Can Heat Affect Door Locks? The 160 Top Answers

Fully functioning locks are essential to protecting our homes and businesses. When there is a problem with a lock, it usually needs to be fixed immediately. Some lock problems are serious and require the skills of a fully trained locksmith, others can be solved by following the simple guide below. Here are 5 common locking problems and what you should do when you encounter them.

1. Broken key in the lock

This is one of the most frustrating locking issues and it usually occurs out of the blue without any warning. There are some dos and don’ts if this happens to you. Do not attempt to further lock or unlock the door with the broken key piece. That way, there’s a good chance you’ll insert the broken key further into the locking mechanism, making it harder to get out. If enough of the broken key is visible, you can try inserting the tip of a pair of needle-nosed pliers into the keyhole to grab the broken key and pull it straight out. If the key doesn’t come out easily, don’t force it or you could make things a lot worse. At this stage, you should seek the help of a trained locksmith. You have the tools and skills to remove the key without further damaging the lock.

2. The lock is stiff and difficult to open

Dirt and dust can sometimes get into a lock and accumulate over time. This can clog the locking mechanism and make turning difficult. You can put some graphite spray or silicone-based lube in the lock, reinsert the key, and turn it a few times. Never use oil based products like WD-40 to lubricate locks as while they may help initially they will cause clogging problems later on.

3. UPVC door is difficult to lock or open

If the door locks/unlocks easily when open but not when closed, this usually indicates a problem with the alignment of the locking points. UPVC doors are adjustable but can sometimes slip or fall out of position. This is something that most people find difficult to fix, but is usually a quick fix by a trained locksmith. Unfortunately, if you find that the locking mechanism has problems when the door is open, this may indicate that the lock is defective. In this case, new parts may have to be used. Here, too, a quick call to a locksmith is done in no time.

4. Key is difficult to insert

First, make sure the correct key is used in the lock! Next it is necessary to rule out that the problem is not caused by a badly cut key. Poorly cut keys are always a problem with locks, which is why it’s important to hire a reputable locksmith when cutting new keys. If you have a different key for the lock, use that to determine if the problem is with the key or the lock. If the lock is faulty this will need to be examined by a locksmith and a new lock may need to be fitted.

5. Key does not turn in lock

A few things can cause this problem. First of all, it is important that you never try to force the key into the lock as this could break the key. You can try lubricating the lock with graphite spray or a silicone based lubricant as mentioned above. If that doesn’t help, it could be that the lock and door are misaligned (similar to the UPVC issue above) or that there is a problem with the lock cylinder. Unfortunately, both of these problems usually require a locksmith’s skills and expertise to diagnose and fix.

Most of us don’t give a second thought to whether our locks are working properly, but once we spot a problem we usually need to act quickly. If you are in this position and need a fully trained Edinburgh locksmith to assist you then contact Richard or call him on 0131 603 7329

On a daily basis, most locksmiths receive calls from customers complaining about various lock issues such as: B. “Key does not turn in the lock” or “Key does not fit in the lock”. Some problems can easily be fixed by the householder. However, some issues are a bit more complex and may require the attention of a professional locksmith.

Below are some of the most common complaints about keys not turning in locks and keys not fitting in locks.

Key does not turn in UPVC / multipoint door lock

Multipoint locking doors work by having multiple locks coming out of the door when the handle is lifted. These locks are then inserted into the door frame and lock the door.

These are the doors of choice for most homeowners and builders alike these days. This is due to their high security features as well as their aesthetic appeal to the eye.

If the key in the lock suddenly stops working, there are usually two reasons. Either a broken barrel (Euro lock) or a broken piece of metal in the gear of the door mechanism, both scenarios make turning the door lock difficult.

broken barrel

If the Upvc door key won’t turn all the way, it could be the cam in the center of the lock that has come loose. This prevents the lock from being opened. Sometimes, when the cam has completely disengaged from the lock, the key will turn, but the door will not open. Unfortunately, in this case there is no easy way for the person to get the lock out of the door to change it. This is because to extract a Eurolock from a multipoint door, you must remove the screw on the side of the door, insert a key into the lock and turn while sliding the lock out of the door. However, since the key cannot be turned in the lock, conventional removal is impossible.

A locksmith would approach this type of job by taking the multi-point locking door handles to expose more of the lock cylinder. They would then place a Eurolock snapper over the barrel and break the barrel in half. Once this is done, the broken barrel can be taken out of the door and a new one fitted.

Broken gearbox

If it is not the barrel that is broken, but the gearing that is broken, then it must be replaced in order for the door to work properly again.

It is possible for a householder to do this type of work himself. However, you would need to snap out the barrel as described above. Also, most parts for multipoint locking doors are not readily available to the public. Not to mention the housekeeper would need the tools and a little knowledge of how to disassemble and reassemble these mechanisms.

For a locksmith who specializes in repairing UPVC door locks, this type of job is relatively easy and would be done hundreds of times a year. Most locksmiths have the most common gearboxes in their van. In this way, they can remove a defective transmission and replace it with a new one on the same day. This means that the customer can have secure property and the locksmith does not have to make a return visit.

