good to know

[Ozzy77]

Today I spent almost an hour getting the key out of the start switch(0500 in the morning at the airport), came to be the key worn due to the use so tried an extra copy and it works great, so get and keep the copy before your original one fails.

[TheZuke!]

Yeah, I'm on the second key, both sides of the first key are worn.

Oh yeah, back when my Datsun 720 had key problems, the
lock dude told me not to use WD-40 in locks ( I had).

WD stands for Water Dispersant, developed by NASA to dry
damp circuits/wiring.

TheZuke!
1994 JX 4x4 16v 5-speed 4-door AC

[Rhinoman]

I don't see whats wrong with using WD40 in locks. Yes its a water dispersant, it keeps the moisture off and stops them freezing. WD40 is really just a fish oil, it lubricates.

[kahunnagrande]

The oil in WD 40 will attract dirt, grit, etc. Keep any oil based lubricant away from any lock. Use powdered graphite.

[garcia]

Originally Posted by Rhinoman

I don't see whats wrong with using WD40 in locks. Yes its a water dispersant, it keeps the moisture off and stops them freezing. WD40 is really just a fish oil, it lubricates.

The only problem that I see with WD40 is that its oily and will get into your keys, possibly staining your pants when you put the keys into your pocket.

[dbacon]

WD 40 has its place, it is wonderful, but not for some things, one I know of is to protect a model airplane engine from the nasty water that rusts the ball bearings. This will not happen in a sleeve bearing engine.

My problem is stuck rings on two of my favorites - SupreTigre 90 engines. Secondary problem was busting the $14 ring I waited a week for on my first one...

So to unfreeze things I use "New" Gunk Liquid Wrench, really great on door hinge pins that are exposed to the rain, like my Express Van. It is really nasty black, maybe lithium ??, graphite ??, and you wouldn't want to get that on your clothes, so just be careful.

For the engines, I use auto trans fluid. One of my flyn buddies pointed out that it never evaporates, or jells up. I now use that as 2-cycle oil in my string trimmer, chain saw, & snow blower, for years now, no problem.

Any comments?

[Rhinoman]

It turns out that the fish oil thing is an urban myth. The Material Safety Data Sheet states othewise:

1.1 Chemical characterisation Organic mixture of highly refined mineral oil distillates of special composition, which repels moisture, prevents corrosion, cleans and lubricates.

I use the key to move the shutter back and then spray/drip along the groove on the key to get the oil in. I wipe the key afterwards and after the next time its used, after that I don't notice it being any more oily than it would otherwise be. Locks are oiled/greased from the factory.
I've never had a problem with dirt or grit even on motorcycle ignition switches after 200K through all weather.

[dbacon]

Good research, the MSDS sheets are a good reference. So WD 40 won't lower my LDL? ha ha