So you’ve got a door lock that’s stuck, and you need a lubricant to get it back to pristine condition. You could pick up a silicone lubricant, graphite lubricant, or even a Teflon lubricant, but with so many options, which is the best for you?
Names like WD-40 and Houdini are common, but drying time, temperature, and formula count when picking a lubricant for a door lock. For the earth and health-conscious alike, what a lubricant is made of can also be a factor in choosing a lubricant that works.
We tested the reliability and efficacy of the classic silicone, dry graphite, and PTFE lubricants to find the best formulas and brands available for different types of door locks.
Here are our reviews of the top 9 door lock lubricants plus 3 honorable mentions.
Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall Lubricant: LiquidFix Door, Lock, And Hinge Lubricant | Includes a needle-tipped bottle to get the lubricant where you need it and nowhere else. | Check Price |
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Best Heptane Lubricant: 3-IN-One Lock Dry Lube | Penetrates deeply and dries quickly to protect the entire lock from dust and dirt buildup. | Check Price |
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Best Tack-Free Graphite Lubricant: B’laster 8-GS Industrial Graphite Dry Lubricant | Effective and dries tack-free for multiple uses like belts and gaskets. | Check Price |
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Best PTFE Lubricant: WD-40 Specialist | A trusted brand that can be used on multiple materials. Reduces friction for lock longevity. | Check Price |
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Best Silicone Lubricant: 3M Silicone Lubricant – Dry Version | Effective and safe at a wide temperature range. Silicone eliminates lock squeaking and rubbing. | Check Price |
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Best Graphite Lubricant: CRC Dry Graphite Lube | The best dry graphite door lock lubricant with other uses including gaskets, belts, and chains. | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Lubricants for Door Locks
Less Mess
Lubricants can be a messy business, and although there is no way to completely avoid that, we wanted to find lock lubricants that could take care of door locks with very little mess.
After all, a dry lock lubricant is designed to avoid the mess of dirt and dust getting in the lock. We found the least messy options that are sure to keep locks in top condition.
Some lubricants utilize different application methods that allow for a simpler lubrication process or particular ingredients that allow for a nearly invisible look. These lubricants are also very good at dealing with gunk or any residue left in door locks.
Effective Lock Lubricant
Obviously, the biggest factor that we all need to know is, does it work? We needed to make sure, most of all, that the lubricant for door locks could actually deal with a sticky lock. This is especially true in certain weather conditions and temperatures.
We found an assortment of lock lubricants including silicone, graphite, PTFE, and non-toxic mineral-based lubricants that effectively deal with sticky locks, dust, dirt, and grime.
These lubricants have applications aside from door locks. Several of these are effective when working with machine parts, motor vehicles, conveyor belts, etc. So without further ado, let’s help you to get unstuck with these best lubricants for door locks.
Best Lubricants for Door Locks Reviewed
1. Best Overall Lubricant: LiquidFix Door, Lock, and Hinge Lubricant
Product Rating
| Drytime | 4/5 |
| Cleanliness | 5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 |
Component: N/A | Amount in Container: 0.12 liters | Other Applications: Hinges, Glass Doors
What We Liked
- Built-in application nozzle
- Long-lasting formula
What We Didn’t Like
- Small bottle for the money
LiquidFix is one of the newcomers in the lock lube world and we think it is at the level of the veteran lubrication companies. We found this particular lubricant to be the most effective for loosening a sticky lock.
The bottle itself already has a dropper as part of the design, which makes application easy, so there’s no need to deal with an application straw that won’t fit or doesn’t focus the spray.
This lubricant isn’t just great for door locks, but is also perfect for hinges and most anything that squeaks.
It also comes in a nifty, slick bottle. We love this stuff, and most reviewers love it too. The bottle design cuts down on the mess while getting the effective amount into the lock.
See Price on Amazon2. Best Heptane Lubricant: 3-IN-One Lock Dry Lube
Product Ratings
| Drytime | 5/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 |
Component: Heptane | Amount in Container: 2.5 fl. oz.| Other Applications: Automotive, Marine, Home, Padlocks
What We Liked
- Designed specifically for locks
- Less mess than graphite sprays
What We Didn’t Like
- Issues with application straw
This lubricant for door locks works well on metal, wood, and most plastic surfaces. It’s also designed specifically for locks – including padlocks – and has a wide range of applications, including automotive, aviation, and door hinges.
