Good morning everyone, I hope someone can shed some light on this. I have recently locked up my sub, he has a metal cage and we use a small regular padlock. My concern is the padlock rusting and getting stuck on during his daily showers as I don’t want to be unlocking it every day. What do others do in this situation? Any ideas would be a great help! Thank you!
Generally speaking it's not a good idea to use oil in locks because it tends to attract dirt but for something like a lock that's going to be "washed" that's probably not an issue. Use any light oil, like 3-in-1 brand, and you'll be fine.
Just buy a aluminum padlock like the alutitan from burg & wächter or titalium from abus. Or buy some stainless steel marine padlocks. They are made to resist seawater.
Don’t worry about the lock. I’ve had locks in for weeks without taking it off and it never caused a problem. The bit of added jeopardy also can be fun
I had the same situation with the standard lock that comes with cheap Chinese cages. I went to unlock it once to have a shower and the key would not open it. Oh dear I exclaimed to myself, or words to that effect. I used as small drop of razor oil from my beard trimmers squeezed into the key slot. A bit of wiggling later and the lock was opening again fine. That was many weeks ago now and it is still opening ok, but the loop party of the lock is starting to rust so a different material might have to be the long term solution.
A single drop of oil ( a light oil like the razor oil suggested above) in the key slot to lubricate the mechanism ... after the drop use the key "many" times in a row the move the oil around ... even a cheap lock will now be fine for a months worth of daily showers ... and a quality lock will be good for months And really even if you don't oil it most likely if the lock gets "stuck" ... a few minutes with a drop of oil and carefully working the key will most likely free it up ... I've had a cheap chinese lock "stick" and few minutes and a drop of oil and everything was fine.
Master Lock does make a small luggage size lock in Brass. Have had it for years with no problem what so ever. I used an "emory"(?) board to remove and round any sharp edges. I believe the part # is 120 D
I have and recommend the Titalium from Abus - every few months I'll spray the inside w/ WD-40; provides a light coating of lubricant more importantly displaces water.