The essentials behind reliable installations
When people think the about the materials associated with the locksmith trade, they often picture locks, keys, cylinders and access control systems. However, behind every successful installation or repair are a range of supporting products that help ensure security hardware performs reliably for years to come. Lubricants, sealants and adhesive tapes may not receive the same attention as the visible mechanical hardware, but they play a vital role in protecting installations, improving performance and reducing costly callbacks.
Whether fitting a residential mortice lock, installing commercial panic hardware or maintaining electronic access control systems, choosing the correct ancillary products can make the difference between an installation that lasts for decades and one that begins to fail after only a short period. Professional locksmiths understand that attention to these details not only improves the quality of their work but also demonstrates professionalism and expertise to customers.
Lubricants – Keeping Security Hardware Operating Smoothly
Locks are precision-engineered mechanical devices containing numerous moving components that rely on smooth operation. Whether it is a Key-Wind multipoint lock, a large tilt-before-turn window system, a motorised locking system or even the pins in a euro profile cylinder, every application has its own specific and essential lubrication requirements. Over time, exposure to dirt, moisture, corrosion and everyday wear can increase friction, resulting in stiff operation, poor key movement or complete failure. The correct lubricant helps protect these internal components while maintaining reliable performance.
Duffells have teamed up to distribute some of the most recognised brands within the trade. Brands such as WD-40, and Soudal. Both of these brands offer a range of products designed for a variety of maintenance applications relevant to the security professional.
WD-40 Range
The WD-40 range has to be one of the most universally recognisable names in lubrication and their specialist range has become a standard among Duffell’s customers. Here are a few stand out items you will find in stock:
WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant
Unlike traditional oil-based lubricants, WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant leaves a clean, non-sticky protective coating that repels moisture without attracting dust or debris. This makes it particularly suitable for locksmith applications where cleanliness is essential. Common uses include:
✔ Lubricating multi-point locking mechanism
✔ Maintaining window locking systems
✔ Protecting exterior padlocks from moisture
✔ Lubricating hinges and gate furniture
✔ Preventing corrosion on exposed metal components
Because silicone does not leave a heavy oily residue, the WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant is ideal for environments where airborne dust could otherwise accumulate and affect lock performance.
WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease
Certain security hardware requires a heavier-duty lubricant capable of remaining in place under load. The WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease provides long-lasting lubrication on moving metal parts and offers excellent protection against corrosion. Typical applications include:
✔ Door closers
✔ Sliding door gear
✔ Roller mechanisms
✔ Heavy-duty hinges
✔ Garage door hardware
The WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease delivers exceptional resistance to water wash-off, ensuring reliable performance and lasting protection for external security products in all weather conditions.
WD-40 Anti Friction Dry PTFE Lubricant
PTFE-based lubricants like the WD-40 Anti Fry Fiction Dry PTFE Lubricant provide an extremely low-friction surface while remaining dry after application. This reduces the likelihood of dirt adhering to treated surfaces. Professional locksmiths commonly use dry PTFE lubricants on:
✔ Cylinder mechanisms
✔ Sliding bolts
✔ Window locking systems
✔ Security grilles
✔ Commercial lock cases during refurbishment
WD-40 Fast Drying Contact Cleaner
Modern locksmiths are experiencing increasing demand from clients to install and maintain electronic security products such as electronic digital and smart locks, access control and electric locking systems, as well as intruder alarm and CCTV products. Electrical connections can suffer from dirt, grease and oxidation, leading to unreliable operation. WD040 Fast Drying Contact Cleaner is a must have stock item for anybody likely to interact with these products which safely removes contamination from electrical components without leaving residue.
WD40 Fast Drying Contact Cleaner is invaluable when maintaining:
✔ Keypads
✔ Electric strikes
✔ Magnetic locks
✔ Access control terminals
✔ Electronic lock circuit boards
This simple maintenance step can often prevent and correct intermittent faults before they become major failures.
