Door lock lubricants are used to keep doors from sticking. Lubricant is most commonly applied with a spray can, but it can also be manually applied with a cloth or paper towel.
Lubricant for door locks comes in many different varieties and formulations, so you should always read the label before using any type of door lock lubricant. Some types are safe for use on all metals, while others are not recommended for use on aluminum or stainless steel.
Never compromise on quality if you want your locks to stay healthy. We picked some of the best lubricants for door locks to help them last longer.
WD-40 Silicone Lubricant Water Resistant Specialist
3M Dry Version 08897 Silicone Lubricant 8.5 oz
Graphite Lubricant 1.13 oz American grease stick
Best 8 Lubricant for Door Locks Reviews
We’ve rounded up our top 8 picks for door lock lubricants, along with brief notes about each.
1. WD-40 Silicone Lubricant Water Resistant Specialist
The silicone lubricant in WD-40 is safe for use on most surfaces.
WD-40 makes it easy to defend your gate locks by accessing the competitive edge you need to succeed in any industry, including gate lock mechanisms.
Ready at a moment’s notice for high performance with no reloading, this heavy-duty formula handles extreme pressure and provides protection that stands up best against adverse conditions for years of dependable use.
If you are looking into locking mechanisms, try WD-40 Oil Specialist Metal Protector spray with Smart Straw for effective protection.
The WD-40 professional locksmith lubricant offers complete gate lock system protection with a quick release, precision spray that even works underwater.
The silicon spray dries quickly, leaving a clean, non-staining surface that won’t stick to anything and won’t attract dust. We’re talking about extending the life of your gate safety here.
Not only does it simplify the process of applying lubrication to gate locks and other moving parts like hinges and gears, but it also protects against wear and erosion.
Highlighted Features:
- A silicone-based lubricant that is water-resistant
- WD-40 makes it easy to defend your gate safety
- It stands up to the harshest conditions for years of reliable use.
- comprehensive protection for gate lock systems with quick release
- It leaves a clear, non-staining coating that dries quickly
2. Lock Dry Lube 3-IN-ONE 2.5 OZ
Lock Dry Lube 3-IN-ONE 2.5 oz is a quick and easy way to lubricate, defend, and increase the longevity of your gate safety. With one shot, you can replenish all three consequences of daily usage: lock protection, rusting removal, and wood lubrication.
LockDry Lube penetrates rapidly and deeply to dissolve buildup for lasting use on gate locks of any material (metal, plastic, or wood). The formula contains natural oils that act as a protective line against moisture, corrosion, dirt, and debris prevention.
It doesn’t smell bad, rather it has a pleasant smell of light pine. It is affordable, the straw allows you to get into narrow compartments in lockers that are difficult to reach with the larger sprayer pattern nozzle.
Spray your keyholes with this protective formula for added protection and security against corrosion, rusting, dirt & grime buildup.
Lock Dry Lube does not contain anything that would harm your loved ones or your possessions. It provides a clean spray-on application, so there is no residue to pick up debris or attract dirt over time.
Highlighted Features:
- Lock Dry Lube penetrates rapidly and deeply
- Lock Dry Lube is affordable.
- The straw allows you to get into narrow compartments
- It provides a clean spray-on application
3. Graphite Pinewood Pro
A Graphite Pinewood Pro is an innovative product that provides outer lubrication for pinewood derby vehicles. It is the perfect all-in-one solution with easy-to-use features, including a puffer tube with a pointed tip.
Graphite Pinewood Pro comes in two types of graphites: soft and hard. Soft graphites are for entry-level work (e.g. locks) or areas where you don’t want it to build upon certain textures (e.g. tongue pieces).
Hard graphites are only used on lightweight models like the car axle because they’re more likely to be too gritty otherwise and can’t be removed easily from an area being traveled. The best way to apply it is using a puffer tube with a pointed tip. The pointed tip helps with getting the graphite to reach inaccessible areas.
Graphite Pinewood Pro can reduce friction build-up over time and regular use, but there are other uses for the product that people may not be aware of. It can also eliminate squeaks from rusty hinges on doors or from tools, bicycles, sprinklers, and locks. It is a high-performance oil lubricant that reduces friction for a faster finish in a race. It has been used by many local derby racing enthusiasts with great success.
Highlighted Features:
- Powder form for easy application.
- Faster finish in a race.
