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I have a '79 MK4 with the Neiman ignition / steering lock key. It has seen little service but probably fitted 12 years ago. It's a real struggle to get the key in or out. I have the 'spare key' but that is just the same. Tried a bit of 3 in one and WD40 but no improvement there. When I~ look at the key, you can even see a scrape mark running along the length of the key.

Do others have the same problem, the key certainly doesn't slip in / out like most car keys.
Bob

Here's what you need to do Bob........ Nip down to Tesco's or Boots, go to the healthcare / dentiistry shelves and look for a 5x pack of interdental brushes. Slide one - or two - of these little dental brushes in and out until you have cleared the blockage. When it's clear, squirt a bit of WD40 ON TO THE BRUSH and then insert the brush and scrub for a bit longer. Your problem WILL be solved

Every mini owner should have a pack of these dentistry brushes in their tool box

You do the OKe - OKe and all is good. Just follow Peter L's instructions.

Locks are usually better lubricated with graphite powder - it's dry so doesn't gum up the workings when it gets dust & stuff mixed with it,

JR

Personally Jay, I wouldn't go down that route - yet. If it were me, because it's already liberally doused in oi, you'd just have a mush of graphite grease! But it's up to him of course.

How do you get snapped off Boots inter tooth brushes out of Neiman ignition locks ??

Take the lock out of the housing, separate the lower switch part and strip the barrel down and flush through with industrial methylated spirits. But it has to be said, if your question is a serious one, that I have been using these little brushes for 40+ years or so on delicate optical and mechanical instruments, where 10 and 12 BA threads are the norm, and ain't snapped one off yet. Mind you, it's early days, so there's time yet........

Bob there is a used Steering Colum complete with the Neiman steering lock & ign barrel with switch.. BUT i do not have the Ign; Key.. you are welcome to this Steering Colum for the price of postage.. pm me if this is any help.

Thanks for the offer, but I live in France and post is prohibitive. I didn't really snap off the dental brush, but unfortunately, it didn't make any difference on this occasion. Before I finally gave up, I ground the key a bit thinner where it was being scraped - made no difference.
A new switch was only 32 euro, so have ordered one. If that one is stiff at least I could get my money back !

New switch installed today - key slides in and out like it ought to. It also revealed a wiring problem which was sorted at the same time.