This lubricant is a great option if you have any squeaky cabinets or fridge doors. Much like the CRC, there were complaints from reviewers regarding the attachable tube not fitting in the nozzle, or popping off during application.
We didn’t have this problem during testing. When used appropriately and accurately, this lubricant dries quickly and will protect the lock or hinge. It’s also great at keeping away dust and dirt and leaves a long-lasting anti-corrosive film.
See Price on Amazon3. Best Tack-free Graphite Lubricant: B’laster 8-GS Industrial Graphite Dry Lubricant
Product Rating
| Drytime | 5/5 |
| Cleanliness | 3/5 |
| Ease of Use | 3/5 |
Component: Graphite (Dry)| Amount in Container: 5.5 fl. oz. | Other Applications: Gaskets, Transfer and Conveyor Belts, Rollers, Wheels and Gears
What We Liked
- Dries tack-free
- Very effective at loosening and protecting locks
What We Didn’t Like
- Stains fabrics and skin
- Very aggressive spray application
We like this particular lubricant because, other than just being very effective, it comes out as a dark gray and dries tack-free. It’s perfect for any lock or smart lock.
Besides door locks, it works for other applications, including heavy machinery, motors, and gears. When a lubricant can be trusted for heavy machinery, you know it will work well. Since it dries tack-free, it means less mess.
One aspect we want you to keep in mind for this particular spray is that it can stain, so ensure you keep it away from fabrics and skin.
Also, it’s called the “B’laster” for a reason. The spray is quite aggressive, and while you should be cautious when using it, we found it to be a very effective lubricant for locks.
See Price on Amazon4. Best PTFE Lubricant: WD-40 Specialist
Product Rating
| Drytime | 2/5 |
| Cleanliness | 5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 |
Component: PTFE | Amount in Container: 10 fl. oz.| Other Applications: Blades, Bits, Conveyor Belts, Window Tracks
What We Liked
- High-quality formula
- Easy to use with attachable application straw
What We Didn’t Like
- Long drying time
WD-40 is a reliable brand that gets the job done and is considered one of the best lock lubricants, if not the best lubricant for door locks.
This lock lube is safe to use on wood, paper, fabrics, leather, metal, and most plastics (except clear polycarbonate and polystyrene).
We found this lubricant to be very effective but it does take more time than usual to dry. Some reviewers have even mentioned that it can take many minutes to properly dry.
However, it is industrial strength, and has deep penetration. We found waiting a couple of minutes for a protective and effective film to form is worth it, especially with this particular lubricant.
See Price on Amazon5. Best Silicone Lubricant: 3M Silicone Lubricant – Dry Version
Product Rating
| Drytime | 5/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 |
Component: Silicone (Dry) | Amount in Container: 8.5 fl. oz. | Other Applications: Window Channels, Plastic Dash, Weather Strips
What We Liked
- Maintains lubrication over a substantial temperature range
- Easy to apply spray straw
What We Didn’t Like
- Material must be at room temp for best results
3M is a popular company well known for its varied products, including tape, protective, and medical equipment. Although it isn’t known for its door lock lubricant, it certainly has an effective one.
This silicone lubricant comes with a spray straw that is easy to apply and dries with no evidence it’s even there! It won’t freeze at temperatures down to -28 degrees and won’t break down up to 350 degrees.
This makes it effective in multiple situations, including taking care of a sticky lock. And because it can handle lower temperatures, it’s perfect for outdoor locks in cold weather.
This doesn’t mean that it will work at its optimum in any temperature though, as it still works best when the door lock is at room temperature.
