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Posted by: stugray Jun 17 2012, 06:34 PM

So since both of my doors had the dreaded "broken cam latch disease" and could only be opened from the inside, I decided to take the plunge.
Both plastic door cams are broken in the classical spot. I ordered new cams but I think we need to address the root cause.

Over 40 years ,the door handles & latches have been sprayed with everything from white lithium, to WD-40 and are seriously gummed up inside. They barely moved.

This is obviously what breaks the white plastic cam piece in the handle.

So I took my latches out and soaked them in engine degrease and scrubbed them good.
The plating alll looks like new, now for the real question:
What should I re-grease them with?
I could give them a final soak in mineral spirits, then a spray of white lithium....
Or do I use the new "high tech" anti-sieze that I use to clean my guns, or the stuff my locksmith swears by, or graphite..... Any experience?

Stu - as usual, over-thinking

Posted by: markb Jun 17 2012, 07:09 PM

Don't forget to clean the stuff on the door. The rod, the receiver, etc. Those get gummed up too. NEVER use graphite!!!

Posted by: eric9144 Jun 17 2012, 10:52 PM

Mark, why not graphite? Just curious...

Posted by: markb Jun 17 2012, 11:15 PM

Graphite gums things up, and is (believe it or not) an abrasive. I use a Wurth product when I rebuild lock sets.

Posted by: Valy Jun 17 2012, 11:29 PM

Just rebuilt my door lock few weeks ago.
After the degrease in ultrasonic bath all worked well until it completely dried. Then I had to grease everything to make it move again. I used lithium grease

Posted by: stugray Jun 18 2012, 08:16 AM

Ooohhh.... I forgot that I have an ultrasonic cleaner....

I'll do that and go with the white lithium.

Stu

Posted by: Elliot Cannon Jun 18 2012, 11:28 AM

You can lube it with just about anything. You just have to remember to take it apart and clean it all up every 40 years or so.