Sticky door key hole cure (1 Viewer)

[IdahoDoug]

Well, after years of being told never to put anything in a sticky lock but liquid graphite, I'm going to have to update my belief system on that. Since I got the 97 a year ago the driver's lock has felt like if you turn it too hard something is going to break and you have to jiggle it just right to unlock the doors. I've put liquid graphite (or graphite in a liquid base) in it about 10 times with no love.

Today, my wifey headed out to meet some friends in British Columbia in the 97 and I couldn't get the image out of my head that some hamfisted bozo would break the lock impatiently running out to get a forgotten jacket out of it during the trip. So, I fired a bit of good old PB Blaster in there with the straw thingy.

Put the key in and immediately it felt like a new lock - totally and completely fluid motion. In 4 seconds it did what graphite could not in over a year. So I hit the tailgate latch and passenger door for good measure. Graphite 0, PB Blaster 1.

DougM

 

[aim]

Similar observation here, but since the SO cannot stand the smell of PBB, I used Toyopeen (Toyota High Performance Penetrating Lubricant). Didn't even take 4 seconds! Took a very small blast and the key didn't need to be cleaned much, unlike when graphite is used. The lock contnues to work great a year an a half later. Thank you for reminding me, Doug! I'll have to do the 94 - it has the remote and we hardly use the key.

 

[rolliges]

Thanks will do mine during lunch.

 

[Skillet]

Thanks will do mine during lunch.

Sorry, WTH is PB blaster? I will be getting some at lunch if I can.

I like to let the rig idle while I run into Starbucks for my morning Joe and it takes me 20 seconds to jiggle my door locked and unlocked.

 

[fzj80kidpen]

Similar experience here.
I used to have this 99 ranger. Great truck but the ignition did this same thing the locks on my 80 is doing. I only put graphite in the ignition and ended having to replace the tumbler. I did not even try that with my 80 but instead just did the keyless entry. After reading this I will try a quick blast of silicon spray and compare.

 

[MoJ]

Sorry, WTH is PB blaster? I will be getting some at lunch if I can.

.

Penetrating oil. PB Blaster is the brand name. You'll find it a any of the chain auto stores.

 

[Skillet]

Penetrating oil. PB Blaster is the brand name. You'll find it a any of the chain auto stores.

Moocho grassy ass!

 

[Ted44]

Mine was doing that when I bought it. I got some "Lock-Ease" graphited lock fluid from Advance Auto Parts. Works great!

Small spray can with "snorkel". I use the key tip to hold the the little cover open and give the lock a good dose. I just did the second treatment since August when I bought the rig. Everything is silky smooth.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Same thing for me, key started getting sticky, esp. now that it's winter. Shot a blast of silicon in there last month, turns easy as can be.

 

[DuManchu]

I got the same results with SeaFoam Deep Creep.

I had a stuck lock in my old Mustang (its still weird saying that) that graphite could not cure. Time was fast approaching for people to look at the vehicle and I needed the locks to work. Stuck the DC straw into the lock a few quick squirts later, voila, working locks.

-Andrew

 

[ed97fzj80]

Thanks for the post, Doug. I've been having the same problem and wondering the best way to go at it. Looks like it's Pep Boys after the game today.

 

[-Spike-]

Well, after years of being told never to put anything in a sticky lock but liquid graphite, I'm going to have to update my belief system on that.

There's a reason this is not a good idea. Oils attract dirt, and dirt is bad for mechanical parts. Same principle applies to sliding glass door wheels- do not oil them. For locks, there is a special 'lubricant' which I believe is wax-based with some silicone or something in it made especially for locks. I found mine at a locksmith, but there are other wax-based products I'm sure would work. Look for products which leave a 'dry film' and 'do not attract dirt'. They are every bit as effective as penetrating oils, without the associated problems down the road.

-Spike