Advice wanted on mortice lock

[Sue]

Can you use WD 40 on a mortice (I think that's what it's called) lock?

My back door lock has started sticking, but I don't want to make it worse.

I have googled but there seems to be differing advice (typical).

[intexasatthe moment]

My father always used graphite powder ,I use the graphite from a pencil .But I think the former is preferable .

[Sue]

I found something online which said on no account to use graphite, so now I'm even more confused :))

[sweetgirl]

Wd40 can't do harm????

[rendelharris]

Have you got a spare (unused) key? Try that first, often a key wears out before a lock, especially if it's a copy.

[Sue]

rendelharris Wrote:

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> Have you got a spare (unused) key? Try that

> first, often a key wears out before a lock,

> especially if it's a copy.

Good idea, but if I have a spare key I have no idea where it is!

I doubt I have though, as I think the key was indeed a copy. My sister broke the original key one Christmas and Dulwich DIY managed to make a copy from half a key :)

I think I will try WD40 and if that doesn't work I will replace the whole lock. I'm worried about security (if it sticks open) and safety (if it sticks closed).

[Blah Blah]

Graphite lock lube is the stuff to use for a sticking lock. You should be able to find it in somewhere like Halfords if you want it off the shelf.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/LUBRICANT-AEROSOL-SPRAY-PADLOCK-GRAPHITE/dp/B00BBTJ460/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1545096453&sr=8-5&keywords=dry+lock+lubricant

The WD40 can be used to clean it first though.

[intexasatthe moment]

If it were me I would pop into Callow Locksmiths in Melbourne Grove and ask for their advice .I would take the key with me as they may be able to tell if it's worn .

Or you could phone them 0208 299 4737 .

And if you do could you share the advice on here ?

[Sue]

intexasatthe moment Wrote:

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> If it were me I would pop into Callow Locksmiths

> in Melbourne Grove and ask for their advice .I

> would take the key with me as they may be able to

> tell if it's worn .

>

> Or you could phone them 0208 299 4737 .

>

> And if you do could you share the advice on here ?

That's a good idea, thanks!

[Sue]

I have been to Callows, who were extremely helpful.

They said yes, I should try WD40 first.

If that doesn't work, I can bring the lock in and they will service it for me.

I asked about graphite. They said on no account use graphite as it has filings in it and will eventually clog up the lock.

ETA: I took in a photo of the lock.

[Sue]

Update: WD-40 worked like a dream in about a millisecond.

Hooray!

Glad I checked it out first, though, just in case :)

[Blah Blah]

Graphite must be part of lock lubricants for a reason though. Graphite on it's own makes no sense of course, but within a lube it is different. Glad you got it sorted anyway.

[intexasatthe moment]

Thanks for update Sue .

Like Blah blah I wonder why graphite used to be recommended ... maybe it was used when taking locks were also taken apart ,so not the danger of it clogging up the mechanism ?

I trust Callow's though - I've always found them v helpful and like the way they try and mend/fix/things rather than just fitting a new lock .

[rendelharris]

Sue Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Update: WD-40 worked like a dream in about a

> millisecond.

>

> Hooray!

>

> Glad I checked it out first, though, just in case

> :)

Excellent! But just as a precautionary addendum, WD40 will have cleaned out all the crap but it won't lubricate as such, so for the long term add whatever a good locksmith recommends to keep it running smoothly.

[Sue]

I think Callows are a good locksmith, so what they have recommended is fine by me :)

The lock has lasted at least the thirty years I have lived here with no previous attention, and until a day or so ago it was fine.

Since the WD-40 it is as smooth as a very smooth thing.

Don't think it needs any further lubrication (ooh missus) and Callows didn't suggest I needed to use anything else.