Maintaining KUB Darby cuffs?

Hello all,
Wonderful information here. I've been visiting for some time now. I am not much of a collector, but I do really REALLY like Darby style cuffs, and have a number of KUB made replicas, which I know are not the "real thing" but certainly do the trick.
So what I am asking, if anyone has the knowledge, is what kind of lubricant i might put on the threaded part of the lock, or inside the screw key, to be assured of smooth operation, minimal wear, and longevity. I am thinking either a light oil such as 3 in 1, or perhaps some dry graphite powder?
I hope to get some replies, as I want my cuffs to last as long as possible. I do close/unlock them on a semi-regular basis, and am gentle in turning the key only till they unlock, but it seems that lubricant would be good. I also noticed that sometimes KUB sends product out with a small amount of grease in the lock mechanism. At this point that has disappeared, and grease is a messy solution.
Thanks for your time!
Also, does anyone know what kind of coating KUB uses on their non-stainless (brass) cuffs? I thought it was chrome, but it actually seems like a thin nickel coating. Any other information/fun facts about these reproductions would be welcome! Do they generally use the same key thread pattern, or is it best to only use the corresponding numbered key?

Hello all,
Wonderful information here. I've been visiting for some time now. I am not much of a collector, but I do really REALLY like Darby style cuffs, and have a number of KUB made replicas, which I know are not the "real thing" but certainly do the trick.
So what I am asking, if anyone has the knowledge, is what kind of lubricant i might put on the threaded part of the lock, or inside the screw key, to be assured of smooth operation, minimal wear, and longevity. I am thinking either a light oil such as 3 in 1, or perhaps some dry graphite powder?
I hope to get some replies, as I want my cuffs to last as long as possible. I do close/unlock them on a semi-regular basis, and am gentle in turning the key only till they unlock, but it seems that lubricant would be good. I also noticed that sometimes KUB sends product out with a small amount of grease in the lock mechanism. At this point that has disappeared, and grease is a messy solution.
Thanks for your time!
Also, does anyone know what kind of coating KUB uses on their non-stainless (brass) cuffs? I thought it was chrome, but it actually seems like a thin nickel coating. Any other information/fun facts about these reproductions would be welcome! Do they generally use the same key thread pattern, or is it best to only use the corresponding numbered key?

Click to expand...

There's nothing fundamentally wrong with 3-in-1 oil.

I think the gun grease may be a little thick for the job. It's not a demanding application with high pressure and friction. I use gun oil, as it has good anticorrosive properties. I generally recommend Rem Oil, as it comes in one ounce bottles and is often found at the gun counter of WalMart and similar stores. But I use a variety of products from my range box.

Handcuffs don't need a whole lot of lubrication or specialized care. I use the oil, primarily as corrosion protection. A drop on a rag, and then wipe it off so you can't see it.

The Kub cuffs are mostly plated brass or stainless, so they really need very little protection.

Hello all,
Wonderful information here. I've been visiting for some time now. I am not much of a collector, but I do really REALLY like Darby style cuffs, and have a number of KUB made replicas, which I know are not the "real thing" but certainly do the trick.
So what I am asking, if anyone has the knowledge, is what kind of lubricant i might put on the threaded part of the lock, or inside the screw key, to be assured of smooth operation, minimal wear, and longevity. I am thinking either a light oil such as 3 in 1, or perhaps some dry graphite powder?
I hope to get some replies, as I want my cuffs to last as long as possible. I do close/unlock them on a semi-regular basis, and am gentle in turning the key only till they unlock, but it seems that lubricant would be good. I also noticed that sometimes KUB sends product out with a small amount of grease in the lock mechanism. At this point that has disappeared, and grease is a messy solution.
Thanks for your time!
Also, does anyone know what kind of coating KUB uses on their non-stainless (brass) cuffs? I thought it was chrome, but it actually seems like a thin nickel coating. Any other information/fun facts about these reproductions would be welcome! Do they generally use the same key thread pattern, or is it best to only use the corresponding numbered key?

Click to expand...

I've heard that graphite works best, as it doesn't collect dust and other abrasive bits that could eventually wear on the metals.

~Chuck