Cleaning lock cylinder

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Jan 31, 2026 | 12:54 PM

90project5.0

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Fleet Mechanic

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Cleaning lock cylinder

Mine is becoming stupid hard to turn with the cold temps. If I take a lighter to it for a few seconds, it moves freely again. I’ve read previous threads, but didn’t get the answers I’m asking.

1-What to clean old grease/dirt out of it? Brake cleaner or something different?

2-white lithium vs graphite spray? Who has had better operating/longevity from one over the other? (I know this is opinion based)

Jan 31, 2026 | 01:13 PM

Phil48315

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From: Mi

I use this stuff.

Jan 31, 2026 | 01:41 PM

90project5.0

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Fleet Mechanic

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I should have clarified, ignition lock cylinder! You use that stuff for the ignition or just doors?

Jan 31, 2026 | 02:10 PM

Phil48315

Cross-Country

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From: Mi

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90project5.0

I should have clarified, ignition lock cylinder! You use that stuff for the ignition or just doors?

All my locks, house, cars, trucks, bikes.
Just hold a microfiber up to the switch and just spray a little at a time.

Jan 31, 2026 | 05:46 PM

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

i remove the lock cylinder out of the column and use brake cleaner usually because that is what i normally have around. once clean and dry, i give it a small shot of white lithium grease or graphite depending what is at hand, and reinstall

Jan 31, 2026 | 05:51 PM

90project5.0

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Fleet Mechanic

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tjc transport

Do you clean and spray the hole as well?

Jan 31, 2026 | 05:56 PM

90project5.0

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2025

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil48315

All my locks, house, cars, trucks, bikes.
Just hold a microfiber up to the switch and just spray a little at a time.

What store to you buy it at? Seems hardware stores around me don’t carry it?

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Feb 1, 2026 | 06:44 AM

90project5.0

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2025

Posts: 1,728

Likes: 381

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil48315

Houdini Lock Lube: Automotive Lubricants: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

Thanks! I saw it on there, but this lovely East coast weather has it not arriving for 4 days. I was hoping I missed it somewhere that I could run and get it today or tomorrow. Guess I’ll order it. I have an open landscaping trailer and every piece of equipment has a lock on it now. Someone tried to take most of it for their Christmas present 3 years ago. Luckily, I caught them halfway down my driveway…