- Performance-enhancing pine derby vehicles
- Eliminates squeaks from locks or tools
- Comes in two types of graphites: soft and hard
4. 3M Dry Version 08897 Silicone Lubricant 8.5 oz
Gate locks can be heavy and difficult to open but not if you use 3M Silicone Lubricant. This product contains advanced silicone formula that will glide effortlessly no matter how long ago it was applied. It’s also dry, so the application process is quick and easy.
The key show covers one problem with gate locks which is how hard they are to turn when they get old. This lube will make them feel like new. The best part? You don’t need any tools. It comes with everything required for a professional job at your convenience. Just grab a cloth and wipe it on.
Forget about peeling stickers or painful scraping. With this product, you won’t have to worry about the gate lock clinging or not turning smoothly because this stuff will make it practically effortless to turn.
Highlighted Features:
- Easily apply to sticky lock without the mess
- No tools needed, easy installation
- Dries in seconds and feels great every time.
- Able to turn gate locks effortlessly
5. Graphite Lubricant 1.13 oz American grease stick
An exterior gate lock is one of the most important and basic security measures you can take to protect your home and valuables. Graphite lubricant will keep this often overused but essential piece working well for years to come by preventing tarnish, wear, stuck locks, hard opening, or closing mechanisms. It’s also good for bicycle chains and derailleurs, gate hinges, and weather stripping.
Preserve the life of your exterior gate safety with an American grease stick for a highly effective and affordable solution. This all-purpose dry graphite powder lubricant is odorless and non-toxic, so it is safe to apply to a wide range of materials.
It can be applied to metals, plastic surfaces, rubber, and more with great results. Use it to prevent sticking, dirt buildup, wear, and erosion on exterior gate locks, gate hinges, and weather stripping. This 1.13 oz graphite lubricant stick is an easy solution that will keep any gate lock working smoothly for years to come.
Highlighted Features:
- Dry powder graphite lubricant.
- Keeps any gate lock running smoothly for years to come.
- It protects against rust, dirt, and sticking.
- It is odorless and non-toxic.
6. Silicone Spray Permatex 80070 Lubricant 10.25 oz
Permatex 80070 is a gate lock lubricator that will keep gate locks scratching, sparking, or squeaking. It can be used to spray all gate lock components, including the doorknobs, gate levers, lock mechanisms, and even door hinges. This product has many benefits for gate locks, such as waterproofing properties.
The silicone spray lubricant from Permatex keeps your doors functioning smoothly by preventing water from getting in there and damaging them because of how slippery this condition would make it non-effective.
Permatex also helps prevent any damage due to parts rubbing against each other which can lead to scratches or sparks when they go unnoticed for too long. A gate lock lubricator like this one will make gate locks function effectively and efficiently for a longer period of time.
Highlighted Features:
- Prevents gate locks from scratching, sparking, and squeaking
- Waterproofing will make gate locks function effectively
- Prevents damage to gate lock due to discoloration or tarnish
- Creates a slippery surface that can protect gate locks from damaging
7. Master Lock Lubricant 2300D PTFE 0.25 Fluid Ounces
All door locks have microscopic irregularities on their exterior, which can cause friction when touched. The Master Lock Lube formulation is specially designed to eliminate these surface imperfections, resulting in smoother ruthless action that will last longer.
The 0.25 fluid ounces of master lock lubricator is designed to be used on gate locks. When applied, the tool’s surface becomes lubricated, resulting in smoother action and longer life. Additionally, all gate locks should be periodically lubricated to prevent them from corroding or rusting over time.
Master Lock Lubricator 2300D PTFE 0.25 Fluid Ounces is for gate locks only. The product has high viscosity, which results in it remaining in place once applied without dripping or running off of the gate surface. The lubricating formula works best when lock mechanisms are regularly used, however, gate bolts may also benefit from the occasional application of this product too.
Highlighted Features:
- Designed for door stability
- Prevents corroding and rusting over time
- Used on door locks, but can also be used on gate bolts
- Does not drip or run off of exterior when applied
8. DuPont Teflon Lock Lubricant Easy Entry 30ml
DuPont Teflon Lock Lubricant is a door lock lubricant based on Teflon Fluoropolymer, which is a non-stick material that keeps gate mechanisms from corroding and malfunctioning. It is an easy-to-use liquid lubricant that forms a smooth, wet film that reduces friction and helps gate locks not to bind or stick together.
