Recently, we started having problems with our house keys. Initially, only my key had problems getting in the lock..and we thought that it could be because it was getting worn out or something (my wife’s key worked well). However, sometime during the last week, the other key also started giving problems and the situation deteriorated rapidly. The keys would completely go inside the lock only after much tinkering and after application of considerable physical force. After some procrastination, we decided to contact the apartment management and request them to replace the lock.
The lock that almost died
That evening, I don’t know how it came to my mind, but I thought of applying some cooking oil to my key to see if that lubricates the lock’s interiors. So I put a couple of drops of oil on either side of the key and with great hopes tried the lock again. It took about 5 or 6 cycles of inserting the key, twisting to lock and unlock, and removing the key, and after that it was all beautiful! The lock started working flawlessly with both the keys…and I am pretty certain it is working much smoother than ever before. 
Encouraged by this, I also tried the oil on our lame mailbox lock (it’s really horrible) and key…and it worked wonders there too. It also seems like both locks will continue working like that for a while (the oil on the keys has vanished, but the locks are still extremely smooth).
This oil thing is not such a big deal in terms of innovation (people have done similar things for ages…oil is a common solution for most problems with moving mechanical parts), and yet it made us happy for some reason. Probably because we didn’t have to talk to our rude management about the problem, we saved a lock and a couple of keys from being trashed, and no one had to work or spend money in buying and installing a new lock (I am pretty sure they would have replaced the lock…the maintenance guys always seem to be very eager to install *new* things). In summary, those few drops of oil saved a lot of headache for everyone.
Since this lock episode, I am searching for other mechanical things in our house where I can apply this *oily* solution…but haven’t found anything yet. Will probably turn my attention to the car now…
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Great tip! Makes me wonder if my freshly cut house key isn’t the problem, but the tumblers in the lock. I always end up having to jiggle it a little, and catching it just so to turn. Annoying, but when you’re in a hurry with the engine running downstairs, it can be a few seconds of serious frustration!
I check my snail mail only once a week these days because of a bum lock and some serious laziness in contacting the post office for a new one. I will try this trick. Hopefully it will work and save us a lot of hassles too!
Mapgirl: I completely understand your agony, “but when you’re in a hurry with the engine running downstairs, it can be a few seconds of serious frustration!“…that’s exactly how we felt for a few days last week.
New keys always have sharp edges..so probably it’s getting jammed because of that. Oiling will not *solve* the problem, but it will certainly make things a much easier for you. Try it.
ISPF: Good luck on the snail-mail box. You are lucky your mailbox is big enough to hold a week’s worth of mail. Mine overflows on the next day.
Oooh! I never thought of that! I just thought our keys were getting worn and crappy because I’ve had to seriously JAM the stupid thing into the lock lately.
Quick heads up. For most of those applications household cooking oil will work but if you are using vegetable oil, remember it can turn rancid after time. (smells bad) Using olive oil will do the same thing but will not turn rancid. Also, for those ladies out there, WD40 is sold in a very small (purse or glove box size) container. Works on all those sticky things.
Eek. Generally, using any sort of oil in a lock mechanism will just end up causing more problems later, even if it seems ok now.
The oil will attract and collect dust, dirt and debris, and eventually, the lock will really be hosed.
And your key ends up with a film of oil on it, and that goes in your pocket or purse, where it either stains, or collects more dirt.
The generally recommended way to lubricate a lock is to use powdered graphite. You can get a small bottle of it at a hardware store, and it usually comes with a needle applicator. Stick the tip of the applicator into the keyway, poof a bit into the lock and you’re all set.
Wush and Ben: Thanks for the info. I am hoping that with just a couple of drops of oil it won’t matter much if it turns rancid…if it doesn’t work, then WD40 is there to help.
I thought about the film on the keys. Right now my keys are still clean (not oily) and don’t show any signs of gathering dust.
The oil thing is just a quick-zero-cost remedy..I am pretty sure there are other sophisticated ways of handling it. Anyways, I will check out the graphite powder in local hardware stores.
Rather than buying the graphite powder when I’m getting resistance when putting my key in the lock, I just rub the graphite part of a pencil on the key. It seems like that’s the only thing I use a pencil for lately!
Be careful where you use WD-40. It is a chlorinated solvent. It will work very well in most cases, but it will eventually oxidize aluminum, making the problem worse. Graphite is the best in locks.
Wow, what an original concept. Lubricate a worn/rusty item that is difficult to use. Who’da thunk it… way to go Captain Obvious!!!!
John Doe: wow…great observation skills!
This worked great! It started off with one key and one lock on the front door and then all keys and both front door locks. I used a little and it worked wonders! I will try the pencil thing though.
WD-40
Ben is right. Using cook oil or any kind of oil or WD40 is a cheap and quick fix but will cause you problems in the long run. The oil will break down and dust and dirt will be attracted to it. This is jam your locks even more.
You can always remove your lock and clean it. There are tools that will allow you to remove the cylinder. You could also take it to a Home Depot and have them clean it for you. This should cost you $10.
Using graphite is the best way to lubricate your locks.
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