How to Fix a Sticky Lock



A sticky lock can be a daily nuisance unless you do something about it. The good news is that you can fix it easily enough with just a tube of powdered graphite. Here's how.

Steps   [edit]

  1. Obtain some powdered graphite. This can be found in such places as a hardware or automotive section of any department store or hardware store. It usually comes in a tube.
  2. Cut the tip off the tube of graphite.
  3. Insert the tip of the tube into the key slot of the lock. Squeeze the tube one or two times - a little graphite goes a long way.
  4. Put your key into the lock and slide it in and out a time or two.
  5. Keep the graphite on hand in a dry place. That way, you can have it handy the next time you have this type of problem. If you find that you are using a lot of graphite, the lock needs to be repaired.
  6. Be careful with the graphite until it is closed! Its fine particles will easily spray out on you. This may cover you in black dust and it could stain.


Tips   [edit]

  • WD-40 should never be used in a lock, it dries to a hard crust and can only be loosened by applying more WD-40.


Warnings   [edit]

  • Take care not to breathe in the graphite particles.