How to lubricate my bike's D-lock?

[Airlane1979]

Looking for advice. I have repeated problems with my D-lock sticking. I've used standard light bike oil which then leaks all over my hands when I handle the lock. I have some 3-in-one PTFE spray: would that be better?

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

I would just use Triflow.

Not sure about that specific 3-in-1, but many people report that it gunks up, and that would be due to the animal oil in there, which becomes a solid. This is ideal for certain applications, because it essentially becomes grease.

[Jake1]

(11-05-2022, 01:27 AM)ReapThaWhirlwind Wrote:  I would just use Triflow.

Not sure about that specific 3-in-1, but many people report that it gunks up, and that would be due to the animal oil in there, which becomes a solid. This is ideal for certain applications, because it essentially becomes grease.

3 in 1 is a petroleum oil. It doesn't gum-up. If you use too much (like many oils) it collects dirt and dust which makes it appear to get thicker; it the contaminants not the oil causing this. You are probably thinking of vegetable based oils which under many conditions will gum-up, and still attract dust and grit. Tri-flow's main component is essentially the same base as 3 in 1 (their multi-purpose stuff not the synthetic or silicone based). I've never had a problem with it; used it for bike chains (did not gum-up, and various automotive/motorcycle uses at higher temperature than any bike use would be, and still no gumming-up.

Regarding locks (indoors and outside), it is best to use a dry graphite lubricant (or other specialty lock dry lubes/dry silicone-cleaner than graphite) which does not attract dust and grit. I've used graphite professionally on high end safe tumblers without any issues over many years. Locks continually left exposed to the elements will have issues regardless due to rust/corrosion/grit, but liquid oils make things worse in the long run due to the wear on the mechanisms from the grit that stays suspended in the liquid oil over a period of time (essentially acts as a fine "liquid/paste sandpaper"). Just ask a locksmith what they use.

[My Riding Exp]

It is important to keep your bike lock lubricated to prevent rust and corrosion. The frequency with which you need to lubricate your lock will depend on the environment in which it is used. If you live in a humid or salty area, you will need to lubricate your lock more often than if you live in a drier climate. A good rule of thumb is lubricating your lock at least once a month. To lubricate your bike lock, simply apply a light layer of WD-40 or another type of bicycle chain lube to the keyhole and inner workings of the lock. Be sure to wipe away any excess lube so that it doesn't attract dirt and grime.

If you have a combination lock that is starting to feel stiff or hard to turn, it may be time to lubricate it. Lubricating your combination lock will help keep it working smoothly and prevent rusting. Here is how to lubricate a combination lock:

1. Start by removing the lock from whatever it is attached to.

2. Find the small hole on the side or back of the lock. This is where you will insert the lubricant.

3. Squeeze a small amount of lubricant into the hole. You don’t need a lot, just enough to coat the inside of the lock mechanism.

4. Work the key in and out of the lock several times to work the lubricant into all moving parts.

5. Wipe away any excess lubricant from the outside of the lock before reattaching it to whatever it was attached to originally.