Tips To Prevent And Fix Frozen Locks
Posted on: 13 December 2016
Whether you are annoyed by wintery weather or are anxiously awaiting snow, falling temperatures can leave you stuck outside if your locks freeze. There are ways to minimize the occurrence of frozen locks and be prepared to thaw out your locks.
Create A Moisture Barrier
As the winter approaches, you should have a plan in place to prevent your locks from freezing and maintain them throughout the colder months. The first preventative method is keeping your locks covered; this can minimize the amount of moisture that enters the keyhole before it can freeze. Applying tape over the keyhole can help. Since many tapes, such as masking tape or duct tape, do not handle moisture well, try waterproof medical tapes. If you are concerned about leaving residue on your locks, it can usually be removed with rubbing alcohol.
Lubricate Your Locks
Keeping your locks lubricated can help repel water. There are lubricants available in an aerosol can that you can simply spray inside your locks. Another option is to use petroleum jelly to keep water out of your locks. You apply the petroleum by adding some to your key and using the key as normal to help distribute the product inside the lock. Repeat the process a few times each week until the weather warms up. Never use a water-based lubricant, because it will freeze inside your locks.
Keep Emergency De-Icers
Commercially prepared lock de-icers are readily available to help unfreeze your locks. You should always keep a can readily available, such as inside your purse or backpack, to handle emergencies. Some also act as a lubricant, so once your lock is thawed, it will be lubricated to prevent freezing in the future. Once the season is over, be sure to remove the product from your bag and store it indoors. Some de-icers are contained in pressurized cans or made with hazardous materials that could ignite or explode if left in a hot bag, car, or garage.
You should also keep a lighter readily available which can be used to warm up your key and slowly melt the ice. This is often a tedious process, but may work with enough tries. Another option is finding a heated keychain. The device heats up your key as needed so you can attempt to insert a warmed key into the keyhole. It is often safer and easier than trying to heat your keys with a lighter.
Walking outside in the cold weather only to find you are frozen out of your car or home is a nightmare. Being prepared for frozen locks can turn this catastrophe into a simple annoyance. Call a locksmith, like Quick Lockworks, for more help.
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