(169) LOCK LUBRICANTS 

And again, thank you for doing THIS video. I buy a ton of preowned locks and padlock for the lock bundles that I sell and I absolutely refuse to resell locks that are grimy gritty and crusty. Everything is thoroughly scrubbed clean, and I have only been using Houdini, which I love. But, I have been using Tri-Flow in my bicycle break cables for over 30 years. It never occurred to me to use it in locks as a Houdini replacement. And you’re right about the Houdini spray nozzle, I have damn near blown padlocks right out of my hand with it. Unlike you, I love the smell. Keep up the good work.👍🏻

The other thread was going nuts with it, and I was currently watching this video when I noticed.. HAPPY 5K SANDMAN

Such a useful video on lock lubricants! Thanks Sandman!

Man, why you gotta tempt the juvenile humor in me? 😂😂😂 Pretty sweet idea right there. Another thing I know squat about, getting a full primer is pretty sweet!!

Thanks sandman..you just answered some questions I've had on lubing locks,for years I've took some aerosol sprays and transfer some to needle oilers to prevent the overspray and mess..

Hey I recognize that challenge lock! lol great video man. I love both Tri-Flow and Houdini. Have you tried LPS1? It was recommended to me

Tri flow is the goat

I have used Houdini to good effect in the past. I happen to like the smell, it's like oranges. I once used it to rinse out some Abus dimple locks that started to bind up after relentless float picking the wrong direction, a ton of tiny glitter came out. Yes the spray is messy. I recently used it on some other stuff that it hasn't helped much on, a PL90A-PRO and a West 916. Those 200Ks are so crunchy and Houdini didn't help, I think I'll try the Triflow next. Fwiw my locksmith friend also recommends Triflow. As for those high tolerance locks, brown belt and up, I guess I need to up my lube game.

Ive been looking for a "straight" answer to this, from graphite to oils and everyone has there reason why, out comes my book again... Lengend, thanks Sandman!

Always wondered about lubricant but not enough to look it up myself. Lazy I know.. Thanks for the info. Awesome video

The problem is, after the lock reaches the public, WD40 is likely the #1 reached for lube, with maybe 3in1 oil being next. Thanks for the video educating us on this issue.

Thanks Sandman. There's quite some valueable information in here! Your takes about lock lube for locks that are actually in use and the tips with disk break cleaner and alcohol based cleaners are quite good. Also the comment about the time it takes to actually penetrate everything with a solution (especially if you haven't gutted everything) Let me put another recommendation out there out of my expierience working in an industry with even tighter tolerances: Isopropanol Might be a bit on the expensive side, but if you want a cleaner that actually evaporates without leaving anything back, that's what you wanna go for. Other alcohol based cleaners (including such cleaners for electronics) should probably work too. About Houdini: I first learned about it's existance when I got into this hobby. After checking it out, I remain so sceptical that I refrained from buying it so far. It spends so much time and effort saying what it is NOT, while avoiding to say what it actually is that it just seems sketchy. Also, the savety datasheet of Houdini states that it indeed contains oil. So there's that. That also explains your expierience that it didn't quite evaporate as you'd expect it to. What I do not understand at all in the locksports community is why you would you actually lube that locks? Cleaning them throughout and keeping them dry should be absolutly sufficient in most cases (unless you're dealing with really old, beaten up locks. They could probably use some) - unless the manufacturer states otherwise of course. If you really wanna use something to lube your locks regardless, use something like graphite or lithium (either dry or in a solvent that will evaporate and leave the dry product behind). But be aware that lubricant manufactures often state that these kinds of lubricant stay in place and work for something like 10-20 years (depending on the product). And use tiny amounts, as excess lube will gather somewhere and probably clog it up.

LPS #1

Excellent video!! I love the attention to detail that I haven't seen from 99.9% of other picker videos. 2 questions, were do you find the good lubes for the locks? 2, which tubular lock impressioning tool do you recommend? I don't want to waste $ if I don't have to. Thanks

Very nice video. I Also agree as a Luthier/ guitar Tech and locksporter…

This is information I have been wanting to know for some time now. Thanks for doing this video. Great tips, I have used brake cleaner and a lock lubricant for bringing locks back into service in locksport for some time now. Cheers

Great educational video sandman! I'll have to try some new lubes.. usually I just use dry lock spray . But it does spray back at me.. if the pins are janky. And sticking.. I put a fee drops of a cleaner.. then like 2 drops of gun lube . That works pretty ok. Keeps them lubed for a while.. but I do need to use better stuff haha. Thanks again for the info! Keep up the great vids!

Sort of a side question.. I lost the straw for my can of Houdini. Anyone have any suitable replacements?

Yo Sandman!!!! And I know this is way off topic from this video, but I got a question, and I know if anybody was to know, it would most definitely be you!!! I've been looking at the Ksec picks. I don't know why they catch my eye every time I look at them, I think maybe it's just the handle. I've emailed them, I've read everything on their site, I can't find out what type of metal they're using, let alone find a review on their picks. They do got them in two different thicknesses. But yeah, if you know anything about them just let me know. Thank you again my friend for everything you do for this community!! Looking forward to your next review, my friend!! 🔒🔒🔒

I use mineral oil. It’s clear and cheap. I heard from someone that it’s a major ingredient in Houdini. There’s no way to fact check that since no one knows the special sauce, but it works very well.

Is there anything wrong with using ballistol?

A most comprehensive analysis on lubricants! Honestly, the only time I apply a penetrant/lube to a lock is if it’s detectably sticky or corroded. P.S. What are your thoughts regarding CRC QD Electronic Cleaner?

I personally believe that solids (graphite) does not belong in precision mechanisms. I know it was traditionally used everywhere - but nowadays there are better things to use. I had good experience with spray (light oil). Synthetic ones stay on liquid (no gumming) for very long time and are now fairly inexpensive.