Key won’t turn in Yale lock (night lock)

Lock body broken

One of the most common locks on a wooden door is a night latch. Although some refer to them as Yale locks, this is because the vast majority of Nightlatch locks are made by lock manufacturer Yale.

If a key does not turn in a night lock, the lock mechanism inside may be broken and preventing the key from turning. In this scenario, the lock body can simply be unscrewed from the door and a similar replacement fitted over the existing holes in the door.

However, if the broken lock body on the door is not commercially available, it may require the work of a carpenter or locksmith to install a new lock. This is because very few locks are exactly the same shape and size. New drill holes and wood usually have to be chiseled away. As a result, the newly formed lock body adapts comfortably to the door.

Confiscated or destroyed pins in the lock cylinder

In almost every lock cylinder (part where the key goes in) there is a series of serrated pins that move up and down when a key is inserted and removed from the lock. These pins are cut to specific heights that only allow the key that fits these pins to open the lock.

When someone can’t put their key in the keyhole, it’s usually for two reasons.

The first reason is that the pins in the lock have run out of lubrication and can’t move up and down freely for the key to lift them. Usually this is a gradual process, with opening the lock and removing the key becoming increasingly fiddly. Detected early enough, the damage can usually be reversed. Simply spraying some lubricating oil in the keyhole is enough to coat the pins and make them move up and down freely again. If the cylinder runs too long without lubrication, the pins can eventually melt together. In this case, a new cylinder is required in the night lock.

The second reason why someone has a hard time getting a key in the lock is vandalism. If glue has been sprayed into a lock or someone has put a foreign object in the keyhole. The pins in the lock no longer rise to the desired height for the key to turn. When this is done, the lock must be removed and a new one installed. If the door is open, the customer could buy a new cylinder from a hardware store and swap out the damaged cylinder for a new one.

If the door is locked when the customer finds the lock is damaged, they may need to call a locksmith to drill out the lock and replace it with a new one. Most emergency locksmiths can open and replace the cylinder without having to replace the entire lock.

Key cannot be turned in mortise lock

Mortise locks are the type of locks fitted to most older wooden doors. They consist of a lock body with some levers inside that are raised when a key is inserted into the hole and turned. The key grabs a latch as it passes these levers, sliding the latch open and closed depending on which way you turn the key. The main problems people have with these locks are a faulty keyhole curtain (bolt thrower), faulty levers and damaged keys

broken curtain/bolt thrower

When a mortise key cannot be inserted into the keyhole, it is usually because the curtain (metal flap on the side of the keyhole) has been rotated out of position and is blocking the entrance to the keyhole. This usually happens when the curtain loses its spring over time. The homeowner can simply take a screwdriver, insert it into the keyhole and twist the curtain back to its normal position. They know it’s in position because they can look right through the keyhole – meaning a key can now be entered. This curtain moving out of position could just be a one off unusual event. However, if it does happen again, a local lock fitting service is probably the best way to go down.

Defective lever in the lock

If the mortise key can be inserted into the keyhole but the key will not turn, this is a sign that there is a problem with the levers in the lock or that the key is missing a piece.

Problems with locking levers can be caused by them melting together, lack of lubrication, or if the levers have become detached from the pin holding them in place. If any of these problems occur when the door is locked, that’s a job for a locksmith or someone who knows the inner workings of a lock. The lock must be drilled out, and in some cases the locking levers must be manually pulled out through the drilled hole. While this is far from ideal, locksmiths carry special keyhole covers designed to cover the drilled hole on the door.

If the bolt won’t turn in the lock or the key won’t turn all the way in the lock, it could also be a broken key. If one of the teeth fell off the key, then all the levers will no longer raise to the desired height. However, this can be an easy fix. If the homeowner has another fully intact key, they can take it to a locksmith and have a duplicate key made. Once this is done, the lock will open fully and close again as usual.

Conclusion

While there are many other reasons why a key will not turn in a lock, the scenarios outlined above are the most common that locksmiths encounter on a daily basis. Check out some of our other articles on locks for more advice. Visit our locksmith blog page.

The locks on the doors of the places where we live or work provide security and peace of mind. But what if you can’t get the key or lock to work? First, make sure you have the correct key. It may seem silly, but it’s a common mistake. Otherwise, if a key won’t turn in door lock cylinders, the problem may be dirt or dust inside the cylinder. If the door lock does not turn at all, one of the problems could be the mechanism.

Do-It-Yourself solutions

There is dirt or dust in the cylinder.

If the key won’t turn in the door lock, the problem could be dirt or dust in the cylinder causing the pins to get stuck in a partially raised position. If that’s the case, there may be an easy fix. You can spray dry lubricant into the keyway and then insert the key a few times to make the lubricant work. If a dry lubricant doesn’t work, you can try WD-40.

The castle is frozen.

