Originally Posted by alanbikehouston
The OnGuard mechanism is essentially the same as that being used on the best 2006 Kryptonite locks. Both require that the key be fully seated before turning, or the internal discs get misaligned. If the disks are misaligned, it takes ten seconds (with a little practice) the realign them with the tip of the key.
All locks, every brand, will have problems when exposed to rain, road spray, salt, and corrosive chemicals (such as the "air" in states under the rule of the petro-chemical industry). Treating with lubricant from the corner locksmith will prevent problems. If you have neglected to use lube, WD-40 will get the lock working again.
These are NOT "OnGuard problems". These are "owners not reading the instructin manual" problems.
I'm going to disagree with you on this one. I've had three Onguard locks freeze up on me in six months. I took the first one to a locksmith, not even he could open it.
First- I've read the instruction manual that came with my Onguard locks in detail. I've even translated it.
Second- I lubercate my locks every month.
Third- Before I bought Onguard locks for my wife and I we used Abus chains with the same style key as the Onguard. Over several years using the Abus locks we never had a problem, they open every time.
The long and the short of it is that mainland China made Onguard locks are not made with nearly the precision of Abus locks. The mechanism in the Onguard is sloppy. There must be a reason Onguard changes the design of their locks so often.