Do I need to maintain my lock?

Updated on Oct 12, 2026

All locks need a little bit of love.

Locks used outside and exposed to the elements. You an avoid this with proper maintenance.

Dirt, salt and water can still enter the key cylinder even though many of our products have protective covers over the keyway. For this reason, routine maintenance, such as lubricating the chain on your bicycle or changing the oil in your car, is crucial. There is no set schedule for lock maintenance; instead, it depends on the conditions and how often you use your lock. But once a month is a good place to start.

If you are in the habit of lubricating your chain, then just add a dab of lube into your lock keyway too. This will keep your lock in good operating order. If your lock is exposed to a harsh environment, you might wish to increase the frequency of maintenance.

Which lubricant should I use?

Use the lubricant recommended for your particular lock and follow its care instructions. Not every cleaning spray is suitable for ongoing lubrication, and different lock mechanisms can need different treatment.

If the key is difficult to insert or turn, tell us the lock model and symptoms so we can advise on cleaning or lubrication. A key that will not seat fully is not necessarily a lubrication problem.

Keep the keyway cover closed when the lock is not being operated, where one is fitted, and check outdoor locks periodically rather than waiting until the mechanism becomes difficult to use.

We recommend a lubricant like Finish Line, which is a common bicycle-chain lube with a Teflon fluoropolymer. One of the most slick materials on the market is Teflon, which is a wax-based material rather than an oil. It adheres to the components inside the lock rather than dripping.

To start, use a cloth to wipe out any dirt that you can see. You can also spray a degreaser, like brake cleaner into the lock. Then leave it to dry in a position where any dust and dirt can drip out. Drip a couple of drops of lubricant into the lock and then insert the key. Open and close the lock a few times, to ensure a good spread of lubricant on the moving parts.

Remember that a spray like WD-40 is not a great long-term lubricant, it's more of a solvent and was designed to displace water (Water Displacement 40) and may dissolve any grease and grime but won't work well as a lock lubricant over a prolonged period.

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Thanks for some great products. Your kit protected my bikes perfectly during a burglary a few years ago and it’s still going (extremely) strong.

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I bought from you once and only needed to buy once in 2016, but suffice to say that the 19mm bespoke length chain, and ground anchor installed according to Pragmasis instructions are still going strong, keeping my bike safe just off the street in Brixton, London.

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