Luckily, I had a spare got in through another door and googled solution which worked. Graphite or WD 40 or ballistol to prevent recurrence? Have plenty but no graphite. I think graphite is not best. Cannot recall. Thanks

Silicone spray.

NOT WD40.

I've always used graphite. I thought using a "wet" lube would attract dust and cause the same problem again.

Houdini spray. You’ll thank me later.

You don’t want to use graphite or silicon in a key mechanism.

There are some light spray lubes that are specifically marketed for use in locks. Graphite is the old (old!) recommended lube, but I could never understand why anyone would have used it in the past 50 years or so.

As for the belief that having a can of WD40 in the same county as a lock will cause it to gum up and eat your key the first time it’s inserted, for years before buying a specific lock lube I would spray it into locks until it ran out, and never had any problems. I see no reason to use it for locks now, but all the locks I used the stuff in still work just fine.

I use Triflow. Good stuff if you can find it.

I shoot some Breakfree CLP in my locks every now and again and they work great after years of doing so.

The Houdini stuff is on amazon. More expensive but has prime shipping. I would not trust eBay.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
Houdini spray. You’ll thank me later.

You don’t want to use graphite or silicon in a key mechanism.

+100. Houdini lock lube is awesome.

I too recommend Triflow. Learned about it when we were riding ATV's a lot. Excellent lubricant that does not attract dust and dirt.

Thanks downtownv for the link, just picked up 3 more cans at a great price!

quote:

Originally posted by Some Shot:
Silicone spray.

NOT WD40.

What about WD40 silicone spray?

Yes, you want graphite for your locks.

quote:

Originally posted by Nismo:

quote:

Originally posted by Some Shot:
Silicone spray.

NOT WD40.

What about WD40 silicone spray?

Then it's not Water Displacement #40 [formula], is it?

I know we have one Sigforumite who works for the world's largest lock manufacturer, Assa Abloy. I'd be interested in hearing what he has to say on lock lubricant.

WD40 and the silicon product are not at all the same. WD40 is a solvent. It is not a lubricant, regardless of the advertising.

Graphite is not a good idea in a lock.

A stuck key should be gently pushed and pulled while turning in the direction of rotation and back; both motions at the same time. If it's absolutely stuck, you can try something like Kroil or other penetrating oil. Your other solution is to remove the lock mechanism, or if it's a padlock, cut the lock (or saw).

Something else you can try if you have one is an engraving tool or massaging vibrator against the key while doing the motion mentioned above; the vibration motion may be enough to displace the pins and free the key or allow the tumbler to rotate, if it's stuck in place. Once the key is out, you're best off replacing the lock.

quote:

Something else you can try if you have one is a.......massaging vibrator against the key while doing the motion

I used Rem Oil when I had a stuck lock. Worked great.

If it's good enough for my guns, it's good enough for my locks.

I've always used Motor oil, as in straight off the dipstick. It's always there when you need it and all you have to do is drip a drop or two on the key and insert it into the lock.