

Other terms commonly used for solid lubrication include dry lubrication, dry-film lubrication, and solid-film lubrication. What is solid lubrication?ĭefinition of solid lubricant: A solid lubricant is a material used as powder or thin film to provide protection from damage during relative movement and to reduce friction and wear. All you need is a pencil for a substitute door lock lubricant. 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. Dry lubes are great for locks because they require less follow up lubrication. You can use compressed air to clean locks, as well as wet cleaners like WD-40. To maximize the lifespan of your lock, you should perform regular cleaning and lubrication. Locks typically last for around seven years. However, it melts at lower temperatures (40-60 degrees Celsius) as compared to grease. You can use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) as a bike lubricant without issues. Can Vaseline be used as a mechanical lubricant? In the industries, it is mainly used for moistening plasticine, coating items that are prone to corrosion, and finishing wood. Apart from the multiple home uses, vaseline is also used for industrial purposes. What is Vaseline? The term vaseline is used in many languages to refer to petroleum jelly ( grease ). Such is also slippery, minimally reactive and may protect items from moisture. Silicone Sprays lubricate non-metal parts and may be used for light lubrication. Silicone sprays are good to use on door latches since it contains nylon or plastic parts. You are going to have to wait a while before putting it on, as the residual WD-40 will gum it up. You should be able to get it at any hardware store in a squeeze bottle that is half air, allowing you to blow it right into the keyway. Graphite powder is the preferred lubricant for locks. Should I use graphite or WD40 in my 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. The simple answer is you should not use WD40 to lubricate locks. Just apply a layer of petroleum jelly overnight and wipe off. This remedy is similar to the one involving mayonnaise. Got an older lock that’s not working as well as it used to? Try applying a thin later of Vaseline and inserting it into the lock to lubricate the tumbler. Can you use Vaseline to lubricate a lock? Graphite tends to gunk up over time and oil based lubricants will collect debris. The best lock lubricant, according to locksmiths, is a teflon-based lubricant. Insert the key and turn it a few times, which will help distribute the graphite into the locking mechanism. Puff a bit of graphite powder into the keyhole on the exterior of the night latch. Use a dry lubricant to lube the exterior of the night latch, which will avoid the accumulation of dust and grime in the locking mechanism.
