Google Shows To Use Graphite To Lubricate Locks – WRONG!
I wrote: “What is the best thing to lubricate a door lock with?”
This is WRONG, if your door locks are SmartKey! Be very careful!
Then, when me and my wife could not get our front door to lock and unlock it, I performed another search to find the best door lock lubricant. What is rather shocking is now I get a way better answer that could have saved me lots of money!
NEW GOOGLE ANSWER:
“While some locksmiths use graphite, you should not spray graphite into a smart key lock system, especially a Kwikset SmartKey lock. The fine particles can clog the lock’s small, complex internal mechanisms, leading to failure and a costly repair or replacement.”
“Why graphite is a poor choice for smart locks.”
- “Complex mechanisms: SmartKey lock systems, like those.rom Kwikset, use delicate metal wafers instead of the larger pins found in traditional locks. The powdered graphite can gum up these tiny parts.”
- “Contamination risk: If oil-based lubricants were ever used in the lock, the graphite can combine with the oily residue to create a sticky, abrasive paste that will seize the lock.”
- “Warranty concerns: Using an improper lubricant can void your lock’s warranty. Many manufacturers and locksmiths do not recommend graphite for modern locks.”
“Safer alternatives for lubricating a smart lock.”
“For most modern locks, including Kwikset SmartKey systems, the best practice is to use a dry, synthetic spray lubricant or a cleaner recommended by locksmiths. These products are designed to clean and lubricate without attracting dust and dirt.”
- “Houdini Lock Lube: This is a popular choice among professional locksmiths. It’s a solvent-based spray that cleans the lock and leaves a light lubricant behind.”
- “Tri-Flow: This is a high-grade petroleum oil-based aerosol spray that penetrates deep into hard-to-reach parts and is very effective for automotive and other locks.”
- “Dry PTFE (Teflon) spray: Products containing PTFE leave a dry, slick film that repels dust, dirt, and moisture, keeping the lock operating smoothly.
- LPS 1: This is a professional-grade lubricant that both penetrates and displaces water, making it a good choice for flushing out old debris before re-lubricating.”
“Best practices for lubricating any lock.”
- “Flush the cylinder: Start by using a cleaner (like Houdini) to flush out any old lubricant or contaminants.”
- “Apply sparingly: Insert the nozzle of the spray lubricant into the keyway and give it a short burst. For wafer-based locks, less is more.”
- “Work it in: Insert and remove the key several times to distribute the new lubricant evenly.”
- “Wipe the key: Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess lubricant from the key. This prevents residue from getting on your hands or in your pockets.”
It cost us about $6,000 to have a lock smith try to repair our SmartKey lock cylinders. We had two mounted in our front door:
- Top major lock replaed.
- Lock built into the door handle and typically used the most, replaced.
Because the lock smith had 15 years experience, worked Sunday, arrived within 30 minutes, did his repair on two locks that could not be completed because they were now defective, drove off to buy a replacement front door lock assembly, came back, and installed new lock devices, we were charged just over $618.00!