seized stopcock

[Stargazer]

What is the best lubricant to use on a stopcock? Mine are regularly far too stiff to turn easily even though I do a half turn back after I have fully opened them. Some time back when I mentioned that I used WD40 someone said that it was not the right stuff to use and that some other form of grease was better. Can anyone help? Is vaseline suitable or is it a different grease that should be used?

[The Builder]

Is it a common one like this.............

http://www.screwfix.c...r-stop-tap-15mm/15440

If it is, open right up and give it something like WD40. I can't imagine that any type of grease would do any harm.
Slightly unscrew the gland nut (at the bottom of the spindle). That'll free up the movement.

If it's still unworkable, then buy a new stop-tap; turn off the supply in the pavement; unscrew the whole valve out of the tap body, and replace with the new one. You won't need the new body.

[gsr600]

Good answer Builder, why didn't the men at *Mitie* think of that when they couldn't turn mine, as i requested a callout (H/assos )
they said they would have to chop out the floor to put in a new 1 (its 8" down in concrete)

[The Builder]

Oh dear, gsr :o(
Would have been so easy, even 8" down.