Is there a lubricant that is safe to use on lacquered brass door hardware? I have Pella French doors with a brass slide bolt that is very difficult to budge…. even when the door is open and the slide should move freely.
I also would like to lubricate a solid brass lacquered door hinge without damaging the finish. I have heard that petroleum based products can damage finishes. Is there something I can safely use in these applications?
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Replies
White Lithium Grease..get a spray can with the straw..put it on everything cept yer salad.
Great thoughts. I'll approach the slide bolt problem with both suggested strategies. I'll inspect the mechanical aspects and lubricate as I go.
Thanks to all.
Hey Bob,
The white lithium grease in spray form as mentioned above works great, but sometimes leaves a little white film or residue.
I had the same problem as you with some Baldwin hardware, and also with some funked out mortise locksets, made in Italy.
A couple of ways to get them to work good without any mess is to use spray on silicon. Make sure you use the little plastic tube to get into tight spots without spraying all over the place. Another product that works even better is spray on Teflon. Got that trick from a locksmith on the same job. The stuff works great and stays in place well, and doesn't leave any mess.
Have a good one.
Cork in Chicago
If the hardware binds even when the door is open, you might look for something out of line. Maybe the trim plate on the edge of the door is not quite right. Is there maybe a screw too tight, causing a slight warp?
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Another alternative is to go by the local lock man, and get the graphite powder lock lubricant. As it is dry, it is less messy. Being dry, it tends to not be affected by the changes in weather a door goes through. Only down side is that it can be a tad steep in price--but you don't really need that much.