Locks for trailers, how do you keep them free and working smoothly.

[prs]

I use pad locks and chain to keep ramps and tailgates from walking off. I use the locking pins on receiver hitches and also on the ball couplers of smaller trailers. But, kept outside and not used over winter, in spring the locks are bound-up with corrosion. The pad locks not so much, but those cheap receiver and latch locks. I have been told that my remedy, WD-40, is bad for locks; but it works PDQ and can then be chased with graphite bearing lock lube after the WD has dissipated. Outside storage is pretty much the rule.

prs

 

[Sysop]

Hello fellow Mountaineer!

Try Fluid Film rather than WD40. Fluid Film, put it on in the fall when you lock stuff down. It will last through the winter and still be lubed come spring time. I spray the undersides of my mowers and other implements that set outside to prevent rust. Really good stuff...

 

[mjw357]

There's a product called Houdini Lock Lube that is supposed to be the best at freeing up locks and preventing corrosion, etc.

 

[boggen]

pad locks, have had better long term doings with the ones that are coated in a rubberish substance, and a little plastic cap over the key hole. *lock ends up some what water proof* and more so dust proof.

generally PB blaster, and tapping with a hammer. though normally requires PB blaster when i first find i can not open lock, then waiting a day, and re hit with BP blaster and a couple taps of a hammer to free stuff up. then once free'ed up and removed, messing around locking/unlocking a few times with some additional PB blaster to work everything free and getting it operational again. granted by the time i end up getting lock working again i have made a mess, and hands greasy and no real way to open doors without leaving smudge marks on everything, and paper towels / rags blowing away due to being outside.

brass locks, seem to have better luck with. though with them it is same as winter. and needing ice melt spray. to unfreeze them. even in summer brass locks will still collect dust and crud in them. and may need some PB blaster to start turning/sliding easier.

prefer locks with a key, over combination locks. combination locks have made my fingers raw and have gotten a couple paper cuts from different styles due to rusted / cruded up / frozen up.

 

[coobie]

Strong arm brand lube or Fluid film.

 

[JJZ 109]

I did some with Fluid Film last winter. In spring when it was still cold enough to freeze, all 3 locks on my bike hauler were frozen. For me, the old standby WD40, CRC 556 or any of those types have worked.
I have a part time job driving truck for US Mail contractor. We always have the roll up doors on the truck boxes locked. In winter, those locks take a beating from road salt, sand, snow and slush. We wash them out with hot water occasionally and then spray them with a lube. The name escapes me now, but I'll grab it next time I have to work. We hit the locks with the lube every night and then leave them in the cab of the truck over night to keep them out of the weather, as there is nothing in the boxes then.

 

[JJZ 109]

It's Free All that we keep in the mail trucks for lock maintenance.

 

[triptester]

I have locks on my trailers and sheds they are over 25 years old. Seldom do I have a problem with them. They are laminated brass body Master locks.
I don't know if they make them anymore as I got them used and they were all keyed alike.

I just checked online and they still make them they are marine grade locks.
laminated brass Master locks | eBay

 

[3930dave]

On outdoor non-automotive padlocks, I tend to just use a propane torch on 'em when they freeze up - then bring them inside to dry out. Shot of graphite once in a while. WD's original requirement was to disperse water, if you can get the can to spray, it is still good at it....

Brass was a traditional good choice for marine environments. Unfortunately, around here govts have done a great job of "tuning" the saline brine they use - gotta keep the car plants running.....

My vehicles are old enough that they need some help with brine-seized locks. I'll use various penetrating oils when forced to (corrosion is that bad here), followed up with graphite.

Rust Check red is one of my favourites.....

Rust Inhibitor – Rust Check Canada & United States

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

This thread reminded me of a type of padlock I haven't seen in quite a while.....

Magnetic Padlock - Candado Magnetico 92C - - Amazon.com

No traditional cylinder to seize up, being magnetic.

No idea how good that linked brand is.

Rgds, D.