Where and how to use graphite… It’s best application can be done picking up it’s container and THROWING IT AWAY! No seriously! There is almost NO use for it today! It was a MYTH for it to be used in locks. I think the myth was started so you would have to call a professional to come and fix it!
Most locks today are lubricated from the factory with a grease based product, usually white lithium grease. The type of locks I’m talking about are find in your car, home, motorcycle, padlock, etc. And if you mix a powder like graphite with grease it becomes a very hard, non fluidic substance almost like silly putty, but up inside your lock!
“So, what should I use?” is what you might be asking right now. There are several answers for this. If the lock is apart, and it’s a wafer based, I’d suggest the white lithium, or if it’s a pin, a dry lube. But if it’s already together and sticking or frozen from the cold, WD-40 is a good option, for this area. The reason I say for this area is because of our high humidity. Areas that have dry heat, or super low humidity WD-40 is not a good solution. If the lock is subjected to hot heat, then that as well would make it a bad choice. But it is common and found in many garages because of its versatility in any home, so it’s a decent choice. It’s great for displacing water that might be inside said lock especially if it’s frozen! Personally however I’ve been using WD-40 for many years and it’s a great oil when oil is needed. If I’m setting up new locks or cleaning them, I’ve been using a DRY LUBE. WD-40 Dry Lube is my personal new favorite. It’s not available everywhere, but it is a great product! There are many other great dry lube products on the market and they can be great for not only lubricating a lock but cleaning it as well.
So that’s my two cents on the subject! When dealing with a sticky lock, don’t use POWDER aka Graphite or anything with Graphite in it! Grab a dry lube or some trusty WD-40!
Now, why not use something like PB Blaster? Well, you need to be VERY careful with that product!!! Read the can and see that you can TEST it by letting the product EAT a styrofoam cup!!! Did you know that modern doors in your home can have foam in them for insulation? And so can car doors!!! Yea, so don’t go using that stuff all willy nilly!!! It’s great for a rusty bolt, but NOT your locks! I also hate the way it smells! And your key goes in and out of that lock all the time, and to then put it in your pocket or purse… YUCK! That stuff stinks!
Anyways, I hope this helps someone! Good luck and keep those keys turning!