Lock Care

Start by wiping away any dirt, grime and salt deposits on and around the end of the lock cylinder barrel. Apply a small amount of powdered graphite to the key blade, then insert and remove the key three or four times, until the action feels smoother. Clean the key and test the lock. Graphite powder is available from major hardware stores and locksmiths.

Powdered graphite, and nothing else. Never use oil, fluid or aerosol spray lubricant inside a lock cylinder. Fluid can change the relative height of the pins enough to affect how the cylinder operates, and the grinding, catching and internal wear that follow gradually degrade the components. This applies to both Australian mortice lock cylinders and residential lock cylinders.

Once every 12 months under normal conditions, for both cylinders and latch mechanisms. In harsh or high-traffic environments, clean cylinders every six months, and more often if needed. Lock mechanisms contain many small, sensitive parts that collect impurities over time, so regular maintenance is what keeps them working for as long as possible.

Roughness when you insert or remove the key is a sign the cylinder is due for a clean, even if it has been less than 12 months since the last one. Clear any dirt or salt deposits from around the cylinder barrel, then apply powdered graphite to the key blade and work it in and out a few times. If it doesn't improve, ask a qualified locksmith to inspect it.

Remove the latch bolt mechanism once every 12 months, using its installation guide as a reference, and spray it with an aerosol lubricant to coat the internal parts. Unlike cylinders, latches do take spray lubricant. In highly corrosive or demanding environments, also spray the spindles and cams, or smear them with white lithium grease for longer-lasting protection. Worn components can be replaced from our spare parts range.

Cleaning a cylinder with graphite is routine upkeep you can do yourself. For anything beyond that, we recommend having your locks serviced by a qualified locksmith. Get in touch with our team.