Unless you live in a place like Florida, chances are you’ll struggle with frigid weather during the winter months. Your door lock could be frozen if it won’t turn. You can try to thaw the door lock with a warm key. Warm the key by placing it in a bowl of hot water, then dry it off with gloves, then slowly insert it into the lock.

Professional solutions

We’ve mentioned a few do-it-yourself solutions, but if the solution isn’t easy, consider calling a locksmith. Here are some examples:

The key does not work even though it is new.

If you have a new key that you can insert but won’t turn, chances are your new key was badly cut. Always contact a reputable locksmith to avoid such problems. A professional locksmith can make a new key or, if there is a more serious problem than the way a key is cut, investigate and find a solution.

The key only partially goes in.

If this is the case and the lubrication is not working, it is possible that an obstacle is blocking it. Or there may be a worn pin chamber or a corroded pin. These are issues that are best left to a locksmith to avoid further damaging the lock.

The door lock does not turn at all even though the key is turned.

If this occurs, there is a high possibility that there is a problem with the mechanism. The lock will need to be removed and examined, and this type of work is best left to a professional locksmith.

Red Rocks Locksmith serves Denver and the surrounding area. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If a door lock won’t turn, or if a key in door lock cylinders won’t turn, you probably need to call a locksmith. Red Rocks Locksmith can diagnose the problem, fix it and have you back in your home or business in no time.

We spend a lot of time worrying about the effects of cold weather. The impact on our home, work, social life, cars and bills, etc. We are a nation that loves to talk about, obsess over and often groan about the weather. However, with summers being hotter (much hotter), have we really thought about the impact the heat can have?

In the winter we keep windows and doors closed, we keep de-icers in the house in case our car freezes over, and we keep an eye on our boilers to make sure we can manage or prevent freezing disasters. But what do we do against the scorching sun?

With the climate reaching 34°C plus lately, we have focused on how to cool down and ventilate our homes where possible. Have you ever thought that it could affect your locks? Most materials expand when heated. This can cause some problems if that’s the object holding your lock. It can make unlocking stiff or even impossible – not really ideal when that’s a door, right?

Hot weather and door locks

I know you’re probably thinking that we have more cold weather than hot weather. That is undeniable. However, with so many cold weather preventive measures to take, have you ever wondered what would happen if our summers were warm enough to actually affect your home or work life?

Hot weather or heat stretches most materials. Wood expands more than plastic, so the lock in it may become stiff or the key may not fit properly due to the expansion. This can still happen with plastic doors, but the impact would probably be less severe than with a wooden door.

If you find that your doors at home or at work may be a bit old and the locks seem to be stiff most of the time, it may be worth replacing the locks or replacing the doors.

In that case, it pays to consult a reputable locksmith for advice on getting the best fit for you.

What if the hot weather blocked your lock?

If the hot weather has compromised the integrity of your lock, you will need to contact a local locksmith for help. This may require removing the lock and replacing it with a new and more resistant model. You might want to discuss different materials and features so what you’re replacing is really what you’re looking for.

Hot weather and window locks

When we have hot weather, we often have the windows open – even all day, to let some air into your home. The problem with this is security. Leaving your windows open unmanned during the day can invite unwanted intruders into your home.

Most of us who have latches on our windows would latch our windows when we weren’t around. However, some windows do not have such a mechanism and this can be a problem. Even if you close the window, it can still be opened from the outside and someone can gain entry into your home.

If you have windows without latches, you may think that you need to replace the entire window – frame and glass. This can get very expensive. However, this is not the only option. An alternative would be to replace the window locks with ones that allow the window to be put on a latch. This way you allow some airflow while still keeping your home safe. It would be helpful to contact a trusted locksmith to make these changes – they can advise you, discuss prices, materials and time frames for completing the work.

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If you’re having trouble inserting and removing your key, or if you feel a sticky grinding sensation when turning the key, your lock may be in dire need of some lube.

But will any old lube do the trick, or do we need to use a special lock lube.

Ideally, you should use dry lubricants like graphite or teflon on locks that don’t leave an oily residue. Oil-based products can collect all sorts of weird things like dust, hair, or even pocket lint that can cause further buildup in your lock.

The best lock lube is Houdini Lock Lube! It is a non-petroleum based lube that is safe to use on almost anything. It provides excellent lubrication, lasts a long time and is excellent at preventing rust.

However, there are other options on the market that work just as well and may be more available in your location.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best lock lubes on the market, as well as the lubes that work best in certain conditions – such as: B. Indoor and outdoor use, climate, etc.

Let us begin!

Which lubricants are best for locks?

The best type of lubrication for a lock is a dry lubricant such as Teflon (PTFE) or graphite. These types of lubricants repel dust and dirt and keep your lock from making a dirty and sticky mess.

But which dry lubricants are best for locks?

Below are my picks of the top five lock lubricants.

Each of these five products will give you long lasting and buttery smooth lubrication and good rust protection.

