When winter comes freezing weather can cause problems with locks. Moisture in the air can freeze inside locks making them hard to close and open. Dealing with frozen locks can be quite frustrating but there are well known and simple techniques to over come it.
Heat the Key
Sometimes when dealing with a frozen lock using a heated key can be the easiest and most effective solution. You have a couple of options to warm up a key, either by using your body heat or a lighter. You can put the key between the palms of your hands and rub them against each other until the key is warm enough to try and insert it into the lock and remove it few times until you can turn the key inside the lock. If you have a lighter heat the key from a reasonable distance and then try to turn it inside the lock.
Use Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer has become very common in households and offices as a result of the corona pandemic. The alcohol content in the hand sanitizer can help to dissolve any ice that might have caused your lock to freeze. All you have to do is apply a little of the sanitizer gel to the key before inserting it into the lock or alternatively if it is a sanitizer spray then spray it into the keyhole and try to turn the key inside the lock.
Use Warm Water
If there is hot water available you can try using it to melt the ice and release the lock. Pour some hot water on a towel and place it over the lock in order to melt the ice. Prevent the water from getting into the keyhole as much as possible.
De-Icer
These commercial products often contain alcohol and other substances that can quickly melt the ice within a lock.
Mind Your Lock Lubricant
Before winter breach our in his full power spray some special oil called graphite in your locks. It stops water from getting in and freezing, you can also use WD-40 spray to keep it from freezing and make it smoother.
