best lubricant for outdoor padlocks

[Getter-Done]

Okay

I am unlocking The hitch locks and Door locks
On my Swap meet trailer before the Forecasted Ice storm.

Because Saturday I am headed to Nashville to setup my booth (for the Swap Meet),

This is one of My 3 Favorite weekends of the Year.

Last year I was out there with a butane light and a hairdryer

Thawing the lock so I could hook the trailer up.

This year I am bringing them inside and oiling them up.

What do ya'll Guys and Gals do to prevent trouble with locks that are not open frequently?

[special-K]

Graphite on keyed locks

[Getter-Done]

Okay Thanks

I have That

That is What Grandpa used.

I was not sure on stuff that was used (Maybe)

Once a year

[Boog]

There are a number of lock lubes out there. Graphite has always been my go to brand when I thought of using a lube. When a lock rusts up WD40 is as good as any. When one ices up one of those hand size propane torches with the click ignitors does real nice to thaw em out.

[special-K]

They make some kind of liquid lock deicer. I've never used it. Most of your lock specific lubes are graphite. Lock-Ease, etc

[72c20customcamper]

For freezing you need to keep it dry . A water resistant lock would be your best choice and keep it from getting wet . On my trailer I covered the pad lock with rubber screwed into the door shell . I’ll get a picture tomorrow for the ball lock I cover it with a trash bag during the winter

In a pinch deicer works well

[LockDoc]

-
Having been a locksmith for 46 years and having disassembled more locks than most people have ever seen. I would never recommend graphite for lubing locks. It was always recommended years ago, before we had all of the super lubricants we have now days. But like a lot of stuff it is now old technology.

Just flush the water out of them with original formula WD40, (that is what it is made for) blow them out with air, and lube them with ZEP45 or something similar with Teflon in it. I have also used Hoppe's #9 Gun Oil on them with good success. It is a thin oil with very low acidity.

I have disassembled a lot of older locks that graphite was continually used on and some of them were so gummed up inside you couldn't even get the key inserted in them. When it gets wet it turns into a gummy mess.

Two main problems using Graphite:

1. If a little squirt is good three or four must be better.

2. Very few if any people ever rinse out the old before re-applying three or four more squirts.

Just my 46 year 2¢ worth.....

LockDoc

[mongocanfly]

ive been using a food grade spray lube on my hunting land gates..one shot at 1st of season and its good for all yr..leaves no smell on your hands

[Richard]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
Having been a locksmith for 46 years and having disassembled more locks than most people have ever seen. I would never recommend graphite for lubing locks. It was always recommended years ago, before we had all of the super lubricants we have now days. But like a lot of stuff it is now old technology.

Just flush the water out of them with original formula WD40, (that is what it is made for) blow them out with air, and lube them with ZEP45 or something similar with Teflon in it. I have also used Hoppe's #9 Gun Oil on them with good success. It is a thin oil with very low acidity.

I have disassembled a lot of older locks that graphite was continually used on and some of them were so gummed up inside you couldn't even get the key inserted in them. When it gets wet it turns into a gummy mess.

Two main problems using Graphite:

1. If a little squirt is good three or four must be better.

2. Very few if any people ever rinse out the old before re-applying three or four more squirts.

Just my 46 year 2¢ worth.....

LockDoc

Thank you for the advice. To this day I still make it a rule to learn something from those that are experienced in what they do.

[special-K]

Leave it to me to be all about old technology. It's good to hear from the lock doctor what is best. I was waiting to see what you came up with, Leon. Reading your post, first, I had an idea you might say something about build-up. Next I thought how it would be fine if used properly, meaning always cleaning first. Just like changing oil in your car and not just adding oil. But it's true there have been advancements in micro-lubes made over the years. Like said, WD-40 is for displacing water. It's a good light lube but not a penetrant.

[Getter-Done]

Thanks everyone for the great advice.

I will swing by my local stores this evening.

This will get the locks prepared for the weekend.