Good tip on the graphite powder—definitely better long-term. I usually skip WD-40 altogether and just go straight for graphite, saves me a step. Plus, no sticky residue to clean later... learned that after ruining a vintage lockset once.
"Plus, no sticky residue to clean later... learned that after ruining a vintage lockset once."
Yikes, ruining a vintage lockset sounds painful—been there myself with an antique doorknob I was trying to restore. You live and learn, right? Graphite powder is definitely the way to go for locks. Curious though, have you tried any other eco-friendly lubricants like beeswax or plant-based oils? I've experimented with beeswax on hinges and drawer runners, and it worked surprisingly well. Not sure if it'd be ideal for locks since wax can build up over time, but might be worth a shot in certain situations. Anyway, glad you shared your graphite tip—always nice to see others choosing solutions that are better for the environment and our hardware.
Graphite's my go-to as well, especially after a similar mishap with an old mortise lock—still hurts thinking about it, ha. Beeswax is great for drawers and hinges, but I'd steer clear of oils or waxes in locks. They tend to gum up over time, attracting dust and dirt... not ideal when you're already locked out drama-prone. Graphite just keeps things simple and clean. Learned that one the hard way too.
Graphite definitely has its perks, but honestly, I've moved away from it over the years. A few reasons why:
- Graphite powder can get messy—especially if you're not careful. Had a tenant once who went a little overboard with it, and it ended up staining the door paint and carpet. Not fun to clean up.
- It doesn't always play nice with newer locks. Some modern locks have tighter tolerances, and graphite can actually build up and cause issues down the line.
- I've switched mostly to dry PTFE sprays (Teflon-based). They don't attract dirt or dust, and they're cleaner to apply. Quick spray, wipe off excess, done.
- Plus, PTFE sprays seem to last longer between applications. Less maintenance overall, which is always a win in my book.
Totally agree about oils and waxes though—those are asking for trouble in locks. Learned that lesson myself after a particularly stubborn deadbolt decided to gum up on me mid-flip... talk about timing.
Anyway, graphite's still solid for older locks or quick fixes, but if you haven't tried PTFE yet, might be worth giving it a shot.
"Graphite powder can get messy—especially if you're not careful."
Yeah, learned that the hard way myself. Quick question though: for outdoor locks exposed to weather, does PTFE hold up well, or do you need something heavier-duty?
