Ways To Handle a Frozen Front Door Lock
Particularly in winter, it’s not uncommon for a door lock to become frozen. Whether in your home or car, it can be quite inconvenient and upsetting.
Fortunately, there are some simple solutions. These tips should help you with a freezing door lock without breaking your key or mechanism.
Spray De-Icing Solution
A spray de-icing solution is a safe and effective way to unfreeze your front door lock. Most de-icers contain the organic molecule ethylene glycol, which lowers the freezing point of water and makes it easier to melt away the ice.
It’s also easy to use; spray it onto the frozen handle or frame and wait a few minutes for the ice to melt. It’s also a good idea to apply it before the weather gets too cold, as moisture can easily find its way into locks and freeze them up.
One of the more annoying winter problems is having your front door lock freeze up. It’s not as dangerous as other icy issues, but it still ranks among the most frustrating when your keys don’t work, and you must leave the house!
Petroleum Jelly
When your front door lock is frozen, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, you can apply a number of techniques for defrosting it. One of them is using petroleum jelly. It is a water-protective lubricant that can thaw frozen locks.
It can also help keep you warm in cold weather and prevent chafing, which occurs when skin rubs against another part of your body or clothing.
This can lead to rashes and broken skin.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer has become an essential part of everyday life for many. Unlike water and soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can kill germs on contact, making it effective against coronaviruses, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that cause illness. Choosing the right product, applying it correctly and using it consistently can help you protect yourself from disease.
But not all alcohol-based hand sanitizer is created equal, and some contain ingredients that could be toxic when rubbed into the skin, such as methanol (wood alcohol). Before purchasing any product, look for an FDA warning label that states it does not contain methanol. The Food and Drug Administration has a database you can search to find out whether your bottle of hand sanitizer contains methanol.
Warm Breath
A frozen lock can be a pain – especially when hurrying to leave the house or get into your car. But thankfully, there are plenty of quick and easy solutions out there to help you navigate this frustrating situation.
One of the best ways to defrost your front door lock is with your warm breath. This should thaw the lockout in no time. However, you should not apply the flames of a lighter or match to the lock as it will likely damage it instead of unfreezing it.
Hair Dryer
A hairdryer is an answer if you’re looking for the fastest way to thaw your frozen lock. They’re designed to be light, small and safe to use.
You can plug one into your house or car, hold it six inches away from the frozen handle, and wave it back and forth until the ice melts. This method might require an extension cord to reach the door, so make sure you have one available.
Modern hair dryers are safe because they have temperature cutoff switches that prevent the heating coil from getting too hot. These switches also prevent the device from causing an electric shock. When your front door lock is frozen, a locksmith can be very helpful in resolving the issue. Here are some of how a locksmith can help:
- Thawing the lock: A locksmith can use specialized tools to thaw the frozen lock. They may use a heat gun or a de-icer spray to melt the ice and snow, causing the lock to freeze.
- Repairing the lock: If the lock is damaged due to the freeze, a locksmith can repair or replace the lock. They can also check to see if any other issues with the lock could be causing it to freeze.
- Lubricating the lock: A locksmith can apply lubricant to the lock to prevent it from freezing again. They may also recommend a specific type of lubricant that will work best for your lock.
- Providing advice: A locksmith can advise you on how to prevent your lock from freezing in the future. They may recommend using a locking cover or keeping the lock lubricated during winter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a frozen front door lock can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation during cold weather. However, there are several steps you can take to safely and effectively thaw the lock and prevent it from freezing in the future.
These steps ensure that your front door lock remains functional and secure, even during the coldest winter weather. If you encounter any difficulties or need assistance with thawing a frozen lock, contact a professional locksmith for help.
AZ locksmith comprises a team of professionals and can benefit when your front door lock is frozen. They can help you return home and ensure your lock functions properly.