1. Lubrication of the Houdini lock

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Art of Lock Picking’s top choice for a silky smooth lock is Houdini Lock Lube. This stuff is amazing and made specifically for locks. It contains no oil, grease, graphite, silicone or Teflon.

In fact, the magic of Houdini Lock Lubricant is that nobody really knows what’s in it.

But don’t let that put you off because this stuff is absolutely amazing!

Houdini does an incredible job of penetrating and cleaning out corrosion, providing long-lasting, buttery-smooth lubrication.

It works well in all climates and provides excellent protection against rust – even in salty and humid coastal locations.

In addition, it is dielectric, making it safe to spray on electronics.

You really can’t go wrong with Houdini Lock Lube.

2. Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant

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Next is Tri-Flow Superior Lubrication, which is a strong rival to our top pick Houdini and is widely endorsed by locksmiths.

The active lubricant in Tri-Flow is Teflon, which is just a brand name for PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) – just like Hershey is a brand name for chocolate.

Teflon is one of the slipperiest solids known to man, making it an excellent dry lubricant. Nothing sticks to this material, meaning it won’t attract and collect dirt, dust, or other contaminants that could get into your keyway.

Teflon is also hydrophobic; H. it repels liquids and helps protect your lock from rust and corrosion.

However, it falls short in one respect. It doesn’t include a plastic straw applicator, so shooting it right into a keyhole is a little obnoxious. But it cleans well.

Overall, Tri-Flow is an excellent choice for any lock, providing long lasting lubrication and rust protection.

3. 3-IN-ONE Lock Lubricant

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3-IN-ONE Lock Lube is another excellent dry lubricant specially formulated for locks that offers a buttery smooth keyway.

3-IN-ONE dries almost instantly to prevent dirt and dust from sticking and is petroleum-free to reduce sticky build-up in your lock.

It also works well to penetrate and clean as well as prevent rust and corrosion.

Just be careful not to accidentally get the 3-IN-ONE oil, which is a terrible lube for a lock. We will discuss lock oils and why you should avoid them in another section of this guide.

4. Lock Saver synthetic lubricant

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Lock Saver Synthetic Lubricant is another top choice for locksmiths, specially formulated for locks.

It’s a PTFE dry lubricant that doesn’t leave an oily residue, so it doesn’t collect particles like dust and hair that eventually lead to buildup and a sticky lock.

It has excellent outdoor durability, lasting a long time and preventing rust and corrosion, even in humid and coastal locations.

Like all PTFE lubricants, it is also suitable for cold weather because it contains nothing that could freeze – such as. e.g. oil.

5. CRC Dry Graphite Lubricant

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Last is CRC Dry Graphite Lube. As you can probably guess from the name, CRC uses graphite, which is a fantastic lock lube.

In fact, most lock manufacturers lubricate their new locks with graphite, and before the rise of PTFE it was the primary lubricant used by many early locksmiths.

Once dipped into the keyhole, it quickly bonds to the metal for a nearly frictionless experience.

Being a dry lubricant, it doesn’t collect dirt or dust and does a pretty good job of preventing rust. That being said, graphite wouldn’t be my first choice if you live in a salty coastal location.

One of the only real downsides to graphite is that it can be messy. However, when administered as an aerosol, it tends to be cleaner than pure graphite powder.

Quick tip: If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you can also sand the graphite off a pencil and apply it to your hair. With graphite, less is more, so apply sparingly.

Types of lock lubricants

Not all lubricants are the same. Some work better than others for specific applications, but work best on locks.

Let’s take a quick look at the four different types of lubricants, how they work and determine which ones we should use in our locks.

dry lubricants

Dry lubricants are made up of small solid particles that are slippery enough to reduce friction between two surfaces.

The most common types of dry lubricants are graphite, PTFE, silicone and Teflon (branded PTFE).

Dry lubricants are best for locks because they leave no oily or greasy substances that collect stray particles like dirt, dust, hair, or even insect carcasses. They also do not collect or hold water, which aids in rust prevention.

Penetrating lubricants

Penetrating lubes like WD-40 are not intended as long-lasting lubes.

Rather, they are low-viscosity oils specially formulated to penetrate the tiny cracks between components and provide temporary lubrication. They also contain additives that help break up rust and other corrosion.

Using penetrating lubricants on your locks provides temporary lubrication, but also leaves an oily residue that can collect particles and cause a messy build-up over time.

lubricating oils

Oil lubricants are light-bodied liquids used to reduce friction, heat and wear between components. They are available in different “weights” (20w, 10w, 5w) that represent the viscosity of the oil.

While lock oils keep your locks lubricated, they collect dust, dirt, and other contaminants that can quickly clog internal components.

Also, some oils can be too thick — or malicious — and leave your hair sluggish.

fat lubricants

Grease is a lubricant made by combining oil and thickeners.

Grease is not recommended for locks. Just like oil, grease can collect all sorts of particles that get into your keyway and quickly clog internal components.

Grease is also very thick and sticky and will make your lock very sluggish.

Is Graphite a Good Lubricant for Locks?

