I've got an install with a number of HES strikes that, due to about a million cycles, are getting sticky. Is there a good grease product for that or am i better off just replacing the whole thing?
Best Grease For Electric Strikes?
This is a good question.
Many locksmiths use white lithium paste, because it works in a wide temperature range and is not a spray that may bring a solvent into the mechanism via the spray propellant.
Also, do not use a graphite based 'lock' lubricant, because that stuff will clump and stick together over time. Graphite lube is a temporary fix that will likely make the issue worse.
Service technician tears always worked for us.
One aspect of lubrication/greasing mechanical things that many, many technicians do not understand:
Too much grease is as bad as not enough.
Junior techs often heap up mounds of grease without realizing the goal is simply to lower friction between moving parts. The goal is not to coat things thick enough that dirt, grime, and trash get caught in the grease and make things worse.
This is one aspect where locksmith training and gunsmithing cross over (and why those corny mail-order classes often teach both programs as the same certificate).
Over-lubricating a firearm is a sure way to make it jam. The same goes for locks and strikes.
My experience has been that lubrication of any time is a temporary fix. These devices are designed to operate without using grease typically. If they have a million cycles on them the customer has gotten their money's worth out of them and they shouldn't be too sad to have to spring for new ones...the Alarm Guy's gotta eat too
i hear you, but the customer wants to "try it first".. they've been installed a little over two years so it seems to them like it shouldn't be time to replace yet. but it's on a teacher's lounge at a high school, so lots of use and lots of frustration. i'm not surprised it's wearing thin.
HES does have a warranty on their products. Probably should check this out:
SecuriCare 5-year Warranty
Duration: Five Years from date of shipment
Condition: Any reason including, but not limited to, installation error, vandalism or force majeure
Replacement: Replacement product or equivalent shipped at ASSA ABLOY ESH’s expense via next day air freight in most cases
Products Covered:
- HES 1006, 4500, 5000, 5200, 7500, 8000, 8300, 8500, 9400, 9500, 9600, 9700
- Folger Adam 310, 712, 732, 742
- Integrated Wiegand Electric Strikes
- Securitron MUNL, UNL
SecuriCare 10-year Warranty
Duration: Ten Years from date of shipment
Condition: Any reason including, but not limited to, installation error, vandalism or force majeure
Replacement: Replacement product or equivalent shipped at ASSA ABLOY ESH’s expense via next day air freight in most cases.
Products Covered:
- Electric Strikes HES 1500, 1600
- When installed with a Smart PAC III the following electric strikes are upgraded to the 10 year warranty:
- HES 1006, 4500, 5000, 5200, 7500, 8000, 8300, 8500, 9400, 9500, 9600, 9700
- Folger Adam 310, 712, 732, 742
- Integrated Wiegand Electric Strikes
I think HES also states not to use lubrication on their strikes. This will just end up being a big mess. Long term this will be more expensive due to the labor than just replacing the strike now.
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