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mini U-Lock help needed

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mini U-Lock help needed

Old 07-31-08 | 10:06 AM
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mini U-Lock help needed

I did a quick search of the archives and didn't find an answer to this. I've been using the same Krypto mini for 2 or 3 years now, but all of a sudden, about two weeks ago, opening and closing the lock became a huge problem. I am completely perplexed. Yesterday I must have spent a good 10 minutes jiggling the key and lock before it finally opened. I'm ready to toss it and buy a new one, unless there is some fix, like spray WD40 in the lock or something like that? Anyone able to help out?
Thanks in advance!
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Old 07-31-08 | 10:11 AM
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Try spraying WD40 in there till it just gushes out, to clean the mechanism. Then let it dry out and drip some real oil in it. WD40 really doesn't excel as a lube; it wears off too quick. But it's great for getting things going.
The best lube for locks is supposed to be graphite, but that's a dry lube, and I'm not sure how it would work if applied right after the WD. If anyone has any advice about that, I'd be interested, too.
Lastly, if it's old enough that it has a round key, just replace it before somebody pics it with a Bic pen.
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Old 07-31-08 | 10:19 AM
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Have you tried using a spare/different key? Maybe your key is old and worn and not turning the lock tumblers the way it used to.
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Old 07-31-08 | 10:24 AM
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Thanks - I'll try both WD40 and switching keys. (No, it's not one of the Bic pen breakable locks).
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Old 07-31-08 | 10:45 AM
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don't use graphite. I would just drop some 3 in 1, or motor oil in there if it really needs lube. Most likely the WD will fix it
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Old 07-31-08 | 10:48 AM
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thats happened to me after leaving my bike locked up when its raining. i just drop some oil in there and open and close it a few times just to get it worked in.
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Old 07-31-08 | 12:22 PM
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WD40 will work for a day or two. It's not for bikes. Use chain lube on it.
 
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Old 07-31-08 | 01:03 PM
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I have had problems with my Krypto locks as well, especially the kind that lock on both sides of the shackle as opposed to the kind that sort of hooks in and then locks on one side. (My yellow beast from hell fuggedaboutit lock specifically). I just sorta fiddled with it and never lubed it, eventually it worked fine again.

My broseph has a new bulldog (also the kind that locks on both ends) and his did that the other day, probably 5th time he unlocked it.

I guess I offer no assistance with solving the problem, just assurance that you are not alone

I *luuurve* my orange krypto mini, hasn't choked on me so far. The fuggedaboutit choked like a barely legal teen
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Old 07-31-08 | 01:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 4zn_balla
don't use graphite. I would just drop some 3 in 1, or motor oil in there if it really needs lube. Most likely the WD will fix it
Why not graphite? It's great for lock mechanisms. 3 in 1 is a vegetable based oil and I wouldn't use it on anything. Liquid based lubes tend to attract dust which is why graphite works so well.
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Old 07-31-08 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by whalesalad
I have had problems with my Krypto locks as well, especially the kind that lock on both sides of the shackle as opposed to the kind that sort of hooks in and then locks on one side. (My yellow beast from hell fuggedaboutit lock specifically). I just sorta fiddled with it and never lubed it, eventually it worked fine again.

My broseph has a new bulldog (also the kind that locks on both ends) and his did that the other day, probably 5th time he unlocked it.

I guess I offer no assistance with solving the problem, just assurance that you are not alone

I *luuurve* my orange krypto mini, hasn't choked on me so far. The fuggedaboutit choked like a barely legal teen
yikes
i like my lock too but this is too much
 
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Old 07-31-08 | 02:03 PM
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What is a broseph?
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Old 07-31-08 | 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by cavit8
Why not graphite? It's great for lock mechanisms. 3 in 1 is a vegetable based oil and I wouldn't use it on anything. Liquid based lubes tend to attract dust which is why graphite works so well.
I worked for a place with a locksmith and he swore AGAINST graphite..

A dry spray lubricant is best for lubing the lock.

Just buy an On Guard Mini Bulldog
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Old 07-31-08 | 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by andrewro
What is a broseph?


a dood who eats brologna sandwiches
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Old 07-31-08 | 04:48 PM
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Dry lube only. Wet lubes will attract dirt and dust and make things worse in the long run. WD40 is a bad idea.
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Old 07-31-08 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Yoshi
Dry lube only. Wet lubes will attract dirt and dust and make things worse in the long run. WD40 is a bad idea.
Oh well, maybe I should have waited -- I put the WD40 in this morning. Does work great in the short run, at least.
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Old 07-31-08 | 05:11 PM
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graphite lock lube it the answer

use paint thinner or acetone to get rid of the wd then use graphite lock lube on it it will solve the issue

you can get the lube at the hardware store
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Old 07-31-08 | 07:09 PM
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use a pencil
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-...e-From-a-Penc/
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Old 08-01-08 | 12:41 AM
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excellent instructable! haha
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Old 08-01-08 | 05:52 AM
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Originally Posted by tx_what_it_do
...or spend $1 on a tube of graphite that will last for every lock you ever own for the rest of your life....
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