Lock lube; oil or grease ?

[kyron4]

What is preferred when lubing the moving parts of the lock ; oil or grease ? It would seem the tumbler and tumbler axis should get a light smear of grease, along with the sear engagement. However I've been told never to use grease in the lock, oil only ; except frizzen foot, It gets grease. What do you used and why ? -Thanks

 

[andy52]

I normally use BC Barricade first and then add a touch of white lithium grease to the bearing surfaces..

 

[x_count]

I use the old saying I was taught in school for modern firearms. If it rotates, oil it. If it slides, grease it. Grease is to be used sparingly though.

 

[flconch53]

I use the old saying I was taught in school for modern firearms. If it rotates, oil it. If it slides, grease it. Grease is to be used sparingly though.

To me it is how fastidious you are about gun maintenance. I use oil but then I shoot and clean my guns often. If you are an occasional shooter or if it is a seldom used gun grease but sparingly

 

[smo]

Graphite…..

 

[wiscoaster]

... However I've been told never to use grease in the lock ...

.... If it rotates, oil it. If it slides, grease it. Grease is to be used sparingly though.

Grease is more likely to accumulate burnt powder residue. So, if you're meticulous about cleaning after shooting it shouldn't be a problem. WRT to sear engagement, in my experience, too much lubrication is often not helpful.

 

[SOLANCO]

I use the old saying I was taught in school for modern firearms. If it rotates, oil it. If it slides, grease it. Grease is to be used sparingly though.

Ditto from our armorer.

 

[Ed C.]

I use Mobil 1 synthetic. I shoot often but my locks are pretty well sealed from smoke and stay pretty clean. I'll pull and clean them once or twice a year. Grease holds up well over time.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I normally use BC Barricade first and then add a touch of white lithium grease to the bearing surfaces..

Yep, I've seen this combo a lot.

LD

 

[Robin101]

I remember Jim Chambers being asked the most prevalent cause of lock problems. He was very adamant, they don't lubricate them!
I use Mobile 1 oil and Mobile 1 one grease. One purchase of each and my great grandchildren will still be using it, well hopefully.
Robin

 

[Rifleman1776]

Oil, whatever is handy. Often WD-40, but my preferred is Break-Free. Don't knock the WD-40 some of these locks have been used heavily for half a century with nary a problem.

 

[josie wales]

Fluid Film for everything.

 

[Steve Lupcho]

Grease.
It also creates a barrier from the burning powder for the protection of the internal steel parts.
II don't know how many black powder firearms I have, but every one of them have been polished then greased with axle Grease. They're all like brand new today. Several were used hard and some were just used occasionally and put away..

 

[Relic shooter]

I use Mobil 1 synthetic. I shoot often but my locks are pretty well sealed from smoke and stay pretty clean. I'll pull and clean them once or twice a year. Grease holds up well over time.

Agree !
I picked up the Mobil 1 full synthetic tip up from 45D / Mike.
May be not a traditional period lube like Sperm oil or bear grease works great on my guns.
Especially effective to lube & keep crud & cap frags out of the actions on my C&B revolvers !
Relic shooter