Graphite powder is an excellent lock lubricant. In fact, many lock manufacturers pre-lubricate their locks with graphite. It is a dry lubricant and provides excellent protection for your lock against deposits and corrosion.

However, graphite has one major disadvantage. It’s really messy and gets everywhere.

It can also make a mess days after application.

Let’s say you lubricate your locks with graphite. The next day you lock your door and graphite smears over your key.

Wherever you put that key next, black particles will land everywhere – in your pockets, your purse, on the countertop. I hope you’re not wearing white.

Graphite is pretty old school, and while it works beautifully, there are simply better, no-mess options out there today.

Is WD-40 a Good Lock Lubricant?

WD-40 can be useful for breaking up rust and corrosion, but it is a terrible lock lubricant and should be avoided if possible.

Being petroleum based, it leaves an oily residue that collects particles such as dust and dirt. Eventually, over time, these particles form a black, sticky mass, causing a sticky and malfunctioning lock.

If you’re in dire need of lube for your lock, consider chipping the graphite off a pencil and applying a small amount to your keyway.

What Types of Lubricants Are Best for Outer Locks?

For outdoor locks, you should use a dry lubricant that doesn’t collect dust and dirt that slowly accumulates and makes your lock dirty. Also, you want a good rust preventative that won’t freeze in the winter.

The best outdoor lubricants are graphite or Teflon (PTFE).

As a final note, if you live in a coastal area with humid, salty air, you may find better rust protection by using Teflon over graphite.

Final Thoughts

Lubricating your lock every 1-2 years will keep it in top condition and help you avoid awkward situations.

Situations like breaking a key in your lock – which is a common consequence of a malfunctioning or jammed lock.

In this guide, we learned that the best type of lock lubricant is almost any type of dry lubricant, such as graphite or Teflon. Dry lubes don’t slowly build up a messy mess by collecting dirt and dust.

I hope you found this article and my recommendations helpful, and if you’re interested in learning more about home security, locksmithing, and lockpicking, be sure to check out my academy for more free guides!

Have fun picking!

How to unlock your door lock

If you live in a northern state like Pennsylvania, you’re no doubt already used to the cold temperatures, snow, and ice that the winter season brings. But winter brings other inconveniences – like poor driving conditions, ice dams, slush and frozen locks.

There is arguably nothing more frustrating than starting your car in the morning only to find your door locks are frozen shut. Or maybe you come home in the evening to find your front door icy and inaccessible.

Methods for thawing a frozen door lock

So how do you de-ice a frozen door lock on your house? Put simply, it’s all about generating heat. Here’s what to do:

Clear ice around the lock cylinder – This essentially frees up a space for you to better insert the key, although the inside of the lock is likely still frozen. You can remove ice from the lock cylinder opening using either the tip of the key or a similar object – just be careful not to damage the lock itself. De-Ice the Keyhole – The best option is to use a de-icing spray to aim at the lock’s keyhole and push the lock cylinder through the keyhole. Watch this video to see how greasing the keyhole can quickly fix a frozen lock problem. Heat the Key – We realize this can be difficult depending on your situation. If you have access to hot water, deicer, a hair dryer, heat gun, or blowtorch, these tools should be your first approach. Alternatively, you can use matches or a lighter.

If you can start your car, you can put the key on the radiator to warm it up. Regardless of how you heat the key, be sure to use gloves when handling the key combo. Then simply stick it in the lock and at least the first layer of excess ice should melt away immediately.

How to prevent house locks from freezing

By following the steps above it is possible to unblock, but there are also several preventive measures you can take. Here’s what you can do before the first frost to ensure locks are better prepared for freezing temperatures.

Moisture likes to get into the locks while outside temperatures are still warm. Then, when cold weather sets in, this moisture can freeze in the castle. To avoid frozen curls, you can oil them before the first frost of the year. Oiling the locks puts a thin layer of protection over the lock’s internal mechanical parts, removing moisture and ensuring that moving parts work well even in the cold.

Related article: How temperature changes affect locks.

What not to do when de-icing car door locks

Don’t panic, first and foremost. Your first instinct might be to pour hot water on the lock or try to smash the ice away. These are taboo and can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Pouring water into the lock can cause water to seep into the door frame and freeze again, or it can cause a thermal shock that shorts out modern electronics like sensors and lock cylinders. Chipping ice on door locks can be difficult and this process can result in damage to your car and chipping paint as well.

What to do when your car door lock is frozen?

Car door locks are usually not as difficult to remove as front door locks. This is simply because you’re more likely to have access to tools and products that can help melt the ice in and around the castle.

