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.
What Lubricants are Best for Locks. The best type of lubrication for a lock is a dry lube—such as Teflon (PTFE) or graphite. These types of lubricants repel dust and dirt and keep your lock from building up a gunky and sticky mess.
Can You Use WD40 On Locks? With all of the chemicals within WD40, although it's generally used as a lubricant, the chemicals actually end up drying out the actual lubricant the lock already has – which would only make a stiff lock stiffer or sticky!
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.
Silicone Spray
A popular choice that many choose to stop doors making a squeaking sound is to spray the hinge with some silicone. Available at most good hardware stores, it's free from grease and oil and is safe to use on wood, metal, plastic, and rubber.
The quickest way to do this is to spray WD-40 directly into the keyhole, around the latch, along the tube of a deadbolt and around the handle, and then turning the mechanism repeatedly, spreading the lubricant around inside. You only need to do this once a month or so to keep them all in near-new condition.
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.
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.
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.
Lubricating the door locks and hinges on your vehicle is part of regular maintenance. It can prevent many problems that occur because of regular wear and tear as well as preventing the build-up of rust. The key is to know the correct lubricant to use on the components to prevent possible damage.
As with all mechanical objects with moving parts, doors and hinges need to be lubricated on a fairly regular basis. There are a number of products you can use to ensure everything is running smoothly. One of the simplest ways to lubricate your hinges and locks is to use Vaseline.
Silicone spray is excellent for fixing squeaky hinges and is widely available both online and in DIY stores. Silicone spray is free from mineral oils and grease, and safe to use on a variety of surfaces as a lubricant including plastic, rubber and metal.
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.
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.
WD-40® Multi-Use Product does not contain silicone, kerosene, water, graphite, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
One of the most common deadbolt issues is one that sticks or is difficult to turn. This is often due to a buildup of rust or grime in the components, preventing them from functioning easily. Repair your deadbolt with a dose of WD-40 (or a similar product). This will loosen dirt and rust and provide lubrication.
A sticking deadbolt is a common nuisance for homeowners. It can be caused by debris, weather, and general wear and tear.
If your key doesn't turn in the lock, the problem may just be a poorly cut key. Test the lock with a key that was cut at a different time to be sure. If the key isn't the problem, try lubricating the lock using powdered graphite or a silicone-based lubricant.
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.
If your door lock continues to freeze, you'll likely need to clean your lock, as there is too much dirt within the mechanism that's retaining moisture. Using a damp cotton swab, insert it into the keyhole and gently wipe around to clean and attract some of the built-up dirt and grime.