Bike Lock Froze Up-Question??
 

I've had a Onguard mini lock for close to 4 years. I never once used any lubrication on it & it never gave me any problems until today. The key would only turn half way! I borrowed a friends graphite lube and eventually got the key to work. My question is this lock okay to use or should I be on the safe side & buy a new Onguard Mini? I always thought the average age of a lock was around 5 years anyways?

Thanx For Any Responses

Seems like rust to me. You might pour oil into all opening an rotate the key to circulate it.

You might also buy a carbide hacksaw blade just incase. Some say Dremel with a diamond wheel.

I'm thinking you fixed it.

If it was my lock I'd continue just as I had for 4 more years, give it another squirt of graphite, and go 4 more.

Would you buy a new car just because the oil needed changing?

Shot of WD40 worked wonders for mine. I'm not a big fan of oil in locks, but who cares if a bike lock drips a little?

Silicon lubricant worked perfect in two of our U-Locks. The U section was binding inside and the key wouldn't turn. Doesn't collect crud or drip either, not much of a residue left over. Plastic/rubber safe also. Graphite can clump up and ruin a lock if it gets wet or is subject to high humidity so I've heard.

A lock smith's shop will carry a lube made for precisely this problem. Put a drop in the keyway and work the key back and forth a few minutes. Also put a drop on the movable bolts inside the crossbar and work the bolts back and forth by opening and closing the lock with the key. Do this twice a year and your lock could outlast you.

This is a known problem with OnGuard locks of a few years ago. Between me, my wife, and a friend we've had it happen to four locks. Personally I replaced mine, as I had one that wouldn't open no matter what. If it does happen again try whacking the lock with a heavy object; it should help. This piece of advice used to be on the OnGuard/Todson website.......