Graphite-It’s Not Just For Pencils

Dry, powdered graphite is an amazingly effective lubricant with some highly desirable characteristics. First of all, it’s a dry lubricant. So it can be used on items where dripping oils and greases are not desirable. This makes it ideally suited for lubricating locks. Just insert the tip of the graphite dispenser into the keyhole and give it a little “puff.” Slide your key in and out a few times to get the graphite everywhere, wipe off the key and your lock is well lubricated. You’ll feel the difference right away! Shoot a puff inside a padlock and work the lock a few times to lubricate the entire mechanism. Graphite is also suitable for use in extreme temperatures: hot and cold. Oils and greases get sticky or too viscous in temperature extremes. Graphite will also work when it gets wet. In fact, sometimes graphite is mixed with water, or other liquids, to allow the graphite to flow into all parts of a mechanism. The water evaporates and the graphite remains to keep the parts well lubricated. A little graphite goes a long way. One small tube will last most household for a year or two.