By Mark Chapman, Klic-Key

Three years ago, in these very pages, I wrote about the dangers of using WD40 with your locks. It’s an issue I still come across, so now is a good time to return to the subject.

When people encounter a sticky, problematic lock, WD40 seems to be the obvious answer. I’m an auto-locksmith, and it’s not just cars where I come across this issue. Locksmith Bugsy Edwards at Keywise encounters just the same issue at domestic properties with window and door locks.

Sure enough, after a couple of squirts of WD40 everything seems to be like new. But in the longer term it’s a different story. Over a period of weeks, WD40 goes off like glue, becoming waxier with time. So, where you may have had a minor problem before, you’ve now got a serious one.

As professional locksmiths, albeit in two different trades, both Klic-Key and Keywise only use oil-free lubricants and we strongly recommend that you do too.

If you’re having problems with your locks, or you’ve used WD40 and are now encountering problems on your vehicle or at home, then give Keywise or myself a call. We can help avoid a sticky situation and get everything running smoothly once more.