Hi Dan,

Glad to hear you made progress.

"I have a graphite spray that has a solvent like carrier that evaporates leaving the graphite. Do you think that's a good idea? I also have a PTFE spray that sets up like a grease, not sure grease is a good idea?"

My choice would be the graphite bearing spray, but I don't have any better knowledge of what's good for it than you do.

"Do you think a locksmith can do this with the lock installed?"

Sorry, I have no idea what magic comes with the title "locksmith." No experience with them.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Around the turn of the last century, a very famous electrical engineer gave up his trade and decided to travel around the world and discover other cultures. On his way back through the US, he stumbled upon a very poor and isolated Navajo village. He was so awed that his fellow Americans could be living in such destitution, that he sought out the Chief, to see what he could do to help. After several hours, the engineer finally succeeded in explaining the concept of electricity to the Chief, he implored the Chief to think of some way to implement the new technology.

After a few minutes, the Chief scratched his head and said, "Well, you know the outhouse is very cold and dark in the winter. Perhaps a light bulb would make that a better place for our people.

Needless to say, the engineer fulfilled the request, and became the first tourist to wire ahead for a reservation.