How to Unfreeze a Lock That Is Frozen From the Cold
When the mercury plummets and winter winds howl, even the most basic mechanisms can fail. A lock with a keyhole exposed to cold and ice will often become frozen. When you insert a key into a frozen lock, the key will not turn and the lock will stay locked. Unfreeze a frozen lock and gain access to your car or home again.
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Instructions
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Insert the nozzle of a small lock de-icer canister and push the nozzle once or twice to fill the lock with the de-icing solution. Wait about one minute and then insert your key into the lock. Repeat the de-icing process if the key still will not turn.
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Light the lighter and hold the flame on. Pass the key back and forth in the flame for about five seconds to warm the metal. Insert the hot key into the door lock and try to turn the key. Repeat the warming process two or three times to melt the ice inside the lock.
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Slather a light layer of petroleum jelly over the front and back of the key. Insert the key into the lock and try to turn it. Often, petroleum jelly will melt ice inside a lock mechanism.
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Tips & Warnings
If one lock will not open, try other locks before you assume they are all frozen. Often locks on one side of a vehicle will freeze due to wind direction and freezing precipitation. The locks on the other side of the vehicle may not freeze because of the different exposure to wind and precipitation.
These methods will work for both vehicles and locks on buildings.
References
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