Is it ok to put graphite powder in the Ignition key hole?

[jmgtp]

The ignition in my beretta is sorta hard to turn, especially when turning the engine off and removing the key. Is it ok to put some graphite in there? or is this a bad idea considering the wiring and such?

[Justin]

The actual wires for the ignition switch are not in the lock cylinder, they are about halfway down the column. Even if you did get some lube of any kind on the wires, the jacketing will protect them. I've seen on a W, probably the same column as a Beretta, that the gear that runs back and forth wears into the column and makes it very difficult to turn. A guy almost has to just replace the column, that's what we did with a 1990 Lumi that came into the shop I used to work at. Definitely try lube first though.

[robby1870]

my key started getting hard to turn and take out, then the lock cylinder locked up on me.........not fun. Had to get new keys and a new cylinder

[Anonymous]

I changed my column with a bad cylinder (key woun't turn backwards for the stereo) to a different one that had the same problem. At least I have an extra half working ignition lying around