RV compartment locks

[wingman8]

I had some keys made today for spares. The original keys for our MH are brass. The locksmith pointed out the wear pattern on the keys and said we should clean out the locks with WD40 and only that product. It will flush out the road grime in the locks and more importantly will evaporate so dirt will not stick to locks like silicone use or many other products.

I noticed as I was spraying the locks on all the storage doors, black grime was flushed out and working the key in the locks it was quite a difference.

Didn't know where to post this, hope it helps someone. Thanks, be safe. Don

[Steve N Sal]

Thanks for the tip. Any and all information is usually a good thing to put in your tool box for future reference.

[RVNeophytes2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingman8 I had some keys made today for spares. The original keys for our MH are brass. The locksmith pointed out the wear pattern on the keys and said we should clean out the locks with WD40 and only that product...

I used the same stuff we lubricate aircraft with, LPS 2.

It has the same cleaning/lubricating properties of WD40, might hang around a little longer, has a cherry coughdrop smell.

[Shadowcatche]

WD40 is about 25% petroleum based oil LPS 2 is about 70%. Depending on whether it is light enough to evaporate both may or may not gum up the works. My experience comes from lubricating bicycle chains and you do NOT want dust being attracted to the chain. Conventional wisdom is use graphite lube on locks however I use Silicone lubricants.

[docj]

Traditionally, graphite is the lock lubricant recommended by locksmiths. It costs very little and works fine for me. I use it every couple of months.

[LadyFitz...]

Even WD-40 leaves a residue that can gunk up locks over time. Once you have used WD-40 on a lock, you will have to use it periodically (don't ask how I know). Far better would be to use an electronics cleaner (not canned "air") to flush out any gunk then use canned "air" to blow out any remaining residue. If the lock still needs any lubing after that, use dry, powdered graphite.

[John H...]

You always need to carry WD-40 and Duck tape.

[LadyFitz...]

Quote:

Originally Posted by John H... You always need to carry WD-40 and Duck tape.

I don't have any ducks. I do have ducts so I keep duct tape on hand.

[CapnMorgan]

Both duck and duct are valid. See: Duct tape - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[John H...]

Ladyfitz, Next time your in Wal Mart look at the Duct tape by the name Duck...

[John H...]

Ladyfitz, I see your from Tempe. My son is a teacher at McClintock High School.

[bluepill]

I've used WD-40 for over 25 years in auto door locks. Never any problems.

Just a spritz a coulple of times a year, and no flushing necessary.

[PyrateSilly]

If you are going to carry Duct / Duck tape and WD-40 in your tool chest you should also have Zip Ties. They come in just as handy as the others.

[tylerdmoore]

How do you expect to seal that Quack without Duck Tape?