Padlocks on camper - grit and dirt in them
Submitted: Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 18:31
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Paul F2
Hi there,
Recently went outback QLD and NSW (a few months ago). On one particular day we had to drive through a freak storm and as a result ended up with red silt covering the 4wd and camper. No problem except that when we pulled up at our next stop we were lucky to get our padlocks off.
We were using normal lockwood padlocks (small ones) for the camper trailer tailgate and for securing the jerries and gas bottles. They had filled up with grit and it was just lucky that we could hose them out where stopped - otherwise we may have been in a bit of a bother, eg, not being able to get into the camper!!
Planning for our next trip - what has other people done in relation to this problem? Better dustproof padlocks, if so, what sort/brand? Or something else? For
places we often stay we need to have security of locks. Maybe I should carry some bolt cutters in the 4wd and just expect I may have to use them?
Thanks!
Paul.
Reply By: bibtracker - Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 20:35
Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 20:35
Good thread, with useful info. Had a jammed lock recently, holding the gas bottles. Luckily the CT was in my driveway at
home! Will be getting the tape out tomorrow.
The condoms reply made me smile. Had a journo mate who used to take a packet on his trips to outback mines. When I asked how much nooky he expected to get, he pointed out that he put one over the smoke detector in the plane
toilet so he could have a Marlboro ... !
Cheers, Tony
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: SDG - Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 22:25
Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 22:25
They come in handy for many reasons.
In an emergency they will hold several litres of water.
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Reply By: The Bantam - Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 21:09
Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 21:09
Oh yess the condom is a very versatile item.
works on the padlocks, the cheapest water proof cover for ya mobile phone, and as some of the guys in TV sound will tell ya, they work
well as windsocks in very windy conditions with the added benifit of making the microphone waterproof.
As for tape on the padlock masking tape is better than insulation tape, if ya don't want to spend $$$ on gaffa tape.
cheers
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Reply By: Member - Andrew - Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 12:00
Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 12:00
Hi Paul
Interesting discussion.
I was originally told by an old locksmith to only use graphite. WD40 or similar wet lubricants collected dirt and dust either forming an abrasive paste or jamming the moving parts.
However I have heard of graphite jamming things up when too much is used.
The Masterlock comment got me searching and I found that the lubricant they recommend is a PTFE type that leaves a Teflon coating on the components after the carrier fluid has dried off.
Masterlock lock care.
Summarised as, clean it, lube it, let it dry, don't use a lube that doesn't dry.
And whatever cover that helps keep the dust out.
Hope this clarifies things.
Regards
A
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 19:04
Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 19:04
You hit the nail on the head re graphite, if too much is used!
The locksmiths that I have worked with just put a little on the key, they never puff it into the lock. I can remember rubbing a lead pencil on the key to lubricate it!
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