Outside locks are terrible...any suggestions?

[Jusplainwacky]

I have a hell of a time getting the key in locks on the outside compartments. One would think they would have used better locks where the key just slides in.

Any suggestions other than WD-40, which doesn't seem to do anything.

[Mr Sunshine]

WD 40 is great for some applications.probably not the best for this. Suggest you try a good lock lube or silicone product. Then come back and tell us how it worked.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky

I have a hell of a time getting the key in locks on the outside compartments. One would think they would have used better locks where the key just slides in.

Any suggestions other than WD-40, which doesn't seem to do anything.

This works great

Prime-Line MP66780 Graphite Lubricant Powder, 6.5 Gram, Prevents Sticking and Wearing, (single pack) https://a.co/d/feiIBsa

[Jimbo56]

Use the same dry powder graphite. Works great. Doesn’t gum stuff up. However, you may find that water intrusion is causing the cylinder to rust causing it to be hard to turn.

[Vibeman]

I use wd40 in my basement door locks 2-3 times per year and they all work smoothly and the key slides in easily. At first they were just like yours after one year, very difficult to get the key in. Get a stool, get your key, sit down by the lock, get comfortable. Push the red straw through the little spring door directly into the lock. Give it one small shot then start sliding the key in and out a few times. Give it another shot, slide key in and out repeatedly. Keep doing that until the key slides in and out smoothly and easily. Now spray wd40 around the lock cylinder, inside the door and outside the door then turn the cylinder with the key repeatedly until it works smoothly too. Now wipe off all excess lube. If you have an air compressor you can blow directly into the lock to get more excess lube out. Once the entire lock mechanism works smoothly you will only need to re-lube 1-2 per year.
“WD” stands for “water displacement” it will help keep water out of the locks, but only for a while. I have tried the dry lube and never had good luck with it on locks exposed to the elements.
Yes, WD-40 residue will attract some dirt but the locks will work smoothly so I just wipe off the dirt.

[Jimbo56]

Originally Posted by Vibeman

I use wd40 in my basement door locks 2-3 times per year and they all work smoothly and the key slides in easily. At first they were just like yours after one year, very difficult to get the key in. Get a stool, get your key, sit down by the lock, get comfortable. Push the red straw through the little spring door directly into the lock. Give it one small shot then start sliding the key in and out a few times. Give it another shot, slide key in and out repeatedly. Keep doing that until the key slides in and out smoothly and easily. Now spray wd40 around the lock cylinder, inside the door and outside the door then turn the cylinder with the key repeatedly until it works smoothly too. Now wipe off all excess lube. If you have an air compressor you can blow directly into the lock to get more excess lube out. Once the entire lock mechanism works smoothly you will only need to re-lube 1-2 per year.
“WD” stands for “water displacement” it will help keep water out of the locks, but only for a while. I have tried the dry lube and never had good luck with it on locks exposed to the elements.
Yes, WD-40 residue will attract some dirt but the locks will work smoothly so I just wipe off the dirt.

As a matter of experience, however you lube locks, that stool is the most important piece! I have commandeered my wife’s gardening stool so many times it is now housed in my shop!

[Muggs]

I oil all locks storage and door with leftover synthetic motor oil once a year. I include inside of compartment locks.

[Jusplainwacky]

The problem I'm having it getting the key in the lock. There is a small cover on the lock that the key has to get past first..that is the problem.

[Vibeman]

If your locks are really bad you can take them right out of the door panel and submerge them in WD40 or any penetrating oil overnight. Then go to work with your key.

[Jusplainwacky]

Originally Posted by Vibeman

If your locks are really bad you can take them right out of the door panel and submerge them in WD40 or any penetrating oil overnight. Then go to work with your key.

I don't think people are understanding what I'm referring to. I cannot get the key into the lock. So I can soak it, put WD-40, graphite in the lock and it's not going to anything.

As I mentioned, the lock as a small "door" over the hole..the problem is getting the key to push the door out of the way to get the key in the lock.

[ericmac450]

Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky

I don't think people are understanding what I'm referring to. I cannot get the key into the lock. So I can soak it, put WD-40, graphite in the lock and it's not going to anything.

As I mentioned, the lock as a small "door" over the hole..the problem is getting the key to push the door out of the way to get the key in the lock.

That's what they are saying, take the lock off the door (you might have to work with it to get into it) then once the door is open, take the whole lock off the door (it's just a simple cylinder nut on the back) and soak the whole thing in some sort of oil.

I have the same problems and WD40 then quite often but never have sprayed directly into the lock. I'll give that a try soon.

[GTM41261]

look at updating the locks to one key. RVLOCK.COM. Nicer lock than the standard used on most

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky

I don't think people are understanding what I'm referring to. I cannot get the key into the lock. So I can soak it, put WD-40, graphite in the lock and it's not going to anything.

As I mentioned, the lock as a small "door" over the hole..the problem is getting the key to push the door out of the way to get the key in the lock.

I has this issue. Something in my storage area had hold of the lock! Let moving lock up and down and got it one key broke.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Scubawise

I has this issue. Something in my storage area had hold of the lock! Let moving lock up and down and got it one key broke.

Not his issue. See the door on the attached cylinder picture? It won't move out of the way to let the key inside.

[Jusplainwacky]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Not his issue. See the door on the attached cylinder picture? It won't move out of the way to let the key inside.

Thanks Ted for clearly explaining the issue.

I was thinking maybe I should file the sides of the key so it's thinner. Or change the locks as suggested. I think all the keys should have been the same instead of having two different types.

[Muggs]

I understood, the little metal door can get really stuck between corrosion, grit and mud dobbers here. I had to replace 1 that was impossible. As stated earlier, all get a couple drops of synthetic motor oil once a year and not been issue since.

[widdershins]

I'd start working on the keyhole 'door' with a small screwdriver and your penetrating lubricant of choice. It should free up with some work.

[Jusplainwacky]

Originally Posted by widdershins

I'd start working on the keyhole 'door' with a small screwdriver and your penetrating lubricant of choice. It should free up with some work.

I just got back from a trip and I'll give this a try, but I think this is more of a design flaw as most of my compartments are difficult to get the key in the lock.

[mgunnin]

Not a design flaw. We all have the same issue.
Please try the suggestions give. I ordered all new locks for my compartments.
They started do the same thing after a short time. You must follow the directions as given. We have all been there. You cannot reinvent the lock so that it does not require the solutions given my all before my message.

[GTM41261]

Just saying I had the same issues stuck key hard to turn just crappy OEM locks. Came across RVLOCK.COM and ended up changing out the locks and now only have the one key for the house door and outside locks .