Here are some tips and suggestions on how to resolve the situation so you can get on your way:

Start the engine – Often only one side of the door locks will freeze, especially if one side of the car is facing the sun. Try to gain access through another door or a liftgate so you can get in and start the engine. This alone can be enough to heat up the frozen lock in a matter of minutes, allowing you to get started quickly. Use Hand Sanitizer or WD-40 – If you find a car door lock is frozen, dab some hand sanitizer on your key shank and carefully maneuver it into the frozen lock. These alcohol-based sanitizers often burn through the ice in car door locks fairly quickly, allowing you to move again. However, there is another household item that can serve as a preventive measure against ice formation in locks – good old WD-40. If you take just a moment to spray a dab on the door lock every night, this wonderful solution can winterize your car by preventing internal condensation from actually freezing. Spray Deicer Formula – If you live in a northern state, chances are you stock up on a few cans of deicer during the winter months for situations like this. Spraying deicer directly into the lock will quickly melt any ice around it. Parking in the Sunlight – If you don’t have a garage to park in, consider which way the sun will rise and try to park strategically with the driver’s door facing that direction so it gets direct sunlight first thing in the morning. More than a solution, this is a preventive measure that can help ward off those pesky frozen car door locks. Heat the Key – When your car’s door is icy, heat the key to unlock the lock. You can either do this with matches or a lighter, or you can boil a pot of water with the key in it to get it nice and hot. Be safe and use oven mitts, tongs, and winter gloves throughout the process if appropriate. Watch this video for a simple step-by-step demonstration of how to fix a frozen car lock. Heat the Lock – If the first two remedies don’t work, a last resort is a blow dryer. You’ll need an extension cord long enough to reach from your house or an outside outlet to your car’s door lock. Once you operate the hair dryer, block the wind with your body to ensure the icy door lock receives the maximum amount of heat for a quick melting process.

Beware of the risks that come with DIY de-icing methods

Whether your house or car door lock is icy, there are DIY ways to resolve the situation—and with little inconvenience. However, it’s worth noting that all of these DIY options also come with risks.

For example, heating your key to melt away ice could be dangerous if you don’t protect yourself properly. And trying to break off the ice covering the lock could damage the lock in the process, leaving you with another problem to solve. More extreme measures such as using a blowtorch could damage the lock or finish.

Always keep security in mind and use extra caution when attempting to pick a frozen door lock yourself.

You can call Great Valley Lockshop at (610) 644-5334 or fill out our form to schedule a locksmith service.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published February 2015 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

Locks are essential to our homes to ensure security and make you feel safe. Locks are one of those things that you take for granted and don’t think too much about maintaining them. Once they stop working as they should, you can panic and you realize how important door locks are to you.

One of the most common lock problems is a sticky lock. Luckily, most sticky door lock problems can be fixed fairly quickly using a variety of methods. There are also things you can do to prevent lock issues.

Why is my key in the lock?

When a key gets stuck in a lock, it’s usually because the lock needs lubricating. The lock pins can become covered with dirt that has gradually gotten into the lock, usually through the key. Just think about where your key might have been – kitchens, bags, gym bags – all of those places can lead to dust and dirt on your key which then gets into the lock and causes you a problem.

Act early

When your key starts to stick in the key tube, this is the time to pay attention. Having a key that occasionally gets stuck in a lock is an inconvenience, having a key that breaks off in the lock after being permanently stuck in a lock is another matter entirely and may require a locksmith!

Check the key If your key starts to stick when opening or closing a lock, the first thing to check is whether the key is bent. Even a slight bend in a key can affect a key’s functionality. You can straighten a bent key with pliers or a vise, but we recommend playing it safe and having a locksmith cut a new key from a spare key.

Check the key barrel

Is the key shank stuck in the door? If the cylinder is loose or poorly seated, it can affect your ability to open your door easily. It’s worth checking that any screws holding the lock or door handle in place are tight.

How to lubricate a door lock?

It is important to choose the right method of lubricating the door lock. You don’t want to make the situation worse. Our number one method and locksmiths choice is graphite powder. But there are other lubricants that you can safely use.

Use graphite powder

Graphite powder is an excellent lubricant and a great way to fix a lock that’s becoming difficult to pick. Powdered graphite lubricant is available in small soft plastic bottles with a nozzle that makes it easy to squirt a small amount of lubricant into the lock. If you decide to use this method, you can also splash some powder on the key. A few tips on using graphite powder to lubricate a lock: Less is more – use sparingly as the powder is very fine and goes everywhere.

wear disposable gloves

First, try squirting graphite powder onto the key itself.

If you use it outdoors, try it on a calm day.

Use a pencil

If you don’t have access to graphite powder, this might be the right time to have a pencil handy! You can fix a key stuck in a door lock by rubbing the surface of the key with the pencil lead. Because the lead in pencils is of course not lead, but graphite, and the graphite is supposed to act as a lubricant.

Usage GT85 Lubricating Spray GT85 Cleaner is perfect for cleaning and lubricating door locks and is widely available in supermarkets, hardware stores and online. The lubricant in GT85 is PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a silicone element that also repels water. GT85 is sold with a small plastic tube that you can use to easily direct the spray into your lock.

Our handy tips for simply smearing a sticky lock with GT85: Insert the small plastic straw into the can nozzle and squirt the GT85 directly into the lock.

