How to Open a Frozen Lock

You leave for work one morning and sigh impatiently when you realize your car is covered with snow. You take precious time to clean off the snow and scrape away the ice, but when you try to unlock the doors, you find that the locks are all frozen. If you don't think your boss would buy that you're "sick," you're going to need to unfreeze those locks ASAP. Read on to learn how to open a frozen lock.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get to the store and buy some de-icer. Of course, you may not be able to get to the store since you can't get in your car. Don't worry, chances are you have something in the house to unfreeze your lock.

2. Spray WD-40 on the lock. This doesn't work as quickly as de-icer, but it should work eventually.

3. Heat your car key with a cigarette lighter or match. If you're not a smoker, maybe you have a grill or candle lighter in your house.

4. Turn the key very gently in the lock and do a happy dance when the car door opens.

5. Get your WD-40 back out and spray the lock, so that it won't freeze again.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you unlock the doors, make a point to stop somewhere and buy de-icer. You should be able to find it at any hardware store.
• Never pour hot water on a frozen lock. The water may get inside the lock and make your problem even worse later.
• Don't force the key when you are trying to open the lock. If you break the key, you have got an even bigger problem.

[sohodojotimlynn]

on 1/27/2009 An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of maintenance. If you know that the temperature is falling or about to, put a piece of masking tape over your door lock(s) to keep moisture from getting inside and freezing. Ready to travel? Hold your key in your hand to warm it up a litte, peel the tape off the lock, insert key, turn, and voila! .... sometimes this works; sometimes it doesn't --- but it's a simple prevention that can save you time when you are standing at your car door in a freezing hurry!

[crackypup]

on 1/18/2009 I would substitute WD40 with Rust Check spray for more permanent service. WD40 will actually cause rust in the long term.