Locks that are outside and subject to the elements. They are at risk of freezing when temperatures drop below the freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In freezing conditions, it is common for a lock to freeze overnight after the sun has set. This is when the temperatures are at their lowest point. Waking up to a frozen car door lock can be frustrating when trying to get to work. A frozen lock is the last thing you want to deal with, especially if you leave the house in a hurry. However, the good news is you can tackle your frozen locks in a few ways. Here are some tips for preventing your locks from freezing in cold temperatures.
How to Open a Frozen Lock
Why Do Locks Freeze?
If moisture, condensation, or dew is in the air, it can quickly get into a lock. Then, when the temperature drops, the water in the lock hardens and freezes. A frozen lock will keep the moving parts together inside the lock and even close off the hole for the key.
This is particularly common in areas that experience cold weather. Moisture from rain, snow, or humidity settles into the lock and freezes as the temperature drops.
How to Prevent a Frozen Lock
Knowing that you can also prevent it from happening before we look at the options to open frozen locks will be helpful. Take proactive measures to save yourself the headache of struggling with a frozen lock.
Fortunately, several methods can reduce the chances of your lock freezing in cold weather. These tips will save you the headache of fighting with a frozen lock. To prevent locks from freezing, consider the following methods:
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- Buy a padlock that is more resilient to weather and freezing cold temperatures. Locks with fewer moving parts, such as a ball-bearing system, are less likely to freeze. Conversely, locks with spring-loaded bars and combination padlocks are more likely to freeze as they have more moving parts.
- Use a plastic covering for your padlocks. Plastic coverings help prevent moisture and dew from entering the susceptible parts of the lock. Several companies manufacture these products. Most hardware stores will carry plastic coverings for all types of outdoor locks.
- Use a sock or small cloth bag. A sock or small cloth bag is a cheap and effective option to prevent ice from forming in a lock. Place and remove the pouch; it will keep water from entering the lock mechanism and reduce the chance of it freezing.
- Grease up your lock with Vaseline (petroleum jelly). Greasing the lock shafts and the keyhole causes the water to run off. This will prevent it from freezing the lock mechanism and keyhole.
How to Open a Frozen Lock
Dealing with a frozen lock can be frustrating. However, there are a few easy ways to help you overcome this obstacle. Here are some tips for opening a frozen lock. These tips work for car locks, locked boxes, and other types of frozen locks.
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- An aerosol de-icer: You can buy aerosol de-icer at most local shops or hardware stores. Using a de-icing spray is as easy as spraying the frozen lock and letting the product work its magic.
- Use a de-icer product with heating elements. This de-icing product uses heating pads that you can apply to the frozen lock. Once the de-icer heats up, the ice will melt and free up the lock.
- Matches or a lighter and heat your key: After heating your key, insert it into the keyhole. The heat generated from the key will warm up the inside of the lock. Then, it will free up the lock mechanism slowly as the ice melts. If you use this method, be careful not to heat the key to the point it morphs it.
- Use a hair dryer on low heat and blow warm air on the lock. When the air reaches inside the lock mechanism, it will melt the ice and allow you to use it.
- Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer has an alcohol content that lowers the freezing point of water. It can dissolve the ice. After a few seconds, you should be able to turn the key.
How to Unfreeze a Car Lock with Water
Follow these steps to unfreeze a key lock on a car using warm water.
- Heat the water to a comfortably warm temperature. Avoid boiling water, as it can damage the lock or cause the metal components to crack.
- Slowly pour warm water directly over the car keyhole to melt the ice and heat the lock.
- Repeat the process if necessary, and once the lock is unfrozen, insert the key and open the door promptly.
Afterward, thoroughly dry the lock and surrounding area to prevent the water from refreezing in cold weather.
Consider applying a lubricant, like WD-40, or a silicone-based spray for protection. Applying this to the keyhole repels moisture and reduces the chances of the car keyhole freezing again. Be cautious to avoid splashing water onto nearby car parts that could also freeze in low temperatures.
Caution – Do not use boiling water!
Please note: you should never use boiling water to try to unfreeze a lock. Using boiling water will cause the lock and the mechanism inside the lock to shatter. This will give you even more significant problems than a frozen lock.
Although heat is a key factor in freeing up a frozen lock, using extremely hot water on a frozen lock will cause more damage. Also, it can further prevent you from opening the lock.
Helpful Link: Omaha Weather Forecast (Weather.gov)
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