"The KEY to Your Security and Peace of Mind"

 The Great Oil Debate
     I was recently working at a client's home and was very impressed with his organized garage. He had a shelf of oils, neatly spaced. Of course he had the staple W-D 40 and 3-1 Oil. But he also had a number of off brand silicone lubricants and graphite all neatly lined up like a store shelf. You see, there has been a debate among locksmiths for years regarding what lubricant is the best for locks. Some locksmiths will only use graphite claiming all other lubricants will damage the lock while others claim graphite is harmful and only WD-40 should be used. Hopefully, this article will settle that debate once and for all.

The Poll
   At the 2010 Associated Locksmiths of America convention I took an impromtu poll of locksmiths and trade professionals asking "What lubricant do you use on your locks?" After recording over one hundred responses from professionals from all over the world, I was not surprised to discover the following results:

Product Highlights
     In order to better understand what oil to use, we need to better understand the oils themselves.
WD-40: The “WD” stands for “Water Displacing.” WD-40 was developed by the military in the 50s as a rust preventative solvent and de-greaser to protect missile parts. It quickly became a household item when people discovered it had thousands of other uses as a cleaner, rust-prevention agent, squeak-stopper and more. It is perhaps the most widely distributed oil in the world and available at most hardware stores.
Tri-Flow: Tri-Flow Industrial Lubricant is a unique formula containing micron-sized particles made from P.T.F.E. (polytetrafluoroethylene) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytetrafluoroethylene. Polytetraflouroethylene is most commonly referred to as Teflon and is the basis of Tri-flow's lubrication. Tri-Flow deposits a long-lasting film to greatly reduce friction and wear.
Powder Graphite: Graphite is a dry, fine powder used as a lubricant. The first place I ran into graphite was in the Boy Scout wood derby races. Graphite was applied to the axle and wheels of the wooden cars to help them spin better. If you have ever handled graphite, you will immediately notice that it sticks to everything and can quickly make a mess of your hands and workspace.
3-in-One Oil: 3-IN-ONE is a specially formulated lubricating, penetrating, and cleaning oil. 3-IN-ONE's unique set of ingredients enable it to lubricate as well as protect metal surfaces. Recently, WD-40 purchased 3-IN-ONE and many of the lubricating properties are similar. Though 3-IN-ONE does not tout any water displacement properties.
Silicone Lubricant: Silicone keeps its lubricating properties over a variety of temperature ranges. As the name states, the primary lubrication comes from silicone which has decent penetrating properties. Beware though of the fumes.
Liquid Graphite: Like the powdered graphite but applied as a liquid. The liquid evaporates in a few hours leaving the graphite powder behind. This makes the product a little easier to work with and apply without making such a large mess.
Houdini: From their website: “The amazing lubricant used by professional locksmiths for all key, electric and combination locking devices. Works on tough jobs under extreme conditions even in sub zero weather! Deep penetrating. Cleans as it lubricates. Lubricates. Protects. No Teflon. No Silicone. No Oil. No Graphite. Will not build-up or gum-Up. Anti-Rust. Prevents corrosion, even in salt-air environment. Dielectric, use on electric locks”

Product Comparison Pros/Cons

Application:
     Whatever oil you choose, the key is to not apply much. A couple drops in the keyway is plenty. Then insert the key and turn back and forth several times wiping off any excess oil on the key each time. On the edge of the door, apply one drop to the top of the bolt or latch and move back and forth several times. If you are handy, then I also suggest to take the lock off the door (usually two screws) and apply a small amount of oil to the back of the key cylinder and the latch/bolt mechanism itself. Again, use small amounts and wipe off any excess.

Conclusion:
     All locks require lubricating, but do not start putting any oil into your lock. Some oils can actually damage your lock making it inoperable. Most oils are best if used in small quantities and it always helps if you can remove the lock from the door to give it a thorough cleaning. The humidity, salt air, and fine sand of Southwest Florida is hard on locks and I suggest oiling most locks at least twice a year. Give locks that are rarely used special attention as they can become completely seized as rust and corrosion set in. I strongly suggest using Houdini, but TriFlow is a reasonable back-up-especially if you are oiling twice a year. In the end, be sure to call a locksmith if you lock starts to act funny including:

1. Difficulty turning

2. Difficulty putting in a key

3. A crunchy feeling as you turn the key

4. A small catch as you try to turn the key.

     If you can't find these oils at your local hardware store, then I sell both Houdini and the Tri-Flow Pen Applicators in my marketplace <Here>.

About the Author:
Key C. Powell, owner of Key Locksmith Services, has over 25 years experience and understands the unique needs of businesses, homes, and condominiums in Collier County.  Key's dedication to customer satisfaction and staying on the cutting edge of current technology has made Key Locksmith Services the premier locksmith in Naples and the first choice of homeowners, Realtors, property managers, and business owners.

Contact Key at:
(239) 687-8494
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www.Naples-Locksmith.com

 “The KEY to Your Security and Peace of Mind.”