We’ve all been there – you come home on a freezing winter night only to find that your front door lock is frozen shut. What do you do? This blog looks at what can be done when this happens and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Read on to learn more about the causes of lock freezing, what steps you should take if it does happen, and how to stop it from happening in the future!
Introduction: What Causes a Frozen Lock?
When the temperature outside dips below freezing, it’s not uncommon for locks to freeze. The moisture in the lock can cause the metal components to expand and contract, eventually leading to a frozen lock.
You can try a few things to keep your lock safe from freezing in the first place. If you are living in an area with cold weather, consider investing in a lock de-icer. You can use this spray to thaw out a frozen lock. You can also try using a hairdryer or heat gun on low heat to thaw out the lock.
If your lock does freeze, don’t panic! You can usually get it open with a little patience and some elbow grease. Start by applying some pressure to the key with one hand while you turn it with the other. You may need to wiggle the key back and forth a bit to get it unstuck. If that doesn’t work, try heating the key with a lighter or match before inserting it into the lock.
Once the key is hot, insert it into the lock and turn it quickly. This should melt any ice blocking the mechanism and allow you to open the door.
Step 1: Remove Excess Moisture From the Lock
You will need to use a hairdryer to remove excess moisture from the lock. Set the hairdryer on the lowest setting and hold it close to the keyhole. You should move the hairdryer around so that the heat is evenly distributed. You will also need to remove the batteries if you have an electronic key. Once you have removed the batteries, put them in a ziplock bag and place them in your pocket so they don’t get lost.
Step 2: Lubricate the Lock
If your front door lock is frozen, the first step is to lubricate it. You can use a variety of lubricants, but we recommend WD-40 or a similar product. Spray the lubricant generously into the keyhole and then insert and remove your key a few times to work the lubricant into the mechanism.
Step 3: Troubleshoot With Heat
If you’ve tried the previous steps and your lock is frozen, it’s time to bring out the big guns: heat. You can use a heat gun or even a lighter to heat the keyhole. This will help to thaw out any remaining ice and allow you to insert your key. Be watchful not to use too much heat, as this could damage the lock.
Step 4: Call a Professional Locksmith
If you’ve tried the previous steps and still can’t get your lock to budge, then it’s time to call a professional locksmith. A locksmith will have the tools and expertise to quickly get your lock thawed out and working again.
Keep in mind that locksmiths can be expensive, so you may want to consider other options first. If cost is a concern, see if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers locksmith services. Many policies do, so it’s worth checking into.
Read More: Top 5 Benefits of Installing A Smart Lock in Home
Final Thoughts
When your front door lock gets frozen, it can be a frustrating experience. However, you can do a few things to fix the problem. First, try using a hairdryer to melt the ice. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a can of compressed air. If neither of those methods works, you may need to replace the lock.
Last but not least, getting a professional’s help is always worth it if all your efforts fail. Contact Super Locksmith at (678)761-3556 and get fast and affordable locksmith services using top-quality lock brands today. They offer 24/7 support and are incredibly professional.
