I never use anything other than graphite in locks as oil or WD40 can hold dirt and gum up the works. Graphite can be messy but it is a great lubricant for locks.

EDIT...I shouldn't have said never. For frozen locks I have used 90% alcohol to melt and displace the water.

 

I did a project with a locksmith and he told me the same thing. Of course I don't always listen

 

And my locksmith told me the exact opposite! Stay away from WD-40 as it leaves a residue and powdered graphite is a great lubricate.

Go figure!

 

That's why I don't always listen

 

déjà vu? Some of the Related Topics posts below (and in the linked message) may help.

-- Chuck

 

Basically you should not put anything into your locks unless there is an issue. Don't spray WD40 in there is there is no issue, it will wash away any factory lubricant that may have been in the lock during production.

WD40 leaves little behind, that's why it is a poor lubricant, and more of a cleaner. It can wash away any factory lube inside the lock hence the need to spray a teflon based product in there after using WD40. Only when locks get gummed up with dirt/dust/debris, would you use it, as you need a way to clean them. That's what I had on my Prelude, if your lock is working properly don't touch it. I never would have gotten my Prelude door lock unseized without WD40, that thing was jammed solid.

 

Thanks. It does turn easily. It's getting the key into the ignition.

 

Your's is right.

 

If it's turning easily once the key is completely in, either the dust cover has been warped in some way and is preventing the key from entering the switch or the pins in the lock cylinder are gummed (clogged? stuck?). Try putting a spray of WD-40 on a paper towel and then wiping the exterior of the key slot. If that doesn't hep, go the graphite route.

 

This seems like a reasonable answer to Lainey's question.

https://www.quora.com/Is-WD-40-suita...ering-opinions