what is a good lubricant for door locks

Lubricants to Use for Door Locks

• Graphite Powder Graphite powder lubricant works remarkably well on the door locks. ...
• Silicone Lubricant Silicone lubricant is widely used for its top-level consistency. ...
• Teflon-Based Lubricant An Anti-Friction Dry PTFE lubricant has a polytetrafluoroethylene formulation known as Teflon. ...
• Grease Lubricant Grease lubricants are sticky and thick. ...

Full Answer

What is the best material to lubricate a door lock?

Which Types of Lubricants is Best to Use for Door Locks?

• Graphite Powder: Graphite powder lubricant works magically on the door locks. ...
• Silicone Lubricant: Silicone lubricant is a lubricant that is used globally for its top-notch texture. ...
• Teflon-Based Lubricant: If your door lock requires maintenance on a daily basis, then this Teflon-based lubricant is a go-to substance for you.

More items...

Which is the better lubricant for a lock?

What Is The Best Lubricant For Locks?

• Graphite. Graphite is regularly used as a lubricant for locks because it is a dry product that does not accumulate dust and dirt. ...
• PTFE or Teflon. PTFE is another “dry” lubricant that is a better choice than graphite in humid conditions. ...
• Chain lube. ...

What are the best home door locks?

BEST OVERALL: Kwikset Juno Keyed Entry Door Knob. RUNNER UP: Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt. BEST BUDGET: Schlage B60N 619 Single Cylinder Deadbolt. BEST SMART: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. BEST ...

Is wd_40 good for lubricating locks?

WD-40 is a great light lubricant for locks. Often if your key is hard to push into the lock, spraying some WD-40 into the keyway will allow the key to push into the lock. WD-40 works wonders for squeaky hinges and linkages, just spray directly onto the affected area.

What is the best lubricant to use on door 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.

What can I use to lubricate a door lock?

Graphite for Locks Locksmiths have long used powdered graphite to lubricate the workings of locks, and if your key refuses to slide fully into the lock, you can do the same.

Should I use graphite or WD-40 in my locks?

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.

Is it OK to use WD-40 on door locks?

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.

Should you oil door locks?

Locks can stiffen up over time as dirt and grime work their way in. If you are finding it harder and harder to turn the key in your lock – and your children are complaining that they can't do it at all – it may be time to replace the whole mechanism. However, it is always worth trying to lubricate the lock first.

Can you use silicone lubricant on door locks?

Silicone spray is great for lubricating nylon, plastic and metal when only a thin layer of lubricant is necessary. And because silicone dries, it won't get clothing greasy. Graphite lubricant is the right choice for locks—it won't attract dirt to fine lock mechanisms like an oil would.

How do you loosen a stiff door lock?

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.

How do you lubricate a front door lock?

0:001:04Best Way to Lubricate a Door Lock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou ever have one of those locks that just gets real real stiff to get the key in well you can useMoreYou ever have one of those locks that just gets real real stiff to get the key in well you can use wd-40.

Can you use olive oil to lubricate a lock?

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 the key in the lock. After inserting the key make sure to turn it to both the right and the left.

What do you do when your key won't turn in the lock?

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.

Why is my front door lock sticking?

Sticky Door Locks If your door lock or deadbolt sticks, it may be due to dryness or a buildup of dirt. For a simple fix, try applying powdered graphite or a dry Teflon lube spray to the keyhole to get the lock moving.

Why is my key sticking in the lock?

Here are just a few of the common reasons it happens: Key is worn – this means the key might go in but may get lodged. Key has been poorly cut – sometimes a new key can get stuck because of how poorly the teeth have been cut. Using the wrong key – a classic mistake that can damage both the key and the lock.

Can you use olive oil to lubricate a lock?

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 the key in the lock. After inserting the key make sure to turn it to both the right and the left.

Is WD-40 dry lube good for locks?

0:522:53Best Lock Lubricants, WD 40, 3 IN ONE, HOUDINI - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's very good to use it on locks.MoreIt's very good to use it on locks.

How do you fix a sticky deadbolt?

A shot of dry Teflon spray will fix a jammed door lock and keep the bolt operating smoothly. If your deadbolt sticks or is jammed, give it a shot of Teflon lube spray to get it operating smoothly again. It only takes five minutes.

Why is my key sticking in the lock?

Here are just a few of the common reasons it happens: Key is worn – this means the key might go in but may get lodged. Key has been poorly cut – sometimes a new key can get stuck because of how poorly the teeth have been cut. Using the wrong key – a classic mistake that can damage both the key and the lock.

What is the best lubricant for door locks?

Graphite Powder: Graphite powder lubricant works magically on the door locks. The powdery texture needs to be squeezed properly in order to make it work effectively. The advantage of using graphite powder lubricant is it unlocks the jam of the door lock and does not feel sticky like other lubricants.

What is the best lubricant for a jammed door?

People mostly prefer graphite lubricant because it comes with an instant solution and hassle-free application. Also, it minimizes the squeaky noise that happens from a jammed lock while you try to lock or unlock the door. Apart from that, gun oil aerosol is considered another best option for maintaining door locks. 1.

