FROZEN LOCKS

If you find yourself stood outside in the cold because a frozen door lock isn’t allowing you to use you key, then this guide will be very helpful.

During the cold winter months, it is not uncommon to find that the lock on your door has frozen and this can be really frustrating. But it is important to not try and force your key into the lock as you could break your key, and this only leads to more problems for yourself.

Unfreezing Your Door Lock

Unfreezing a door lock can be quite simple and things that you can use to defrost it are often readily available to you either on your person or in the garage or shed! Here is a list of things that you can do to defrost a door lock:

• Hand Sanitizer – This contains alcohol that will melt the ice. If you put the sanitiser on both the lock and key, then gently move the key in and out of the lock to loosen it.

• Lighter – You can use a portable cigarette lighter to warm the key carefully then move it in and out of the lock until it thaws, and you can gain entry. Cation if you are trying this method after using the alcohol hand sanitiser.

• De-icer – If you drive then you will likely have a can of de-icer in the car during the winter months. Spray the de-icer on the lock and key wait a short while and then gently move the key in and out of the lock until you gain entry

• Hair dryer – if your neighbour is home and they have a hairdryer and extension cable handy then you can use this to heat the lock and thaw it.

• Your Hands – you can warm your key with your hands and use your thumb to warm the lock for a while then it may thaw the lock enough for you to gain entry.

• Locksmith – If you have tried these methods and had no luck you should call a locksmith as there may be more to it than just a frozen lock.

If you are having problems with your door lock or have broken your key as a result of a frozen lock, then contact Dr Lock Aberdeen - 07593523360