Un-seizing a hatch lock - discussion thread.

[Robsey]

This is where you can discuss my How 2 for sorting out a seized hatch lock.

The How 2 is located here -
viewtopic.php?f=70&t=17039

[cavalier1990]

I had this problem on my saloon, much the same process, although I never took out the barrel. I couldn't really see the reason the key was sticking, but after copious amounts of spray and wriggling and jiggling (!) the key popped round, and it was fine. Almost felt like there was a little bit of debris floating around in the barrel or mechanism, what I don't know though.

[vexorg]

Spraying with the likes of wd40 is only a temporary fix, you flush out all the graphite lubricant. Best to strip it, clean, dry and re-lubricate.

[Robsey]

Exactly - any kind of oil based lubrucant 3-in-1, WD40, PlusGas etc will eventually turn sticky and cause dust and dirt particles to stick.

Hence why I recommended using brake cleaner / carb cleaner to degrease and clean everything.

Wipe clean / dry with a lint free cloth.

Then pack with graphite lubricant.

And re-assemble.

[James McGrath]

Nice write up Rob, definitely need to do this on all my locks. I've been routinely spraying them with wd40 for years!