What is smart lock lubricant?

If you want fast recovery of your door locks, this ultra-smart lock lubricant has the exactness to provide. Besides healing the jammed door lock, it happens to penetrate the other important parts for instance bearings, hinges, and switches of the door, and makes it active more than before. The convenient part of the lubricant is it’s also free of grease and requires no petroleum as well.

Why is lubricant important for locksmiths?

Besides, this lubricant is a gem because it can rescue the door locks that are exposed to high temperatures and moisturizers.

What is grease graphite lubricant?

This Grease Graphite Lubricant serves its performance by keeping the place as smooth as a new surface. Besides, it works effectively on metal, rubber, wood, and other surfaces. It works against wearing and tearing of the places. Also, it saves the place from dirt build-up and growth of the resistance.

What is silicone lubricant?

Silicone Lubricant: Silicone lubricant is a lubricant that is used globally for its top-notch texture. It does not feel tacky and uncomfortable. Besides, silicone lubricant makes it easy to dry out as soon as possible. Therefore, apart from keeping the place smooth, it resists the dust and debris from sticking to it.

Why do you use WD40 on door locks?

On the other hand, WD40, being an oil-based lubricant, will gum up each time you make it useful for the door locks .

Houdini Lock Lubrication

Door locks can be a hassle to open, especially when they start to rust. Fortunately, Houdini Lock lubrication is the perfect solution. It’s non-toxic and easy to apply, so you can easily keep your doors unlocked.

Factors to Consider While Choosing Lubricant for Door Locks

Door locks are differently designed than regular locks. They are fixed indoors and require proper maintenance. If these locks get stuck or clogged, or jammed, this may ruin your life. And, the best solution is to apply lubricant.

Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant

Door locks can be a hassle, especially if the lubricant stops working or the locks start to rust. Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant is the perfect lubricant for these situations. It has a high viscosity, which means it stays in place during intense activity.

3-IN-ONE Lock Lube

Do you always struggle to get your door locks to work smoothly? If so, you’re not alone. But worry no more. Thanks to the 3-in-one lock lubricant, you can finally get the lubrication your locks need and deserve.

Lock Saver Synthetic Lubricant

Door locks can be painful, especially when the lubricant doesn’t work. That’s why using a suitable lubricant for the job is essential. Lock saver synthetic lubricant formulas protect the finish on your door so you don’t have to worry about damage. It comes in various sizes and can easily apply with a spray bottle or sponge.

CRC Dry Graphite Lube

CRC Dry Graphite Lube is the perfect choice if you’re looking for the best lubricant for door locks. It’s safe to use around children and pets, and the formula is water-based, which makes it easy to clean up.

Types of Lock Lubricants

Keeping your door locked is important for security reasons. But what happens if the lock starts to slip? Not to worry, there are lubricants available to help! Silicone-based lubricants are the best for locks because they provide a long-lasting seal and are safe for wood.

What Lubricants are Best for Locks?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions locksmiths hear. And most people we talk to know about graphite as a lubricant. But it’s 2022, and there are several superior products for auto lock, home lock, and commercial lock applications.

Is Graphite a Good Lubricant for locks?

Graphite is a common and stable form of the element carbon, and it has excellent properties as a dry lock lubricant. It can last a long time, and it does not attract dirt. It’s been used in locks for years and years, but it does have drawbacks.

Is WD-40 a Good Lubricant for locks?

WD-40 has been commercially available for consumer use since the late 1950’s, and it has found many uses around the home. It will, indeed lubricate a lock, and also inhibit corrosion (or help remove it), but the main drawback of WD-40 for lock lubrication is that it is a petroleum based product that leaves an oily residue.

Locksmith recommended: The Best Lubricant for Locks are Teflon Based Lubricants

We at ACME Locksmith have our favorite, and we’ve reached out to a couple locksmith distributors and fellow locksmiths to see if there is an industry consensus, and there is.

What To Look For In A Door Lock Lubricant

As long as you use a door lock lubricant that meets these parameters, you will be using a quality door lock lubricant.

Best Door Lock Lubricants

In the locksmith industry, people care a lot about their door lock lubricant. So this will most likely be a more controversial list than intended. If you disagree with this list or want to make the case for Tri-Flow, please let me know in the comments below.

The Problem With Oil-Based Door Lock Lubricant

If it works as a lubricant, you can use it as a door lock lubricant, right? Yes and no. For example, the extremely common WD-40 oil-based lubricant can get your lock back in working order. But there is the major drawback of the oil collecting more residue over time.

The Problem With Graphite Door Lock Lubricant

We have often espoused the virtues of graphite door lock lubricant but have always tried to remind readers of the potential mess it can leave behind. The messiness of misapplied or over-applied graphite can result in stains, which may be difficult to remove from doors or fabric.

