sticky door locks!
By tigeraunt
@tigeraunt (6326)
Philippines
November 28, 2010 10:26am CST
hello mylot members,
my front door lock is old and it tends to get sticky. i always have to play with the key in the door lock to get it to open. maybe this problem is due to dirt and grime buildup inside of the lock over the years. 
i dont want to call the locksmith yet. maybe a little cleaning would do the trick.
how do you clean up sticky door locks? do you think i should use spray lubricant or oil? please share your views.
ann
i dont want to call the locksmith yet. maybe a little cleaning would do the trick.
how do you clean up sticky door locks? do you think i should use spray lubricant or oil? please share your views.
ann2 people like this
5 responses
@louievill (28849)
• Philippines
28 Nov 10
The best thing to use is WD-40 since it comes with a small tube you attach to the spray hole so you can insert it on the key hole. Always use thin oil meaning it is not thick or viscous cause it will cause more jamming when it comes into contact with dirt.WD-40 is a penetrating oil obviously thin, it also has an anti rust component. You see the key hole mechanism has little barrels that pushes a springs when you enter the key, rust on the spring or the barrel will cause a problem similar to what you described. Repeat oiling till all the rust and dust drips out with the oil. Good luck with your DIY project.
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
29 Nov 10
hello louievill,
i had checked online what a WD-40 is and learned its functions. thank you so much. i learned i could buy that in aerosol, for a more easier cleaning after and so handy.
have a great day.
ann
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
30 Nov 10
Hi Ann. Try to find some graphite powder if you can. It should be available from hardware stores. It is really good as a dry lubricant. Do not spray any oil based lubricants in there as they will only attract more dust and make the problem worse. I hope this helps. 
Bill. 
Bill. 
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
1 Dec 10
Well, the best thing that you could do would be to take it apart and clean everything yourself, but if you are afraid of doing that, then I would say that you would probably be best to either use a spray lubricant or a spray oil like WD-40 to lubricate the lock so that your key will be able to work better than it has been doing. I hope that you are able to get your key to start working better than it has been doing.
@Professor2010 (20156)
• India
29 Nov 10
Anny dear
When locks are not opened frequently, they get sticky, more often the locks on outer doors, dirts dusts enter inside, the levers get jammed, old locks have brass levers, but the new ones have iron levers, more probletic..
when i face this, i put a mixure of kerosene oil with any vegetable oil, even my Almond drop hair oil, wait for some time and rotate the keys in several times, LOL, it works, give a try, no need to buy antirust chemicals or paying the lock smith..
Thank you so much for sharing your problem.
Professor. . Cheers have a lucky day ahead.
God bless you. Welcome always.
