Using Dry Lubricants

Updated: Nov. 29, 2019

Keep moving parts clean and running smooth.

FH07MAY_DRYLUB_01-2 dry lubeFamily Handyman
Dry lubricants have a lot to offer the homeowner. Most lubricants leave an oily film that attracts dust. Dry lubricants can keep your doors, drawers, windows and locks running smooth with no residual mess. Check out this article for three common types of dry lubricants and their uses.

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Uses for dry lubricants

Dry Lube a lock

Use graphite to lubricate locks; unlike oil or penetrating sprays, this dry lube won’t collect dust, which will clog the mechanism.

Porous surface wood lubricant

Rub a solid lubricant made from wax on wood drawers, wood windows and other porous surfaces.

Dry lube for drawer guides

Use silicone spray on drawer rollers, window tracks and other plastic, rubber and metal surfaces. It dries almost instantly.

Penetrating spray lubricant is not always the best lubricant for everything around the house. Drawers, cabinets, locks and latches, windows, sliding and bifold doors, and other metal, wood and plastic surfaces inside the house all need lubricants that stay dry and clean.

Graphite (powder or spray), wax and silicone all dry quickly, so they don’t attract dust, which can clog or gum up moving parts. Each of these dry lubes solves unique lubricating problems better than any other lubricant and costs less than $5, making them well worth keeping in the shop next to the penetrating spray.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

  • Can of silicone spray lubricant
  • Tube of graphite lubricant
  • Tube of solid lubricant