Dealing with Frozen Locks in our Canadian Winter
What to do and how to prevent it from happening to you?
Winter can quickly become a headache when water and ice get into your door locks, padlocks, and freeze. Dealing with frozen locks can be frustrating because you simply want to get on with your day. Fortunately, there are different things you can do to help protect your locks from freezing this winter.
The reason locks freeze is because of water and moisture that get inside the lock. The ice stops the locking mechanisms from turning and moving correctly. One of the more common causes of frozen locks is not properly lubrication. The internal components in locks are made from metal and require lubrication in order to function correctly. Not only does the lubrication keep the lock working correctly, but it also creates a barrier against water and moisture, as well as colder temperatures.
An effective way to prevent locks from freezing is to have them lubricated by one of our experienced and knowledgeable locksmith technicians before winter. You should have all outdoor locks lubricated, including front and back doors, patio doors, garage doors, storage sheds, bike locks, and any other lock that will be used or is exposed to the outdoors during the winter.
Our professional locksmiths can also teach you certain tips and tricks that you can use throughout the winter to keep the locks protected from freezing. For instance, two must-have items you need to stock throughout the winter months are light lubricant spray and lock deicer.
If you encounter a frozen lock, never, under any circumstances, use hot water to heat the lock-up. Using hot water allows more moisture and water to get inside the lock. Granted, it might work and unfreeze the lock, but this will only be a temporary solution. Once the hot water cools down and freezes, the lock will be frozen again a hair dryer on low heat will usually work.
Additionally, the more moisture and water that gets inside the lock will create more ice. As a result, the ice can actually damage the working mechanisms and prevent the lock from functioning correctly.
If you have our high-security Abloy locks installed on your home or office. You can heat the key with a lighter and insert it into the lock. This will warm the discs and allow them to turn once again. Giving you access once again.
In the event, you discover a frozen lock and deicer does not seem to help.
Please give us a call at 613-591-0909 and we would be happy to help you.