Other Important Products in the WD40 Range Include:
WD-40 Multi Purpose Cutting Oil
The WD40 Multi Purpose Cutting Oil is designed to improve the performance and extend the life of your cutting and drilling equipment. Any time you are trimming, grinding and drilling metal, this oil could be helping to prevent pitting and metal seizures, reduce the heat and damage caused by friction, and help you to get longer life from your drills discs and blades.
WD-40 Fast Acting Degreaser
The WD-40 Fast Acting Degreaser is a specialist heavy duty speedy spray degreaser which is safe to use on metals, glass, plastics, rubber and aluminium. This makes it ideal for use in security hardware applications where it can be used to quickly remove stubborn soiling such as oil, grease, dirt and grime without leaving any residue.
WD-40 Fast Release Penetrant
This WD40 Fast Release Penetrant Spray specifically targets corroded or rusted fixings, components and mechanisms. Its formula loosens stuck or seized parts quickly and easily. Customers find this ideal for use seized bolts and screws and freeing up solid drive gears, espags and MPL’s.
Soudal Range
Soudal Universal Multi Spray Lubricant
A 400ml aerosol lubricant formulated for multiple maintenance applications. It combines eight functions in one product including dust removal, lubrication, cleaning, penetration, anti-corrosion, damp repelling, shock absorption, and contact spray. The spray does not contain silicone and can be applied to metals, plastics, and rubber components. This universal spray lubricant is suitable for use on screws, bolts, nuts, axles, hinges, chains, tools, and other moving parts where lubrication or protection is required.
Soudal Slicone Lubricant
This transparent lubricating and anti-adhesive spray is based on high performance silicone oils. It reduces friction and prevents wear and tear on moving plastic parts, protecting against dirt and grease. Particularly suited for rubber and synthetic parts which it leaves with a glossy finish concealing minor imperfections. This Soudal Silicone Lubricant Spray offers very high temperature resistance of up to 200°C. Customers find it ideal for lubricating the nylon gears found in some mechanisms as well as restorative use when refurbishing rubber and plastic surfaces such as gaskets, profiles and seals.
Soudal Sealant Remover
This ready to use and fast-working spray is fantastic for the removal of cured silicone and hybrid polymers. Often remnants of old sealants and adhesives are left behind on window profiles, doors and the hardware itself. This Soudal Sealant Remover 400ml Spray makes light work of breaking down and effortlessly removing it. Ideal for use on plastic profiles where old sealants and adhesives can be seen customers often keep this to hand for refurbishing profiles for a professional end result.
Other Common Lubricant Products
Duffells also offer several other common lubricant products from outside of these ranges, which locksmiths and security trade professionals find useful. These include:
GT85
Ceka 6283 Microfine Graphite Powder
This Microfine Graphite Powder is a lubricant with a specific purpose. A high-performance graphite powder designed to provide clean, dry lubrication for locks, padlocks and other precision mechanisms. Its grease-free, odourless formula helps ensure smooth operation, reduces sticking and delivers long-lasting performance without attracting dirt or dust. This specialised lubricant has been in use for a very long time ensuring smooth movements in precision metal mechanisms, and locksmiths swear by it.
3 In-One Multi Purpose Drip Oil
Remember this one from your childhood? Who didn’t have a bottle of 3-In-One Oil handy to fix a bicycle that had developed a squeak? Often used on connecting rails on multipoint locks and espags, in geared mechanisms or chain driven winders and openers, or screw jacks and pulley wheels to ensure hardware works efficiently and quietly.
Why correct Lubrication Matters
Using the correct lubricant is just as important as using one at all. Heavy oils or unsuitable household lubricants may temporarily free a sticking lock but can attract dirt, eventually causing increased wear and failure. Professional locksmiths therefore choose products specifically designed for precision mechanical equipment, helping to extend service life while maintaining smooth operation.
Sealants – Protecting Installations from the Elements
Security products are regularly installed in challenging environments where exposure to rain, water and dust ingress, UV light, changing temperatures and building movement all affecting both appearance and performance. Sealants provide protection by preventing water and debris ingress while allowing installations to remain neat and professional.
