"One thing I've tried recently is Teflon-based dry lubricant sprays. They seem to strike a decent balance..."
Totally agree on the Teflon sprays. I switched to them last year after getting tired of graphite smudges everywhere (seriously, how does it end up on everything?). Silicone was okay, but like you said, doesn't hold up long-term. The Teflon spray hasn't been perfect, but it's saved me a lot of hassle. Locks stay smooth way longer, especially on my shed door that gets hammered by weather constantly. Worth trying out for sure...
Teflon sprays have been pretty solid for me too, especially on older locks. My place is a historic home with original hardware, and trust me, those old mechanisms can get finicky real fast. Graphite was a nightmare—I'd find smudges days later on my hands, clothes, even the walls somehow. Silicone wasn't bad at first but seemed to attract dust after a while.
One thing I've noticed with Teflon sprays is that it helps to give the lock a quick clean first—just blast some compressed air in there to clear out any dust or debris. Then spray lightly (less is more), let it dry for a couple minutes, and work the key in gently a few times to distribute evenly. Doing this every few months has kept even my trickiest antique locks turning smoothly.
Honestly, you're already on the right track. Locks can be frustrating as heck, but sounds like you're handling it just fine...
"Graphite was a nightmare—I'd find smudges days later on my hands, clothes, even the walls somehow."
Haha, can totally relate—graphite powder is basically glitter for homeowners. You think you've cleaned it up completely, then boom, it appears out of nowhere days later. Teflon spray has definitely been a lifesaver for me too, but another thing I've learned the hard way is to check the keys themselves. Over time, especially with older brass keys, they can get worn down or bent just enough to cause issues. A quick inspection and maybe even getting a fresh key cut can make a surprising difference.
Also, random tip from personal experience: label your keys clearly if you have multiple old locks around. I swear I've spent more time fumbling through identical-looking antique keys than I'd like to admit... Nothing quite like standing on your porch in freezing rain trying every key twice before realizing you're holding the wrong set altogether.
Another thing I've noticed is that graphite can actually make things worse over time, especially if there's moisture or humidity involved. It turns into this gunky paste that's even harder to clean. I switched to silicone lubricant spray a while back—no more mysterious smudges popping up days later. Also, totally second the labeling keys thing; I once spent half an hour trying keys at my shed door before realizing I'd grabbed the set for my parents' place...
"graphite can actually make things worse over time, especially if there's moisture or humidity involved."
Yeah, graphite's messy stuff. I learned that the hard way after using it on my garage door lock last winter—ended up with exactly that gunky paste you mentioned. Switching to silicone spray definitely helped me too; it's cleaner and seems to hold up better in damp conditions.
About labeling keys...been there as well. Now I use color-coded silicone key caps instead of labels, easier to spot at a glance and they don't peel off or fade. But I've been wondering lately if anyone here has experience with those keypad locks or smart locks for outdoor structures like sheds or garages? Seems convenient, but I'm hesitant about reliability, especially in colder climates or heavy rain. Has anyone had success (or trouble) with electronic solutions in harsher weather conditions?
