How to Prevent Outdoor Locks from Freezing

Thứ bảy - 27/04/2024 01:13

Frozen locks are an annoying fact of life during the winter. You definitely don't want to be left out in the cold, so naturally you want to do anything you can to prevent your outdoor locks from freezing on you. Luckily, there are lots of...

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Frozen locks are an annoying fact of life during the winter. You definitely don’t want to be left out in the cold, so naturally you want to do anything you can to prevent your outdoor locks from freezing on you. Luckily, there are lots of ways to do this! Whether you’re trying to protect door locks, car locks, or padlocks, these tricks should prevent you from getting locked out this winter.

Spray the lock with WD-40.

If you’re expecting a cold snap or snowstorm, squirt some WD-40 into the lock. For cold winters, spray all locks 1-2 times per week to keep them in good, working order.^{[1] X Research source}

This only works if you get the lubricant inside the lock. Get the nozzle right up to the lock opening and give it a good squirt.

You could also use this trick for combination locks. Spray any openings so the lubricant gets into the lock mechanism.

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2

Try graphite spray.

If you want a lock lubricant that won't stink up your car or home, then this is a great choice.^{[2] X Research source}

Graphite tends to work a bit better on car locks, so give this a try if WD-40 hasn't done the trick for you.

Like with WD-40, spray your locks regularly with graphite during the winter to prevent freezing.

3

Smear some petroleum jelly on the lock.

Smear some onto your key, then insert it into the lock and shake it around a bit to coat the inner lock mechanism. Repeat this a few times throughout the winter to keep the lock lubricated and moisture-free.^{[3] X Research source}

This trick is a good replacement if you don’t have WD-40 or a similar lubricant.

This trick won't work for combination locks, since you can't use a key to coat the interior.

Petroleum jelly could also loosen the lock if it does freeze. Coat the key in it and slide it into the lock to see if you can open it.

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4

Spray compressed air into the lock.

Use a compressed air can, like you’d use to clean your computer screen. Put the nozzle right up to any lock and give it a good spray. With the moisture blasted out, the lock is less likely to freeze or seize up.^{[4] X Research source}
This is only a short-term solution, since it doesn’t actually prevent moisture from getting into the lock. It’s best to follow-up with a lubricant or covering so moisture doesn’t get back inside the lock.

5

Cover the lock opening with a magnet.

Get a strong magnet and stick it to the lock opening. Make sure it covers the entire opening so moisture can’t sneak in. When you’re ready to open the lock, just pop the magnet off and slide the key in normally.^{[5] X Research source}

This is a good way to follow-up with a compressed air treatment, since it stops more moisture from getting in the lock.

It’s also a good trick for car locks. You can keep the magnet in your glove box and pop it onto your lock when you know it’ll be cold.

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6

Wrap padlocks in socks.

Slip it over the lock and twist it so it’s tight and snug. Then tie the sock into a knot so it doesn’t fall off.^{[6] X Research source}

This works best along with another method, like lubrication. The sock alone might not be warm enough to stop water from freezing, especially in a cold area.

Make sure the sock is totally dry! If it gets wet, it could freeze around the lock and then you'll really be out of luck.

This trick won’t work for door or car locks. The sock has to wrap around the lock entirely to keep it warm enough.

7

Switch to weatherproof padlocks.

Look for a high-quality weatherproof lock, preferably with a plastic casing that blocks moisture. These can resist the cold better than regular locks.^{[7] X Research source}
Weatherproof locks aren’t guaranteed to not freeze. They just resist freezing better than normal locks.

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8

Dip your key in hand sanitizer to melt ice.

Simply rub some hand sanitizer on the key and slide it into the lock. Shake it back and forth a few times, then try to turn the key. The alcohol in the hand sanitizer should melt the ice and free the lock.^{[8] X Research source}
There are also lock de-icing sprays that you can use to loosen a frozen lock. They work a bit better, but are more expensive.

Warnings

Do not pour hot water on the lock to defrost it! You might melt the ice in the short term, but all that water you just poured into your lock will be frozen solid before too long.^{[9] X Research source}

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Don’t try to open a frozen lock by turning the key very hard. You could break the key off, and then you’ll have an even bigger problem on your hands.^{[10] X Research source}

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