"I listed out the steps to wiggle or jiggle the key just right (you know how finicky these old locks get)."
Haha, glad I'm not the only one with a lock that needs its own instruction manual. I've found graphite powder helps too—cheap and effective if the lock's getting sticky. Just puff a little in there every few months. Beats calling a locksmith at midnight...again.
Graphite powder's good stuff, but I've had mixed luck with it myself. Last winter, my front door lock got so stubborn I was convinced I'd be climbing through the kitchen window again (neighbors probably thought I was breaking into my own house...). Anyway, graphite helped at first, but after a while it seemed to gum things up even more—maybe I used too much? Ended up switching to silicone spray lubricant instead. It's a bit pricier than graphite, but still way cheaper than calling out a locksmith at odd hours. Just a quick spray every few months and the lock's been smooth ever since. Might be worth trying if graphite doesn't do the trick for you.
I've had similar experiences with graphite powder—works wonders at first, but eventually it just seems to make things worse. I suspect it's because graphite can build up over time, especially if you accidentally use too much (easy mistake). Silicone spray lubricant is definitely a solid alternative, but I've also found success with dry PTFE spray. It's similar to silicone but leaves behind an even thinner film, so there's less chance of dirt and grime sticking to it.
Funny story—last summer, one of my rental properties had a lock that got so stiff the tenant called me in a panic, convinced someone had tampered with it. Turned out it was just years of gunk buildup inside the cylinder. A quick clean-out with some lock cleaner and a bit of PTFE spray, and it was good as new. No locksmith needed, thankfully.
Might be worth giving PTFE a shot if silicone ever lets you down. Curious if anyone else has tried it?
"Funny story—last summer, one of my rental properties had a lock that got so stiff the tenant called me in a panic, convinced someone had tampered with it."
Reminds me of when I first moved into my historic home. The front door lock was ancient and stubborn as heck. Tried graphite powder too, but like you said, it just gunked things up worse over time. Eventually switched to silicone spray, which helped, but now I'm intrigued by PTFE. Wonder if it'd be safe on antique hardware without damaging the finish...
PTFE can be great, but honestly, I'd be cautious with antique hardware. Even though it's generally safe, some older finishes can react unpredictably—especially if they're already worn or delicate. If you're worried about preserving the original look, you might want to try beeswax instead. I've used it on vintage locks and hinges before, and it works surprisingly well without any harsh chemicals. Just warm it slightly, rub it onto the moving parts, and gently work the mechanism back and forth a few times. It lubricates smoothly, doesn't attract dirt like graphite or silicone sprays sometimes do, and it's eco-friendly too. Plus, beeswax has been around forever, so it's kind of fitting for historic homes...
