Why is Graphite a Lubricant

The primary benefit of using graphite over multipurpose oil is that it doesn’t leave a sticky residue on the surface like it does with oil. This means that dust and dirt don’t stick to it, making it ideal for applications like locks and key slots where a residue-free lubricant is desirable.

Graphite is an excellent choice for a lock’s lubrication because of its weak covalent bonds that allow the layers of graphite to “slide” over each other without sticking. This enables them to move over each other under extreme contact pressures without damaging the lock, allowing it to operate at a higher temperature than liquid and oil-based lubricants can.

Another key advantage of graphite is that it dissipates more heat than some other lubricants. This is particularly important when a high-temperature lubricant is needed, as it can help protect against damage and rust.

There are many different types of graphite lubricants. Some are based on liquid that evaporates to leave a thin layer of pure graphite to lubricate the surface. Others use a dry powder of graphite that is easy to apply.

One drawback to using a powdered graphite lubricant is that it can be easy to use too much of it. When the user applies too much of the powder, it can easily gunk up the lock and mix with contaminants like dust or dirt, making it less effective at lubrication.