Wear gloves as excess liquid may drip out of the lock

Have an old rag handy to prevent excess liquid from dripping onto surfaces you want to protect.

If your lock is really sticky, you may need multiple applications of GT85 to successfully lubricate it.

You may need to remove the lock from the door to attach the GT85 and turn the lock upside down to allow excess liquid and debris to drip out.

Use a locksmith

At the end of the day, when a key is stuck in a lock and a lube isn’t helping to move it, it might be time to call a locksmith. Any attempt to remove the key with too much force could result in it breaking off – and in our experience this is an inconvenient and expensive thing to avoid!

Should I use WD40 to lubricate door locks?

The simple answer is that you shouldn’t use WD40 to lubricate locks. WD-40 is a solvent based lube and does not contain lube and can make your lock even more sticky over time by binding the lock. While it’s very tempting if you have a can of WD-40 handy (and let’s face it, most of us do!) to give just a quick spritz in your hair, please don’t do it! Same goes for bike chains, you can clean them with GT-85 but using WD-40 will attract dirt over time.

Hope we helped you solve your external door lock problem!

8 easy ways to unlock a frozen car door lock

Car owners know well that winter can bring a whole host of troubles. There are literally dozens of things that can go wrong with a car in winter, from stalled engines to dangerous on-road performance and more. While not quite as dangerous as other problems, a car door lock freezing certainly ranks among the more annoying occurrences on the list.

In case they are already frozen, there are a number of tried and true remedies for that too.

Prevent your car door lock from freezing

Place a magnet over the lock

An easy way to keep your lock from freezing is to place a magnet over the keyhole. Most magnets will work as long as they are large enough to completely cover the keyhole. All you have to do is place the magnet over the lock when you exit your car. After getting into your car, simply toss the magnet in your pocket or purse to use later.

Apply some WD-40

WD-40 is very effective in keeping your car door lock lubricated and frost free. Just spray a little into the lock and it should prevent ice and frost build-up for several days. While you’re at it, you might also want to spray a little in your trunk’s lock.

Unlocking a frozen car door lock

OK. Assuming you don’t have a magnet or WD-40 handy and your car door lock is now frozen… what do you do? There are actually a few quick fixes you can try, one or more of which may be so effective that you don’t need to call in a professional locksmith.

Disinfect your key

Hand sanitizer has a high alcohol content, which not only prevents freezing but also thaws ice. Squirt a little of the gel onto your key, making sure it covers both sides well and it should unlock your stuck door lock after a few turns.

Lubricate your key

Vaseline is an effective lubricant that allows you to easily turn the key in the lock. This may take a little longer than using hand sanitizer, but it will work most of the time. Simply smear your key lightly with a small dab of petroleum jelly and gently turn it in both directions in the lock.

Heat up your key

Simply heating your key with a lighter might be enough to loosen a stuck lock. If the lock is completely frozen, you may need to heat your key more than once. As with all other methods, don’t rush it and slowly turn the key in both directions. The ice should be melted in a few minutes.

Keep de-icing spray handy

Commercially available de-icing spray is even more effective than the solutions mentioned above. Of course, stashing it in the glove compartment of a frozen car wouldn’t do you much good, so make sure you have an extra bottle handy at home or on your desk, too.

Breathe in… and out

Worst case scenario, if you don’t have any of the above solutions, your breath could be all it takes to unfreeze your car door lock. Just wrap your hands around the lock and blow in for a few minutes. It may be necessary to do this more than once, but your lock should thaw after a while.

Nobody wants to be locked out of a home, especially when it comes to having to call an expensive locksmith to fix the problem. If you need to fix a stuck doorknob, you can do it yourself. A sticky door lock is not a difficult repair provided you have the right tools and materials.

The deadbolt runs into the box, a small, square hole that holds the deadbolt in the door frame. There is also a metal strike plate on the frame. This feeds the latch from the cylinder into the box for extra reinforcement.

The latch (also called the latch) in the door is a piece of metal that extends into the door frame to keep it closed. Deadbolts work with a button or an additional key on one side of your door. These are considered more secure than spring latches. Spring bolts are held in place with clips that compress to disengage the latch and operate automatically when the door closes.

It helps first to understand how door locks work. Great Valley Lockshop describes the basic anatomy. First is the lock body (cylinder) and this is where the key goes. When locked, the barrel connects to spring-loaded pins that prevent rotation. The correct key pushes the pins up, which opens the cylinder and moves the latch.

In fact, WD-40 is a degreaser and water repellent. If you have used WD-40 or a similar product in the past, you should give the lock a thorough cleaning to remove any remaining product. This might help reduce the stickiness of the lock.

Graphite lubricant can be purchased in powder form and is usually sold in squeeze bottles or in aerosol cans with narrow straws. You can blow it straight into the groove. Solvent based lubricants such as WD-40 are not recommended as the residue can make the lock even more sticky.

Front door locks can get sticky and the problem can be with the keyhole or the door latch. If your doorknob is sticking or the doorknob won’t fully retract, you can try using a lubricant. Your mechanic claims that the best door lock lube is a graphite lube because it doesn’t attract dirt or dust that could damage the door’s locking mechanism.

