Lock maintenance & how to lubricate locks

How to lubricate locks correctly is one of the most common topics we get asked about here at Squire, and for good reason. From doors to garages and bikes to motorcycles, lock maintenance should be an essential part of your security regime. This will help make sure your locks do the job you intended for as long as possible, as well as offering peace of mind. 

Read our guide on lock maintenance to learn everything there is to know about why you should lubricate locks, what to use instead of oil for door locks and other lock maintenance tips and tricks. By taking these small steps, you can make sure your property stays protected.

Why is lock maintenance important?

When it comes to tough security, lock maintenance is the key to keeping your family, home and property safe. Whether it’s a door lock, padlock or garage defender, if your security solution malfunctions and no longer works correctly, then this is an open invitation to thieves. 

According to 2020 data from the Office of National Statistics, 73% of all domestic burglaries gained access through a door, with 67% being the front door. What’s more, 48% of those entries happened by either forcing the lock or because the door was unlocked. Meanwhile, 49% of bicycle thefts actually occurred while the bike was locked, and as for those that were unlocked, 12% were taken from inside a locked building.  

These statistics show just how important it is to have a strong lock that works correctly, and all it takes is a little care and attention throughout the year. By keeping your locks in top condition, you can make sure they continue to work as they should for as long as possible. This will not only save you money by helping your security reach its full potential lifespan, but you can also take active steps in preventing thefts and keeping your world safe.

Now let’s answer some of the most common questions we get asked about lock maintenance.

Why is it important to lubricate locks?

There are two key reasons why it’s important to lubricate locks, the first being exposure to the elements. A lock’s worst enemy is water, and rain, snow, frost and even humidity can all lead to moisture entering your security device. If your lock has not been correctly protected, then once inside, this moisture can quickly cause some corrosion. This will make it difficult to open and close, or even prevent it from locking at all.

The second reason why we need to lubricate locks is that they feature moving parts. As these moving parts repeatedly pass against each other, they will be rubbing against dust, dirt and other particles which can cause friction. This will eventually cause these moving parts to wear out over time, or become stuck on the particles trapped inside.

By lubricating your locks, you create a barrier. This not only repels moisture and prevents water from creating rust, but it also protects the moving parts as they slide past each other. This prevents friction, reducing the wear and tear sustained and extending your lock’s lifespan. 

Can I use oil for door locks on Squire Locks products?

While a lighter oil should be fine, heavier oils do tend to attract dust and cause gunk to build up which can worsen your lock’s function. The intricate pin mechanism inside a lock is extremely sensitive, and if the oil draws dust particles in, this could damage the lock’s internal mechanism. 

But don’t worry, there are plenty of alternative lock lubricants now available on the market that do a fantastic job of protecting your locks.

What’s the best lubricant for your lock?

When choosing the best product to lubricate locks, dry lubricants like graphite powder and PTFE lubricants are best. As mentioned above, oil-based products can attract dust and dirt which can damage the delicate internal mechanism of your lock. Here are some of the most common lock cylinder lubricants available today, along with their benefits and drawbacks. 

Teflon-based Lubricants 

Top of our list is PTFE lubricants. Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is a Teflon-based lubricant that dries inside the lock to leave behind a non-stick, water-repellent film on all the surfaces. Since it’s dry, it doesn’t attract dust or dirt.

Graphite Powder

Graphite powder is a dry lubricant and a well-known alternative to oil since it doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. This means it lubricates locks without attracting dust and has been used in lock maintenance for decades. 

When used repeatedly though, graphite builds up which causes the locking mechanism to become stiff. If you then switch to a liquid lubricant, the graphite will absorb this liquid and turn into a gunk that blocks up the lock. 

WD-40

A common household product used for engines, bike chains, door hinges and more, ‘WD’ stands for ‘water dispersant’ and is a mixture of oil and water. As it’s a solvent rather than a lubricant, it’s great for removing any corrosion and rust which means it’s ideal for cleaning older locks and hinges. 

However, it will also wash out any lubricant already present and doesn’t leave a thick enough film to provide proper lubrication. It also leaves behind an oily residue that might attract particles and cause further damage. So although it can be used as a light lubricant that relieves sticking and removes rust, the effects are short-lived.

White Lithium Grease

Highly water repellent, white lithium grease creates a thick barrier that protects your locks from rust and corrosion. This product has been specifically designed to work on metal parts, making it ideal for door locks, latches and hinges. It’s also long-lasting and will hold up under harsh conditions like rain and snow.

The downside is that it’s a heavier grease which can jam the intricate pin mechanisms. This also means that it’s prone to attracting dirt, although the non-drip formula helps reduce the amount. 

How do I lubricate my locks?

PTFE lubricants typically come in an aerosol canister with a straw, ideal for using as a lock cylinder lubricant. Place the straw inside the lock and shoot a couple of short sprays directly into the lock cylinder. Then insert your key and turn it a few times to allow the lubricant to cover all surfaces of the lock mechanism. Remove the key, wipe off any residue and then wait for the lock to dry. 

When and how do I clean my locks?

If the lock is old and showing signs of rust or you live in a coastal location with salty air, then it’s worth cleaning the lock before lubricating it. The process is similar to the above, except this time spray WD-40 directly into the lock cylinder. Then, turn your key, remove and wipe it with a cloth. Do this several times. 

Reapply the WD-40 and repeat the whole process until the key comes out clean, which might take several goes. Once the key comes out clean from the lock, leave the lock to dry. You can then lubricate your lock a couple of days later once the WD-40 has had time to completely dry out. 

How often should I lubricate my locks?

When using Teflon-based lubricants, we recommend treating your locks every 1-3 months. However, this will vary depending on the type of lubricant used. For example, WD-40 dries out quickly so will need to be applied more often. 

Environmental conditions will also affect how often you need to lubricate locks. Coastal locations have salty air which causes corrosion, while temperature changes and adverse weather can also affect the performance of your lock. During periods of intense precipitation and/or freezing conditions we recommend increasing the frequency to twice per month. Periods of intense heat may also have unforeseen affects. Keep a close eye on any changes in performance, and if you feel a little friction, it’s best to lubricate the lock before it has the chance to worsen. 

When the time comes to lubricate locks, we also suggest treating your door hinges, too. Just like locks, these feature moving parts and will wear down over time. By keeping both your locks and hinges strong, you can help keep your door securer for longer.

My key no longer turns—does my lock need replacing?

If your key is no longer turning, the first thing to remember is to never force it. The internal key mechanism is highly refined and using force could cause more damage than good. Keys and locks fit together like pieces of a puzzle, and if the key has stopped working, this could be for a number of reasons.

When a key that has stopped turning happens gradually, it’s usually due to a build-up of dirt, dust and grime, and your first step should be to lubricate the lock. Ideally, do this at the first signs of sticking, as early lock maintenance can help you avoid broken lock mechanisms and snapped keys. 

Once cleaned and lubricated, if the key still doesn’t turn, then unfortunately there could be a problem with the lock cylinder. Many people have a tendency to play with their keys or pull on them while they’re still in the lock, which can damage the internal mechanism. Reach out to your local locksmith and they will be able to help fix your lock.

Alternatively, it could be the key itself that’s causing the issue. If the key is new then there could be an issue with the way it was cut, or if not, then your key may have been damaged in some way. Check the key over for any sharp sections or bends and try using a spare key instead. If the alternative works with no issues, then you know it’s the key that needs replacing.