and motorcycles.

What mineral is used as a lubricant for locks?

Graphite. Used in air compressors, food industry, railway track joints, brass instrument valves, piano actions, open gear, ball bearings, machine-shop works, etc. It is also very common for lubricating locks, since a liquid lubricant allows particles to get stuck in the lock worsening the problem.

What is the best thing to use on stiff locks?

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.

Why is it suddenly hard to get my key in the lock?

There may be an unevenly-worn pin or pins in the lock. The easiest way to diagnose this is to disassemble the lock cylinder, and having done that, one might as well replace any pin that looks worn. A broken spring is another possibility, and can be remedied in a similar way.

Why is my door so hard to lock?

If a strike fails to penetrate a door jamb, either the door has become warped or the screws have loosened and the plate has shifted. When the door closes, the strike doesn't slide past its plate into the jamb's receiving hole, or it goes in but doesn't reach bottom, preventing the door from locking properly.

What can I use to unstick a lock?

Lubricate the lock: Sticky locks are often due to a lack of lubrication. Apply a graphite-based or silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for locks. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can attract more dust and grime.

What causes a lock to seize?

When a lock has been left for some time outside in the elements, rust and grime builds up and can seize a lock. Unseizing a lock can take some time and patience. The symptoms of a seized lock include not being able to insert the key, the key does not turn or the key turns but nothing happens.

How do you open a lock that won't budge?

If you do want to attempt to fix this issue yourself, you can try using powdered graphite or a graphite spray. Coat your key in graphite and insert it into the keyhole. The graphite will act as a lubricant to help unjam lock tumblers that may have become clogged with debris over time.

What do locksmiths lubricate locks with?

Many locksmiths recommend PTFE lubricants because they possess chemical-resistant properties and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides, PTFE lubricants provide superior water resistance and have self-cleaning ability.

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

Should I use WD40 to lubricate door locks? 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.

Is silicone lubricant ok for locks?

WD-40 Specialist® Silicone

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.

How to loosen a stiff door lock?

To apply powdered graphite, use the nozzle of the tube to gently insert it into the lock and squeeze a small amount of the powder out. Repeat this process for both sides of the key. If powdered graphite is not available, you can rub the tip of a pencil against the lock and turn the key several times.

Which oil is used as a lubricant?

These include aloe vera, yogurt, olive oil, and virgin coconut oil. People should avoid the use of petroleum jelly, lotion, butter, or spit as lubricant alternatives, due to the increased risk of infection or irritation.

Why won't the key turn in the lock?

Try Wiggling the Key

Sometimes a little jiggle is all you need. Gently insert the key all the way into the lock and try wiggling it up and down while turning it slowly. This can help the pins inside the lock align with the key's grooves.

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