According to Elmer’s Lock & Safe, door locks stick for three main reasons: defective internal mechanisms, jammed and misaligned strikers. It can break inside if the latch gets stuck trying to move the handle, but you can still press on it and let it slide back and forth. You might just want to replace it as it could cost more to repair.

The latch could be stuck due to rust or other material and this is possible if the latch moves the same way when you turn or push. You can try taking them apart and soaking the parts in a 5 percent solution of vinegar for 24 hours. Then use a small brush to scrub out the nooks and crannies and wipe everything down before putting it back together.

Usually, if the strike plates are misaligned, the latch will only bind when you try to close the door. This may be due to the door’s wood expanding or the house’s foundation being unstable. If both are the cause, then going to a professional might be the best option.

How to fix a key stuck in a lock

Faced with a key stuck in a lock? It’s never pretty, and it causes frustration and delays in your day when you least expect it. If your key is stuck in the lock, you should always call in professionals. For more information on how to fix a key stuck in a lock, check out the handy guide we’ve created to help you find the right solution.

Why do keys get stuck in locks?

There are numerous reasons why you might end up finding your key stuck in the lock and refusing to turn or pull it out. Here are just some of the most common reasons why:

Key is worn out – this means the key can go in but can get stuck

Key was badly cut – Sometimes a new key can get stuck because the teeth were badly cut

Using the wrong key – a classic mistake that can damage both the key and the lock

Lock fails – sometimes the lock itself is to blame, which can jam the key

Improper use of the lock – Turning a key the wrong way round, or turning it when you shouldn’t, can change the shape of the key and cause a jam

Try these basic things first

There’s always a temptation to panic when you think the key is stuck in the lock or won’t turn. However, a calm head is required while you try a few things first to determine if the problem is temporary or more serious. Check out these tips and remember not to use force so as not to aggravate the situation:

Lubricant – Spray some lubricant on the lock and wiggle the key slightly to see if it comes loose

Ice – On a really hot day, the key or lock might have stretched. Try ice-cooling it to see if things contract up so you can remove the key

Hold the lock tight – holding the lock steady while gently trying to loosen the key can help stabilize the internal mechanism

These are a few tips for removing a key from a stuck lock, but the best advice you can take is to get help from a professional locksmith. Regardless of whether these tips work or not, you should still call a locksmith to avoid getting your key stuck again as the problem is bound to repeat itself if no action is taken.

Can a locksmith remove a key stuck in a lock?

The answer here is a resounding yes. With all the experience, tools and training, there is no one better able to help you remove a key from a lock. At Lock & Key Center we are accredited by both the Master Locksmith Association and the Auto Locksmith Association so you know no job is too big or small for us.

When you bring in the professionals, there are three main benefits:

The problem is solved faster – so you can get back to your day as soon as possible Less chance of damage – While most people could damage the lock or door, professionals know exactly how to deal with the components involved One simple solution – you have to might replace your door if you cause too much damage, while a locksmith might be able to fix it without replacing too many components

Dos and don’ts when your key gets stuck

Put the key in the lock when the doors are unlocked? Or is the key in the lock and won’t turn? Whatever the situation, here are some do’s and don’ts to follow to resolve issues quickly:

Call professional locksmiths to solve the problem

Leave the key alone if you couldn’t remove it normally

Don’t lose patience and use force – it could make things worse

Do not attempt to disassemble the lock on your door as it may become irretrievable

How long does it take to remove a key stuck in a lock?

There’s no telling how long it might take if you try to tackle it yourself, but a professional locksmith should get the job done in about 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of the lock and how tight the key is.

Whether you have a key stuck in a door lock, need lock repairs or just need replacement locks for your property, at Lock & Key Center we are master locksmiths to help when you need us most. We have served the communities of Aylesbury, Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire for over 40 years and continue to provide fast, skilled and reliable locksmith services to homeowners and businesses in the area.

Contact us today if you are having trouble with your home or vehicle lock.

Q2: Does the weatherstrip make your door fit too tight in the frame?

Weather protection is ideal for minimizing drafts and noise. Just make sure it’s not so thick that it interferes with the latch or prevents it from entering the door frame latch pocket. If weatherstrips are the culprit behind your lock fights, try switching to a thinner weatherstrip or adjusting the strikes.

When adjusting the strike plates — the metal plates that surround the deadbolt or latch pocket in the door frame — it’s important to first determine where the deadbolt catches. Slowly lock and unlock the latch several times. The bolt is likely to hit or rub on only one or two sides of the bolt strike. You will want to know where these interference points are. This old house has a great tip: put some chalk – lipstick works too – on the latch before locking and unlocking it. You can then see a chalk mark on the shot where he rubbed.

At this point you know where to use a chisel to remove any blocking material in the bolt hole. You can also use these Family Handyman steps to learn how to raise or lower the strike plates if your alignment is off by a large margin.

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