What Is The Best Lubricant To Use In A Lock? | Guardian Answers Episode #3

What is the best lubricant to use in a lock? Many people ask us here at Guardian Safe & Lock that very question, so today founder & CEO of Guardian Safe & Lock, Uriah Ortiz answers.
Three of the most common types of lube used in locks include WD-40, Graphite powder, and Teflon-based synthetic lubricant. Uriah breaks down each, explaining their use and why to avoid some options.
Have any more questions for us? Guardian Answers. Let us know in the comments section below.
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[@GuardianSafeAndLock]

What types of lubricants have you seen used in locks? Ask more questions or let us know here in the comments section. Thanks for watching!

[@Brian-hf9tc]

Seen plenty gunked up from wd varnish, sure reapplication of wd is a band aid fix. Wd does make 'dry PTFE' lube which seems promising. Worst I saw was a facility where one maintenance guy used WD-40, the other graphite... That plus pocket lint and grit wore the key pins so much that no keys worked

[@PAX_Access_Control]

We use Houdini or Fluid Film. Houdini works as a cleaner and lubricant. If we are working on Medeco we use Fluid Film, as per factory recommendation.

[@paulregret3180]

Thanks for tip. Bought Triflo yesterday. It saved my bacon Deadbolt lock at home was frozen. Now moving smoothly 😊

[@geraldskinner63]

Its been my experience that WD-40 makes a good cleaner for gunked up locks (dirt and old graphite) I use Houdini as the lubricant. I cant count the many calls I've gotten where a neglected lock just needed some lube. Thanks for the History lesson as well, had no idea what WD-40 stood for.

[@damonalagich4524]

carby cleaner is better, then use a teflon/lube spray

[@RookieLock]

Medeco recommends to use Fluid film in their locks.. I've used it in normal pin tumblers with good results.. Triflow seems like a great product !

[@Omega343666]

You might find this interesting but here in the UK there is a brand of Euro cylinder that stresses you only use Graphite powder to keep the lock lubricated. Have a look at the Ultion euro cylinder, see what you think of it. Think a chap called Lock Noob has a video on it for a break down. Ace channel and pretty interesting to hear differences in the US and UK.

[@hkssystemslocksafe2486]

I use TRI FLOW in the squeeze bottle .. fewer airborne particles also Houdini to flush out.

[@arm1e3000]

Nice video, but had to mention that graphite is not a metal. It is just carbon. 👍😊

[@GuardianSafeAndLock]

You are correct sir lol it hardens like metal when compressed.... thank you for watching

[@ultrahighquality5657]

Destroyed

[@veronicareyes8677]

Amazing information. Very informational, and kind of cuts in to science 👍

[@ForwardPlans]

You are correct with using graphite, it clogged the locks up, worse than road grime.

[@michaelgalliganojr.5086]

Tri-Flow all the way for me here in NY.

[@jicalzad]

Since you're in Texas, you may not deal w/ this much, but what would u suggest to help/prevent locks from getting frozen

[@Weaseltube]

I’ve been searching for info on this question, with no luck. Maybe it merits its own video? Even if only to say there is no effective way to prevent a lock from icing up if it’s exposed to the elements. Based on what I’ve found, ill just keep my outdoor locks well maintained (clean and dry lubricated) so that when one inevitably ices up I stand a better chance of being able to use it with less effort. Thanks for this video too. Very good info!

[@Brisbaneview]

Ok luckily did not buy graphite yesterday! Humidity is high here where I live.

[@ralphcosenza1646]

Excellent.Thank you

[@golf-n-guns]

Wd40 has a Teflon spray. Really slicks up a lock!

[@embalmed]

yeah used this stuff today, made a world of difference... now I just need to see how it likes the cold

[@P997C4S]

It is Sherwin-Williams not "Sherman Williams". Sorry I have to correct that : )

[@markmartin8211]

Is this as flammable as WD40?

[@cheryljones1986]

I've used graphite, my go to, but maybe not anymore!

[@GuardianSafeAndLock]

Yeah used to be the standard but there are much better options now. Especially if your in a high humidity area, because the humidity will cause it to gunk up and harden. Thanks for watching!

[@zach2763]

Purely for aesthetics, you can't beat that lovely Houdini smell though 🤤

[@dasteufelhund]

So synthetic grease vs. oil?

[@GuardianSafeAndLock]

Tri-flow - Teflon based lubricant

[@kennethfannin8707]

ok i have a floor safe and it has the dial and a key right in the middle ,,forget the name of it right at the moment ,, anyways the key unlocks it just fine but in one certain spot it drags and hard to turn ,,always in just one spot ,,what kind of lube do i use on this ,,, any help will be appreciated ..need to get something done before it stick and stops :(

[@GuardianSafeAndLock]

Try White Lithium Grease only a small amount though

[@teeduck]

What about a fine oil like sewing machine oil.

[@GuardianSafeAndLock]

Honestly I haven’t heard of it lol

[@MarkAnthem]

We use Houdini

[@patriot7734]

I use K&Y jelly.....

[@Tendertroll1]

Another youtuber said that tri flow gums up his locks. He’s a locksmith I think his name is Wayne

[@GuardianSafeAndLock]

That would be the first “professional” I’ve heard say that

[@ericbaber2843]

Use houdini or LPS-1

[@cold2d]

Triflow!

[@earthcomedy]

wow...never knew that. I live in a retired Titan missile silo..... 8)

[@jimturner6400]

Does Triflow contain ptfe which has recently been found to be extremely toxic and really bad for your health and the environment?

[@l337pwnage]

I'm definitely using it then.

[@vtownboxingfan]

TRI FLOW Okay thanks!

[@stoianRT]

you almost lost me when you said graphite is metal :). graphite is carbon dust. dry lube.. but yes it gunks up.

[@felixmak4727]

Lithium grease, it will linger and remain consistent.

[@GuardianSafeAndLock]

We use that on safes

[@tonelab77]

Sherwin, not "Sherman"