Let’s see the easy, practical ways to open frozen locks below because —trust me— you’ll be having a lot of them these days. By now, you should know that extreme cold can lead to a frozen lock, so what I mean shouldn’t be a surprise anymore.
However, knowing differs from experiencing. If this has ever happened to you and caused you to spend uncomfortable hours outside, you’d be immensely grateful for these practical tips… and may want to pay me a million dollars.
6 Practical Ways to Open Frozen Locks
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, and since this is a period that nearly everyone goes about with one, it is the first instrument to call on when you need to thaw your frozen lock. Alcohol lowers water’s freezing point, so it can dissolve ice that has choked the inside of your lock in an instant.
To use, rub your key with some sanitizer before inserting it into the lock. Avoid exerting too much pressure as this may cause the key to break. All you need to do is wait a moment or two, so the ice melts away before you turn the key.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly & other lubricants like it can help open frozen locks & just as it is with hand sanitizer, a topical application on your key is all it takes. You may decide to insert the key in the container of jelly or just rub it with your hands before inserting it into the lock. As expected, do not turn the key for a few minutes, waiting until ice is melted.
Matches or Lighter
The application of heat can unfreeze locks. To use, warm up your key using a lighter or match before putting in the lock to be opened. Be careful with this method, please. Remember to wear gloves & be sure to prevent the key from flaming up — which is possible if you’ve rubbed petroleum jelly or sanitizer on it.
Hot Liquid
A mug of hot coffee or tea will easily melt the ice in a stuck lock. To use, soak your key in a cup of hot liquid until it becomes very warm. Then, dry the key and insert into the lock &, of course, wait for a moment until it has the freedom to turn — which indicates that the melting process has been completed.
Your Breath
Now, this is a difficult but effective solution. I advise this only when you’re totally out of options. If you’ve noticed, the air coming out of the mouth is always warm, and you can put that to good use apart from blowing out candles.
To use, you have to cover the lock & blow air into it through the keyhole. Insert your key and try. If it doesn’t work at the first trial, then you’ll have to go again. So, you see, this method should honestly be avoided if possible.
Hair Dryer
If you are chanced to be with a hairdryer when you find a frozen lock, then you can have reason to smile. Turn on the dryer and direct its airflow to the keyhole for some minutes, after which you heat the key & put it in.
Concluding The Ways to Open Frozen Locks
Opening a frozen lock is easy. However, most people don’t know these methods & are exposed to the harsh cold whenever they get home to meet a frozen lock. Thanks to these practical ways to open frozen locks, you don’t have to bother with this.