See Price on Amazon6. Best Graphite Lubricant: CRC Dry Graphite Lube
Product Ratings
| Drytime | 5/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 |
Component: Graphite (Dry) | Amount in Container: 10 fl. oz. | Other Applications: Marine, Heavy-Duty Motor Vehicles, Industrial-Grade Engines, Household Tools, and Electrical Equipment
What We Liked
- Multiple uses for mechanics
- Dries quickly for cleanliness
What We Didn’t Like
- Tube doesn’t always fit in the space needed for application
CRC has been in business since 1958 and specializes in automotive, aviation, engineering, and more. With that level of experience, you know that the CRC Dry Graphite Lube is perfect for a door lock.
This particular lubricant is dry graphite that dries at room temperature. Now, most of these lubricants have a fan-shaped spray, so they require a straw for application, especially for the deep penetration that a door lock needs.
Position the spray close to the lock, and you should be able to get the lube in just fine without the straw. We like this dry graphite lock lubricant because it dries quickly and is effective all around the house.
See Price on Amazon7. Best Mineral Formula Applicator: Leafy Lock and Hinge Lubricant
Product Rating
| Drytime | 4/5 |
| Cleanliness | 5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 |
Component: Mineral Based | Amount in Container: 4 fl. oz. | Other Applications: Stuck Pins/Sticky Keys/Stiff Hinges/Squeaky Doors
What We Liked
- Odorless mineral-based formula
- Petroleum-free and safe for the environment
- Safe formula for use in the home
What We Didn’t Like
- Application nozzle could be more precise
If you need to unstick door locks or smart locks, but looking for a healthier, more earth-safe option, Leafy Lock Lubricant is for you.
We are very impressed with this lock lube made of assorted minerals. It is safe for your children, pets, and yourself but still tough enough to lubricate smart locks or your standard door lock and protect it for months.
We really love this door lock lubricant because it is odorless. Which is fantastic, especially if you are tired of the strong scent of other lubricants.
It also doesn’t require an attachable straw like other lubricants because the bottle already has a perfect design for getting into a keyhole. It works on commercial locks, car locks, and, as the name suggests, door hinges.
This lubricant also works at low temperatures (as low as -35F), so it’s perfect for unsticking outdoor locks in the middle of the winter.
See Price on Amazon8. Best Quick Release Lubricant: Houdini Lock Lube
Product Rating
| Drytime | 5/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 |
Component: N/A | Amount in Container: 11.84 fl. oz. | Other Applications: Garage Door Track, Hinges, Rollers, Window Tracks
What We Liked
- Used by professional locksmiths
- Alternative to common lubricants
- Works like magic to unstick door locks and padlocks
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires repeated use
If you want what many consider the best lubricant for door locks, you want Houdini Lock Lube. It’s known as the door lock lubricant that professional locksmiths use.
They don’t even tell you what’s in the can because a magician never reveals their secrets, especially when they are as effective against door locks as this lubricant is. However, we know that it’s free of Teflon, silicone, grease, oil, and graphite.
Don’t feel limited to just door locks, though. Houdini also works for anything that may require lubrication or corrosion removal. If your lock or hinges attract dust or in a particular area that attracts dirt, this is a good lubricant for you.
Many reviewers mentioned this as being their favorite lubricant, and we understand why. As an American-made product, we can’t suggest it more. It gets the job done and doesn’t make a mess, which is why we think the Houdini Lock Lube is magic!
See Price on Amazon9. Best Odorless Mineral Lock Lubricant: UniSport Door, Lock, and Hinge Lubricant
Product Rating
| Drytime | 4/5 |
| Cleanliness | 5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 |
Component: Mineral Based | Amount in Container: 0.24 L | Other Applications: Sliding Doors, Sticky Keys, Stuck Locks, Squeaky Doors, Garage Doors
What We Liked
- Product is clear and clean
- Easy, mess-free application
- Works well at low temperatures
- Good for the environment
What We Didn’t Like
- Difficult to see where you applied it
Here’s another good lubricant that is gentle on the earth and your family. As we become more conscious of our Mother Earth, lock lubricants are following suit.
UniSport has created a lubricant to battle against the silicone lubricants and graphite lubricants of our times. This lube is mineral-based and operates in low temperatures (as low as -35F).
This lubricant is perfect for the winter months and for dealing with frozen locks. The bottle is designed with a dropper to easily apply this liquid lubricant to your hinges, locks, and window or sliding door tracks.
