Paul Hunt wrote:
> Stiff locks and white crud are a winter/spring problem on my V8 which I
> have put down to weather and road conditions as it an all-year-round
> car. Hardware shops here sell powdered graphite which is made
> specifically for lubricating locks, but being tight I cut a nice long
> point on a graphite pencil, then shave it down with the edge of a knive
> into a piece of paper with crease running from one side to the other.
> Hold the little lock cover open with a small screwdriver, put the
> paper crease into the open lock and gently tap the the graphite into
> the mechanism. It may take a couple of days to work its way into the
> tumblers, but one application as soon as the lock or cover starts
> getting stiff lasts for months.
>
> If it's completely seized to start with then you will have to dismantle
> and clean all the many bits, but don't oil it afterwards, use powdered
> garphite. Put a bit on finger or thumb and rub them together and you
> will see just how good a lubricant it is.
>
> PaulH.
No, no, no, no, NO! Don't use graphite in locks. It is a solid. Even
the liquid kind contains "powdered" graphite. It will "pack up" in
out-of-the-way areas of the lock, attract moistier and *eventually*
cause problems.
Use WD-40 several times a year, or for longer lasting protection use a
_teflon_ based lubricant like "Super Lube". Just PLEASE don't use
graphite. (Of any kind)
Bobby
--
Bob De Weese
Certified Professional Locksmith
bearlock@bigfoot.com
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