I'm in the financial institution business (CCTV, Alarm, Access Control, Locks, RTS, ATM, Vault) and the last thing we'd ever use is Graphite Spray. Tri-Flow is what we mainly use on FI locks. Graphite can do more harm than good depending on the lock.

I've had to replace some pretty nasty locks that the customer just kept dumping Graphite into... The end result was a lock out/drill along with a new lock.

On a LR ignition switch Tri-Flow would be my #1 choice, but since it can be kinda hard to find depending on your location any lube used lightly on just the key (then rake it in out) should do the trick.

 

That's very interesting, thank you for sharing.


I did one, probably less than one half second blast, and it is working like a charm at this point.


Should the cylinder need more lubrication, I will use something different. Or, I'll simply replace the unit.

 

Another quirk is that my steering wheel needs to be precisely pointed straight ahead, and not locked by the mechanical steering anti-theft, for the ignition key to easily rotate without muscle-power.

When it is mechanically locked, I have to manually move the steering wheel into the straight-ahead driving position such that there is no tension on the steering wheel form the mechanical anti-theft lock mechanism. Then the ignition switch freely turns with the key.

 

I had a key made by a locksmith of 40 plus years in business. He says graphite holds moisture and will bind up inside lock. WD-40. Lightly.

 

People say the darnedest things. I'd love to see a glob of graphite "bind" anything. It ain't glue, y'all!

If it happens, someone take a pic for me, please! Dump some graphite on a piece of paper and show me.




*Where do you buy graphite dust? In the car key section of big box stores.

 

Okay here is the basics with "graphite" it was used back in the day when there wasn't Tri-Flow, WD40, or any other lubricants. Back then locks got old & worn out & graphite was used to fill the gaps of the old locks and to lube it....

It is a "snake oil" for locks of today and it does more harm than good. Those auto store chains also sell fake hood scoops which do absolutely nothing....

 

come on! Next you're going to say oil filter magnets are bogus!

 

The reason I mentioned the fake hood scoop is because of the 04 D2 for sale near Houston, TX with one slapped on the hood lol.

 

Damn! Just noticed I used "your" instead of "you're".

I hate that worse than hood scoops and filter magnets!!!

 

Haha