What to lubricate locks with?

Normally graphite powder, Daniele.

.andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

A spray of WD40, which is silicon based in a solvent, will free it up again.

For almost all locks, I use dry lubricant - specifically graphite powder - still available from proper locksmiths. I have to say that on a motorbike, I might be more inclined towards WD40.

I've always used WD40 on my bikes for years.

I felt a bit nervous because I know it's deprecated, but I never had the choice - seized lock, only WD40 to hand.

It's always worked well and caused no consequential problems

mike

In message , D.M. Procida writes

The standard UKRM answer would be ..... ANGLE GRINDER

What, no caustic soda ?

In message , Colin Wilson writes

Caustic soda is for girls

Flake graphite - comes in a little puffer bottle from a decent locksmith.

_Don't_ use WD40 - it's rubbish for this sort of job. If you must go for something oily (with all the gumminess and dust-grabbing problems that causes) look for a PTFE-loaded lube like Tri-Flow or Break-Free.

Wouldn't KY be better?

WD40 isn't silicon based. Now, for a good silicon based product, try fine builders sand. Does wonders for locks.

Or consider GT85 a bicycle lubrricant like WD40 but with ptfe (teflon)

Nick Brooks

FWIW, Haynes car manuals have always advised not to use a 'wet' type lubricant on ignition locks due to the possibility of them overheating and igniting the oil.

sPoNiX

Well, as it happens this is the lock on the back box, so no danger of that. It is the same kind of lock as the ignition though.

Daniele

I've heard of people shagging the speed limit - but never their vehicle!

I spot a new Guinness Book record and claim my five pounds

(:-)

Graham

Sigh. "what should I lubricate locks with" ... "Angle grinder". "Caustic soda is for girls"

Where else would you find such a wealth of information, on such a range of subjects? :-)

"Ian Stirling" wrote | Sigh. | "what should I lubricate locks with" ... "Angle grinder". | "Caustic soda is for girls"

Yeah, stupid isn't it.

If you take a decent SDS drill to the lock it won't need lubricating :-)

Owain