Again, Soudal as a manufacturer are widely trusted throughout the construction and glazing industries, whose extensive range of sealants is equally valuable within the locksmith sector.
Soudal Silicone Sealants
High-quality neutral cure silicone in many different versions suitable for sealing around many external security products. Common locksmith applications include:
✔ External access control readers
✔ Electric strikes
✔ Surface-mounted maglocks
✔ Door viewer installations
✔ Letter plate surrounds
By preventing water penetration, silicone sealants help protect internal building structures as well as sensitive electronic components.
Soudal Fix ALL High Tack Sealants
These modern hybrid polymer adhesives combine the characteristics of both adhesives and sealants. Soudal’s Fix ALL High Tack range has become increasingly popular because it offers exceptional initial grab while remaining permanently flexible. The Fix ALL X-Treme Hybrid Bonding Adhesive in the range is also one of the strongest grabbing products on the market with a bond capable of holding up to 400kg.
✔ Bonding security signage
✔ Fixing cable trunking
✔ Installing protective covers
✔ Securing mounting plates
✔ Letter plate surrounds
Soudal Fire Rated Foams and Sealants
Commercial installations frequently involve fire doors and compartment walls. Whenever lock, hardware or even cable penetrations or fixing points pass through fire-rated structures, appropriate fire-resistant sealants help maintain the integrity of the fire barrier. These sealants are often seen used in the following situations:
✔ Installing electric locking cables
✔ Sealing cable penetrations
✔ Maintaining fire door compliance
✔ Completing commercial security upgrades
Using certified fire-rated products is particularly important where installations must comply with building regulations and fire safety requirements.
Weatherproofing External and Harsh Environmental Installations
External electric and mechanical locking systems are especially vulnerable to moisture ingress. Even small amounts of water entering a cable entry point can eventually cause corrosion or electrical faults. On a mechanical product even a small amount of debris or moisture can accelerate wear and reduce the life span of a product. Marine environments such as seafront properties or coastal business’s often require consideration regarding the correct weatherproof sealants and foams to use to prevent hardware issues. Products that often require such sealants include:
✔ Cable glands
✔ Junction boxes
✔ Reader housings
✔ External key safes
✔ Surface-mounted lock
✔ Locks/hardware for coastal or harsh environments
Adhesive Tapes
Adhesive tapes have evolved considerably over recent years. Modern tapes are engineered products offering exceptional strength, weather resistance and versatility, making them valuable tools for professional locksmiths during installation and maintenance work.
Duffells carry a wide range of Soudal’s highly regarded adhesive tapes including simple Duct tape, high strength Gaffer tape, Scrim tapes for professional jointing of plasterboard, Hazard tapes for marking and identifying hazards, Aluminium Foil tape for the jointing of insulation boards, ducts and lagging and a wide range of quality Masking Tapes.
Choosing Quality Products Makes a Difference
As with locks themselves, not all ancillary products offer the same level of performance. Professional-grade products from established manufacturers such as WD-40 and Soudal are formulated to provide consistent, long-lasting results across a wide range of environmental conditions.
Using premium lubricants helps minimise wear and extend the life of expensive locking systems. High-quality sealants improve weather resistance while maintaining an attractive finish, and modern adhesive tapes enable quicker, cleaner installations without compromising reliability.
For locksmiths operating in commercial environments, selecting recognised brands also provides reassurance that products have been tested to relevant industry standards where applicable.
One of the biggest costs facing any locksmith is the return visit. Many callbacks arise not because of faulty locks, but because supporting products were overlooked or incorrectly selected during installation.
A lock exposed to moisture without adequate sealing may begin to corrode prematurely. A keypad mounted with an unsuitable adhesive may detach over time. A poorly lubricated multi-point mechanism may become increasingly stiff despite being mechanically sound.
By investing a small amount of time in selecting the correct lubricant, sealant or adhesive tape, installers can greatly improve reliability and customer satisfaction while reducing maintenance costs.
Duffells always aims to present a comprehensive range of products designed to assist the installer and ensure they always have a solution to the problem at hand.