How To Lubricate A Door Lock

When your key is not inserting smoothly, needs to be jiggled to get the lock to work, or the key gets stuck in the lock, often, all you need to do is learn how to lubricate a door lock in the following way:

How To Lubricate A Combination Safe Lock

A combination wheel that sticks or jumps makes imputing the combination very difficult. This can be especially bad when you are changing the combination on a safe, as you could end up setting a sequence of numbers you did not intend or record.

How To Lubricate A Padlock

Before you look into how to remove a broken padlock, make sure you know how to lubricant a padlock properly. Sometimes this is all that is needed to clear away rust that is jamming the lock. For keyway issues or combination padlocks, refer to the sections above.

What happens if you put too much lubricant on a lock?

If you put too much lubricant, you will waste the product and possibly make the lock more prone to grime. On the other hand, not enough lock lubricant will keep the lock rigid and won’t ensure smooth operation. If the inner parts of the lock are rigid, the lock is more vulnerable.

What is the best straw for locks?

Flexible straws are more versatile and can be an excellent choice for standard locks.

What temperature does Protecta work at?

These can even freeze in extreme temperatures and compromise the safety of the lock. However, the ProTecta lubricant is operational at -60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why is my lock stuck?

A stuck and rigid lock is the result of improper maintenance in the past. Applying lock lubricant will smooth the mechanism and allow you to turn the key in the keyhole and open the door gently. Don’t forget to turn the key several times after lubrication. Once you do it, apply lubrication every several months.

Why do you open the door and lock it?

Open the door and lock it to ensure lubricant reached all important places.

Why does lubricant freeze?

Some lubricants can freeze inside the lock if the temperatures are too low.

Is WD-40 good for lock lubricant?

Another WD-40 lock lubricant is great for people looking for multi-use applications.

What kind of lubricant do locksmiths use?

In fact, most lock makers actually lubricate their new locks using graphite, and before the rise PTFEs, it was the primary lubricant used by many early locksmiths.

What is the best lock lube for art of lock picking?

Art of Lock Picking's top choice for a silky-smooth lock is Houdini Lock Lube. This stuff is incredible and specifically made for locks. It contains no oil, grease, graphite, silicone, or Teflon.

What is a 3 in 1 lubricant?

3-IN-ONE Lock Lube is another excellent dry lubricant made specifically for locks that will provide a buttery-smooth keyway.

What is the active lubricant in Tri-Flow?

The active lubricant in Tri-Flow is Teflon, which is just a brand name for PTFE ( polytetrafluoroethylene )—like Hershey is a brand name for chocolate.

What is dry lubricant made of?

Dry lubricants are made up of small solid particles that are slippery enough to reduce friction between two surfaces.

What is grease made of?

Grease is a lubricant made by combining oil and thickeners.

Why is my lock so sticky?

Because it is petroleum-based, it will leave behind an oily residue that will collect particles like dust and dirt. Over time these particles will eventually build up a black gooey mess that will cause a sticky and poor performing lock.

What is the best lubricant for a lock?from wikihow.com

Get a tube of powdered graphite. Powdered graphite is a special dry lubricant that can be found in most hardware or department stores. It is designed to encourage smooth movement between two metal surfaces without attracting grime, which means it won’t gum up like oil-based lubricants. If your lock is so sticky that you can barely get your key in and out, you may need something as tough as powdered graphite.

How to lubricate a safestyle lock?from safestyle-windows.co.uk

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. 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. Gently insert and remove the key from the lock several times to make sure the graphite is properly distributed. Safestyle recommends using the same make of key as the lock, such as Yale when getting a key cut for the best fit, it may be that a new key is a little thicker.

How to fix a sticky lock?from wikihow.com

To fix a sticky lock, go purchase a can of WD-40 from your local hardware store. To use it, you may need to attach the applicator straw to the nozzle of the can, if it' s not already attached. Put on some gloves before you start spraying it because WD-40 can make a mess.

What to use to get sticky lock out?from wikihow.com

If your lock is so sticky that you can barely get your key in and out, you may need something as tough as powdered graphite. Once applied, the graphite particles form a fine layer on the surface of the metal, lubricating and “brushing” away dust and dirt.

How to use WD-40 in a lock?from wikihow.com

Attach the applicator straw to the nozzle of the can. Hook up the red applicator straw that comes included with the can of WD-40. These straws are thin and flexible and fit right over the opening of the nozzle where the oil comes out. The addition of a straw will allow you to penetrate deep into the inner workings of the lock, lubricating it more effectively.

Why is my door lock stiff?from ikslocksmiths.co.uk

Reasons for a Stiff Door Lock. There could be several causes of a stiff door lock; Dirt in the lock – Locks need maintained. Things like building work in the area can make cleaning out your locks even more important. Cold weather – In winter I get lot of calls because locks have ceased up in the cold weather.

How to make a key lock with graphite?from safestyle-windows.co.uk

Step One: Apply the graphite powder. Powdered graphite usually comes in a tube that makes application easy, just place the tip of the nozzle inside the lock and squeeze a little out. Do the same for the key, gently apply to both sides.