Should You Lubricate Your Locks?

Should You Lubricate Your Locks

How To Lubricate Your Locks Before They Become A Problem

By David Goult | October 09, 2025.

Why Locks Become Sticky

Sometimes your door lock can ‘stick’, and you can find yourself ‘stuck’ outside, or even inside! Locks can dry out over time and the mechanisms can become ‘sticky’. This can be even more of a problem under certain environmental conditions. The position of a lock on your house can also determine how much maintenance it may need. For example, if a door lock is constantly facing a moist wind, ‘muddy’ dirt can be attracted causing the lock to become ‘gummy’ and stick. Or consistent dry conditions can contribute to a lock ‘drying out’ so it becomes increasingly harder to operate.

Locks can also become ‘dirty’ and ‘grimey’ with consistent use causing the lock to gum or cease up over time.

Why a Sticky Lock Is a Problem

A malfunctioning lock can cause problems - the most serious of all - not being able to open the lock or close the lock so your home can be safe and secure. Or not being able to access an internal room with a door lock ‘sticking’ and becoming inoperable.

When a Lock Needs Lubrication

So if a locking mechanism becomes ‘dirty’ or ‘dry’, the lock may simply need to be lubricated. In this way, many door locks and lockset problems can be corrected with a little attention and maintenance before they become so serious that the lock does not work at all.

Dry Lubricants (Graphite Powder)

Advantages:

dry lubricants will not dry out the lock
dry lubricants protect against lock freezing, adding life to the lock
dry lubricants can operate better in higher temperature conditions

Disadvantages:

dry lubricants are not the best lubricant to use in very moist environmental conditions
dry lubricants can cause build up in a lock if too much is used

Spray Lubricants (Teflon or Silicon)

Advantages:

spray lubricants are not oil based so will not dry out after use
spray lubricants are clean lubricants that are not as messy as graphite
spray lubricants are easy to use and have excellent maintenance qualities

Disadvantages:

spray lubricants are a light lubricant and do not last as long as graphite
if used in conjunction with dry lubricants they can set like ‘mud’!

It is also advisable to not use oil-based lubricants or DW40 into locks as although they will work well initially, they will then congeal after a short length of time and will gum up the lock!

When to Call a Locksmith

Sometimes an improperly functioning lock may be the result of a poorly fitting door. For serious lock and door problems, it is usually best to call a locksmith for advice. A locksmith can carefully and professionally assess the situation, and either repair or replace the lock - before you find yourself on the wrong side of the door!

Blacks Mobile Locksmiths are more than happy to take a look at your ‘sticking lock’ and to also service your locks before they become a problem. Always available, servicing Brisbane, South East Queensland and surrounds, give the guys a call on 07 3382 0755.

Blacks Mobile Locksmiths are more than happy to take a look at your ‘sticking lock’ and to also service your locks before they become a problem. Always available, servicing Brisbane, South East Queensland and surrounds, give the guys a call on 07 3382 0755.

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