stiff ignition lock cylinder

Sewing machine oil, or machine oil.

 

If you have not oiled it yet I might suggest graphite instead of oil to lubricate locks as it tends not to attract dirt over the long haul which will increase wear.

 

As a licensed locksmith, I'll suggest that you DO NOT use graphite. It will combine with the metal fragments, moisture, and dirt to form a paste that gums up the works. It is fine for residential locks, but is not the way to go on an automotive lock. We use a synthetic lube in the shop and in the field, but a readily-available suitable lubricant is Tri-Flow. You'll find it at a lot of bicycle shops.

We clean the locks with electrical contact cleaner, then lube. If you do decide to clean the locks in place, I'd suggest disconnecting the battery, then a spray of the cleaner followed by working the key in and out. A few cycles of that, then a bit of the Tri-Flow after the cleaner dries works well.

Another thing to avoid is WD40. It works well for freeing up the parts, but we find that it becomes gummy after a few months. Feel free to message me if you need more information.

Steve Sandlin, Registered Locksmith
License B12682
'84 Mondial Cab

 

Thank you, great info and you've kept me from making a mistake on my own car. I'd have done the same as with my residential.

 

I understand that position on an outside lock but the OP was referring to the ignition lock or so I thought which is inside the car. However, I see your point also.

 

Just reporting what I have found after working on ignition locks from many different manufacturers for a lot of years. Admittedly an ignition lock does not get quite the dirt an exterior lock does, there is still dirt introduced such as pocket fuzz on a key, etc. Metal particles come from wear in the broaching of the lock cylinder, the key, and the internal parts of the lock. Atmospheric humidity is introduced. I'm not going to say that other materials and procedures won't work. I'm giving my advice based on experience and what I do with my own cars.
Respectfully,
Steve

 

Thanks Steve for the professional advice. Would Tuner Wash be okay? I use that product alot and never considered it as a dual use prduct.

 

The tuner cleaner should be OK. It has a little lube in it versus a straight electrical cleaner, but we're not needing hospital-grade clean here.
Steve

 

Thanks for reminding me about this. I used to use Tri-flow at work all the time and loved it. Then we couldn't get it anymore and I haven't seen any in the stores. Just looked on Amazon and have a couple cans on the way. It is WAY better than WD-40 or any of the other common brand names lubes out there. WAY better!!