This lock lube keeps door locks free of tarnish and erosion with its anti-corrosion additive. This liquid door lock lube also works as a deicing inhibitor for gate handles, car door handles, doorknobs, and any other locking mechanisms.
It has been proven to provide long-term protection against clinging gate mechanisms with regular use (once per 6 months).
DuPont Teflon Lock Lube is environmentally friendly and is not dangerous to humans or animals. It ensures door lock smoothness that provides easy door-to-door operation with a single finger.
Highlighted Features:
- Forms a slippery layer that is nonstick
- Prevents door locks from corroding and malfunctioning
- Protects door locks against rust and erosion
- Counteracts the effects of freezing conditions for locks
Facts to Check While Buying Lubricant for Door Locks
Check the Type of Lock
Different types of commercial locks require different lubrication. The lubricant you select should be compatible with your lock mechanism and work effectively in preventing erosion, providing smoothness, and reducing friction for proper functioning.
Lubricating the outside of locks is more beneficial than lubricating inside parts because silicone or oil can attract dirt which causes more problems than not lubricating the inner parts of the lock at all.
While external use may not provide as many benefits internally, it does help prevent dirt from entering door locks caused by moist air surrounding them when doors are opened/closed frequently.
Outside Temperature
If you live in an area with colder climates, your lock mechanisms will freeze much sooner than someone who lives in warmer climates where ice does not collect on handles as easily.
For this reason, it is important that you purchase lock lubricants specifically designed for cold temperatures or ones that prevent freezing altogether, so your locks do not become frozen over time due to exposure to the outside elements.
Check for Lubricating Properties
Lubricants for door locks are also available in the form of aerosols, gels, pastes, and liquids. Make sure you choose one that will work effectively with your door locks.
Some lock lubricants are only appropriate for certain types of textures, so make sure to read product descriptions carefully before purchasing any lock mechanism lubricant.
Check for Harmful Chemicals
It is possible to find some lock mechanism lubricants on the market that contain harmful chemicals such as methylene chloride, petroleum distillates, or flammable propellants that have negative side effects on both humans and pets if inhaled or ingested.
It is therefore important to purchase a lock mechanism oil-free of dangerous materials that may be hazardous to living organisms.
Teflon-based Lubricant
A Teflon-based lubricant is a type of aerosol lubrication that contains PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is often used as a dry film lubricant or as a release agent to make it easier for objects to be separated.
Many places recommend using this type of spray as an anti-seize product. Teflon can also be used as a general lubricant because it creates a thin, nonstaining, and electrically resistant protective barrier on the metal exterior where there are moving parts. It creates an additional layer of protection against dirt and moisture contamination, so the lock does not corrode or rust over time.
Grease Lubricant
Grease is a type of lubricant that usually comes in the form of thick, jelly-like material. It is generally used on large metal exteriors and cannot be applied to small areas such as door locks because it will not distribute evenly and cause dirt and dust particles to stick to the outside easily.
Additional Tips
Be sure to check the key barrel and the keyhole for signs of rust and erosion, as this can indicate a lack of lubrication. Excessive dirt build-up is also an indicator that door locks are not adequately lubricated or maintained.
Be sure to use a very small amount of lubricant on door locks because a large amount will attract dust and hold it to joints and crevices. It must be applied in a very thin layer to prevent lock mechanisms from clinging together over time due to excess oil/lubrication.
Read product directions carefully before applying any type of lock oil or lubricant because some products should only be used externally, while others should only be applied internally.
FAQ’s
Q: How can I remove my key from the lock?
A: if you spray lubricant into the keyhole and turn your key, it will slide right out.
Q: Is it necessary to lubricate my smart locks?
A: No, it is not necessary to lubricate your smart locks.
Q: What is the proper way to lubricate car locks and horns?
A: To lubricate car locks and horns, First, remove the key from the lock.
Next, spray some lubricant into the keyhole until it begins to leak around the keyhole.
Wait for about five minutes until the solvent has a chance to work, and then use the keyhole to turn it around.
Q: Is silicone lubricant safe for locks?
A: Silicone lubricant is a good choice for locks because it will not break down the rubber parts in your lock mechanism.
Last Thoughts
We hope that this article was useful and provided you with tips on how to choose the right lubricant for your door locks.
For more information, read our other articles on this topic. If you have any questions or feedback about this article, feel free to contact us via email.