Over time a padlock can become hard to close or difficult to turn or remove the key.

While this can be a frustrating problem it is one that can be easily fixed by simply using some graphite and following the steps below.

From experience I would suggest not using a spray lubricant to fix the sticky lock. While this method may work in the short-term, the oil in the lubricant can become hard inside the lock and you may need to keep spraying the lock. Depending on the type of lubricant, it can make your keys oily and when dust gets inside the lock will become full of gunk.

Step 1 – Using a razor blade, sharp knife, sandpaper or the blade of a pair of scissors, scrape the lead of a pencil onto a piece of paper as shown below. You should not need very much.

Step 2 – Carefully pour the powder directly into the key slot of the padlock.

Step 3 – Insert the key to work the lock back and forth until it begins to lock and unlock more easily. If the original problem was the padlock was hard to close, spin the “arch” around a couple of times as well.

Step 4 – You may have to repeat the process several times.