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I found a good substitute for the rubber washers that always deteriorate on our external locks. It is in the plumbing section of the big-box hardware stores, where they have all the little rubber washers for faucets. It is called "Self-Forming Graphite Valve Packing", and comes as a grey rubbery flexible and formable rope, 3/32" thick x 24" long. Three of my external locks on Matthew didn't even have the stock rubber washers. I cut approx a 3" strip for each lock (driver door, gas filler door and hatch). For the hatch and gas filler I removed the locks to install, but for the driver door I didn't want to bother with doing that. I discovered that you can just push it in around the lock, with the lock still in the door, using a flat screwdriver to set it in place. Measure, cut, install took about a minute! I started with the middle of the rope at the top of the lock, and installed it down each side so the open end would be at the bottom.
$3.00, and enough for two Festys. No idea about its longevity, but it's cheap and easy even if you had to do it annually. I suppose you could paint it with a clear paint and a small brush, for added weather/UV protection.
$3.00, and enough for two Festys. No idea about its longevity, but it's cheap and easy even if you had to do it annually. I suppose you could paint it with a clear paint and a small brush, for added weather/UV protection.
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