How to Deal with a Frozen Lock

Unlocking Frozen Locks – Tips from Your Denver Locksmiths

Bitter winds and plummeting temperatures can cause locks to freeze. Whether it’s the lock on the front door or a car door lock, a frozen lock is extremely frustrating. If you find yourself facing a frozen lock this winter, keep these quick and easy tips from your Denver locksmith in mind to combat the ice.

Steps:

1.Prevention
a. Magnetize locks
b. Lubricate car key
c. Lubricate car lock
d. Repeat until finished

2.Thawing Frozen Locks
a. Pour anti freeze on the lock
b. Repeat prevention steps B-D

Preventing a Frozen Lock

One of the best ways to deal with a frozen lock is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Placing a magnet over your car door lock is one quick and easy way to keep it from freezing overnight or when you’ll be away from your car for several hours.

Another option is to dip your key in petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, insert it into the lock and turn it back and forth a few times. Do this a few times to ensure that the jelly is evenly distributed throughout all parts of the lock. Spray lubricant, such as WD-40, can also prevent locks from freezing. Whichever one your choose, repeat the treatment weekly to keep your locks from freezing during the winter.

Thawing an Already Frozen Lock

Whether you’ve discovered your car lock is frozen when you’re heading to work or you’ve just returned home to find that the lock on your front door is frozen solid, a frozen lock is frustrating and needs to be taken care of immediately. It’s a good idea to keep a few cans of anti-freeze on hand to spray into locks in these situations.

If you don’t have any anti-freeze, heating up your key could do the trick. Carefully heat the key using a lighter then insert into the lock. The heat should melt the ice.

Vaseline or WD-40 can also be used to melt the ice inside your lock. Coat your key, then insert it into the lock. Carefully wiggle the key, but don’t force it to turn. If it doesn’t work right away,  repeat several times and wait a few minutes.

Call Your Denver Locksmiths at CSP

Dealing with a frozen lock is fairly easy, but it does come with some risk, and it’s important to exercise caution and common sense. If you don’t want to run the risk of breaking your key or damaging your lock or vehicle, contact Colorado Security Products. Our Denver locksmiths can help with frozen locks in Denver, and they’re available 24/7 for emergency locksmith service.