If your home, business, or auto locks aren’t working properly this winter, faulty equipment might not be to blame. In some cases, these complications are due to cold weather, especially when temperatures dip below freezing. Fortunately, weather-related lock issues are usually temporary, and they can often be resolved in a few simple steps. To help you keep your locks functional this winter, here’s what you need to know.

Simple Guide to Cold Weather and Lock Problems

Causes

If you have wood doors, cold weather may cause them to contract slightly. This is especially true for exterior doors that are closest to the outside climate.

When doors shrink, the latch or deadbolt of the lock may have difficulty aligning with the strike plate. This alignment problem may make it hard to open and close the door.

Another common issue is freezing. When moisture such as snow or rain is present, it can creep into the keyhole and freeze lock components. Typically, freezing will make it difficult to insert or turn the key and also cause the lock to stick.

Solutions

If door contraction has affected lock alignment, all you need to do is unscrew the strike plate and adjust it so that it’s properly aligned with the bolt or latch. If you can’t remove and re-attach the equipment easily, call a mobile locksmith for assistance.

Frozen building or auto locks can usually be corrected by spraying the keyhole with a store-bought deicing solution.

If you don’t have a deicing agent available, use a lighter to heat up the key’s shaft. While it’s still warm, try to insert it into the hole and gently turn it to melt any ice. If you can do so safely, you might also use a blow-dryer to warm up the equipment.

Whatever deicing method you choose, never force the key. Doing so may damage the equipment and require complete replacement.

Preventive Tips

Door contraction issues may be prevented with proper insulation, such as by upgrading to an insulated door or adding weatherstripping.

To prevent freezing, spray the keyhole with an effective lubricant like WD-40®. The lubrication will keep moisture from sticking to the lock’s components so that they can’t freeze.

 

 

If you’re having trouble with your doors this winter, Ability Lock & Key can help. Providing mobile locksmith services throughout the Piedmont-Triad region, this team can help repair and replace all types of equipment, including home, business, and auto locks. To learn more about their lock solutions, visit this Winston-Salem, NC locksmith online. For prompt assistance, call (336) 784-0226.