We love that it goes on clear, unlike many dry lubricants, which can leave a residue. This also means it can be difficult to see where it has already been applied, but we think the tradeoff is fair.
This lubricant also makes the lubrication process quite easy. With a silicone lube, Teflon-based lubricant, or PTFE lubricants, you risk a mess that would need to be cleaned up and risks staining the surrounding area.
Since this lubricant is mineral-based, you get an odorless lubricant for locks that is easy to handle and creates less mess.
See Price on AmazonComparison Chart
| Product | Best Overall Lubricant | Best Heptane Lubricant | Best Tack-free Graphite Lubricant | Best PTFE Lubricant | Best Silicone Lubricant | Best Graphite Lubricant | Best Mineral Formula Lubricant | Best Quick Release Lubricant | Best Odorless Mineral Lubricant |
| Overall Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 | 3.6/5 | 4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Drytime | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Cleanliness | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
The Winner
All of these lubricants are a great choice, but for us, the winner would have to be the LiquidFix Door, Lock, and Hinge Lubricant. The bottle design makes it easy to apply the lubricant, and since it takes less there is less of a mess.
Most reviewers have been very happy with this lubricant and we understand why. It worked great for everything we tested it on, and we will buy another bottle when this one runs out.
That being said, all of these lubricants are designed for door locks as well as other jobs. It just depends on what you would prefer.
How to Choose the Best Lubricant for Door Locks
You can’t go wrong with any of these, especially since these are the best of the best. They are all designed to lubricate stuck door locks.
However, you’re always trading one aspect for the other, and you may want a good all-around lubricant or one that will not stain the carpet.
Cleanliness
If you want a cleaner lubricant, such as the 3M, you may be giving up the effectiveness to keep off dust and dirt, but if you are more interested in long-lasting protection such as with the B’laster, you may have to deal with more of a mess.
The options that seem to be the cleanest are the more earth-friendly lubricants, which also utilize a more precise application process.
For instance, the Leafy Lock and the UniSport have bottles designed to be more precise, and since they are mineral-based lubricants, they go on clear.
Alternate Uses
With an effective lock lubricant, once the initial lubrication is finished, you probably won’t be touching that lubricant until another issue with a stuck lock arises.
We suggest you get the best bang out of your buck and purchase a lubricant that you may need to utilize for other purposes.
Maybe you work on your car here and there and want a lubricant that can be good for automotive parts. This is where we would steer you towards the CRC Dry Graphite Lube or the 3-IN-One Lock Dry Lube, which can be good for motor vehicles.
However, if you like to tinker with machine parts in your garage, we would point you towards the B’laster GS or the WD-40 Specialist.
If you find yourself working outdoors or camping and you have metal, wood, or plastic materials that require lubrication and corrosion or rust-fighting properties, we would suggest more earth-friendly options like the UniSport or Leafy lock.
Honorable Mentions
1. Clenzoil Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Lubricant & Rust Prevention – Considered for Best Overall
This lubricant is an American-made product from a company founded and run by veterans. It can be used on locks, bike chains, guns, fishing equipment, and more. The bottle comes with two application methods – dropper and spray – to adjust to your lubrication needs.
Overall we found the LiquidFix Door, Lock, and Hinge Lubricant was chosen as the best overall because it works great and the applicator tip was perfect for unsticking door locks.
2. LAB Lube Lock – Lubricant PTFE Powder – Considered for Best PTFE
This PTFE powder option is a great alternative to graphite. It will not clump and cake up and it’s the perfect option for keys that get stuck in locks. This is perfect for fighting friction and is another American-made product that required a mention.
We can’t help but love WD-40 Specialist more because it works perfectly, and the application bottle is better.
3. Quest Specialty Micro-Dry PTFE Dry Lubricant & Release Agent – Considered for Best PTFE
We tested quite a few PTFE lubricants, and this Quest Specialty brand is a great lubricant for your door lock. It is slicker than a silicone lubricant but doesn’t have a greasy feeling.
It is a low-odor, no-mess, non-staining lubricant for door locks that will get the job done. Again, the WD-40 Specialist won for the best PTFE lubricant, but if you want to explore other options, we recommend this one.
