09/04/2026
Locks, Door Hardware and Proper Lubrication
One of the most common issues we see with locks isn’t wear and tear, it’s the wrong lubricant being used, or none being used at all!
It’s one of those things that sounds simple, but there’s a lot of bad advice out there so here’s a quick list of do’s and dont’s.
WD40 is not a lock lubricant
- WD40 has its place, but lubricating locks isn’t it.
- It doesn’t properly dissipate, and over time it attracts dust and debris. What starts as a quick fix turns into a thick sludge inside the lock. That sludge binds up the pins and springs and eventually the lock either becomes stiff or stops working altogether.
- There is one exception. If a lock is actively rusting (external gates). WD40 can be used to slow it down in the short term. But it should always be followed up with a proper lubricant.
Graphite should almost never be used
- Graphite has been recommended for years, but in modern locks it causes more problems than it solves.
- The only time it really makes sense is inside a completely sealed, air and moisture tight environment, like the internal mechanism of a safe. Even then, it needs to be used very sparingly.
- In normal door locks, graphite tends to absorb moisture and contamination. Over time it builds up and starts interfering with the fine tolerances inside the cylinder.
Common issues we see from graphite
- Graphite mixed with any liquid lubricant turns into a paste and jams the lock
- Too much graphite builds up and causes the lock to fail
- When the lock has to be removed and opened up, the graphite gets everywhere, including carpets and flooring
- In real world residential and commercial use, graphite is best avoided.
What you should be using instead
- There are a few products that actually work properly and don’t cause long term issues.
- INOX is a good all round option, especially for external locks. It handles moisture well and doesn’t gum up.
- 3 in 1 lock lubricant is designed specifically for cylinders and is a clean, light option.
- Dry PTFE sprays are also excellent. They leave a dry film and don’t attract dust, which makes them ideal for high use locks.
How to lubricate a lock properly
- A short burst into the keyway is enough, around half a second
- Insert the key and work the lock a few times
- If accessible, a light spray on the latch or bolt
- KEEP IT LIGHT! If the lock doesn’t free up after a short burst and 30 seconds or so. It is a mechanical issue that needs a proper repair.
Locks are small mechanical devices with tight tolerances. They don’t need much, but they do need the right products.
Most of the failures we attend could have been avoided with the correct lubricant used occasionally. In Brisbane conditions, every 6 to 12 months is usually enough.
If a lock is already stiff or gritty, continuing to spray different products into it often makes things worse rather than better.
If you’re unsure, or the lock isn’t behaving properly, it’s better to get it looked at before it turns into a bigger issue.
Here at SK Locksmiths & Security we supply and install quality hardware that is fit for purpose and your budget. Every piece of hardware we fit is lubricated with a long lasting film lubrication that shouldn’t need a reapplication for several years.
www.sklocksmiths.com.au
0401841400
[email protected]
