Simply grab a can of WD-40, silicon-based lubricant, graphite spray, or a dry lubricant and spray it into the keyway. Once it has been sprayed, insert the key so the lubricant will work into the locking mechanism.
You certainly can use WD-40 in a lock, but you shouldn't. Almost all locks are designed and fabricated to operate without lubrication. If you add an oil or grease to them, that will serve to collect dust and dirt and increase wear on the lock, encouraging it to jam up.
Try a lubricant
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.
Lock is stiff and difficult to open
You can apply some graphite spay or silicone based lubricant in the lock, put the key back in and turn it a few times. Never use oil based products such as WD-40 to lubricate locks because although they may help initially, they tend to cause problems with clogging later on.
Lubrication: A common cause of jammed locks is lack of lubrication. Applying a silicone-based lubricant or graphite powder can help. Avoid oil-based products as these can attract dirt. Spray or insert the lubricant into the keyhole and gently work the key in and out a few times to distribute the lubricant.
Use a can of compressed air or a small brush to clean the keyhole thoroughly. 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.
If you're expecting freezing temperatures, spray some WD-40 into your lock and the lubricant will take care of things. Be sure to get the lubricant inside the lock, though. Spraying the outside won't do you any favours. So, place the nozzle right up against the lock opening and spray for around 3-5 seconds.
Spray WD-40 Into The Keyhole
Once you are done scraping the exterior rust, you can bring in the magic of WD-40. Take your can of WD-40 and spray it gently into the keyhole. The liquid would mingle with the rust particles and loosen them, making it easier to open the lock.
Teflon-based Lubricants
Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is a Teflon-based lubricant that dries inside the lock to leave behind a non-stick, water-repellent film on all the surfaces. Since it's dry, it doesn't attract dust or dirt.
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.
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.
Conclusion. Encountering a frozen lock can feel like an inconvenient roadblock, but understanding the problem allows you to tackle it effectively. Rubbing alcohol emerges as a viable option to unfreeze a lock due to its moisture-displacing properties.
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.
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.
Will WD40 help a swollen door? WD-40 can help reduce friction and might loosen up a swollen door temporarily. But it's not a permanent fix since it doesn't tackle the root issue, like moisture or humidity. For a long-term solution, try drying out the door or sanding down the swollen areas.
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. Once it has been sprayed, insert the key so the lubricant will work into the locking mechanism.
Oil, plus the environment – you don't want that in your lock, so you'll want to use a graphite or silicone spray rather than your regular WD-40 or other oil-based lubricants. WD-40 does make a product specifically for locks, WD-40 Specialist Dry Lubricant and we also like 3-IN-ONE's Lock Dry Lube.
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.
Use powdered graphite, Teflon, or PTFE-based lubricants like WD-40 Dry Lube to clear away any gunk or debris stuck in the lock. Slide your key in and out of the lock to spread the lubricant around the lock.
Some of the best door lock lubricants available on the market today include Houdini Lock Lube, DuPont Teflon lubricant, Master Lock 2300D PTFE lubricant, and Lock Saver Lubricant. At QuickPro Locksmith, we take pride in providing a wide range of locksmith services to homeowners and businesses.
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.