Sticky Boot Lock

chamois | 15:44 Sun 06th Feb 2022 | Motoring

14 Answers

My daughters Dacia has a key operated boot ie it doesn't unlock as part of the central locking on the vehicle. The key has become a little more difficult to turn in the lock in recent days and I think it needs some lubrication.
What's the best thing to use? I'm shying away from wd40 but advice on the web seems to be to use silicon spray. Others advise squirting graphite powder into the key slot although it's said to be messy. Any ideas please?

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bookbinder

I don't think that it really matters whether you use WD40 or graphite powder. What I would suggest is, whichever you use, apply it to the key rather than the lock. It's a less-messy solution.

Buenchico

I'd just squirt WD40 into the lock. It's always worked for me ;-)

Hopkirk

Apparently ordinary oils can make it worse in the long term Chris, as they can accumulate the dirt and add to the problem.
Silicone or graphite is preferred.
Pencil lead is usually graphite.

Khandro

Hopkirk; WD40 isn't an "ordinary oil". That would be my first choice too.

Khandro

PS, Is it an older car & is the key worn?

bhg481

I would only ever use silicon lubricant in a lock. I spray into into the lock ie, not via the key, as the carrier fluid evaporates leaving just the lubricant and no mess.

douglas9401

Places WD40 should never be used:

4. Locks. The spray can prematurely wear down the internal mechanisms, especially in the pin tumbler locks, in door locks and padlocks. Go for graphite powder.

Khandro

From where came that Douglas ?

Mamyalynne

https://gizmodo.com/10-surprising-uses-for-wd-40-and-5-places-it-should-ne-5932262

THECORBYLOON

My sister had problems with the lock on her front door and was telt to use graphite powder.

She ordered some from Amazon for about £6, she said it was messy but she was putting in the lock rather than on the key.

It was in a wee squeezy bottle rather than a spray so I would suggest dusting the key with the powder.

mjwman

WD40 is not a lubricant , its a water dispersant. Oilks will attract and hold dirt so bad for locks. Graphite is ok but a silicone spray will do the job well.