Frozen car lock

Tucker

neilmcl wrote: »

There's a trick that works on older cars but being a girl I don't think it would have been practical to try it, least not in public.

Not only that... girls don't have as good an aim as we do...!

EdGasket

Just poor some hot water over it from the kettle; never fails. Used to do that all the time when I was a student parked in bleak conditions.

trollopscarletwoman

worried_jim wrote: »

I wasn't so fortunate a few years ago when it had snowed heavily and I was only able to access the car through the boot, got it started and climbed back out to clear the windows locking myself out the car in the process leaving the engine running with my house keys and phone in the car. Cost me £84 to get a locksmith out and break into my house so I could get a spare set of car keys out. At least the car was lovely and warm when I finally got back in it.

Love that story, lol.

Sorry I had to laugh!

Rolandtheroadie

Tucker wrote: »

Not only that... girls don't have as good an aim as we do...!

My wife doesnt think our boys or I can aim as well as her.

Iceweasel

scotsman4th wrote: »

My wife doesnt think our boys or I can aim as well as her.

Too much information here - move along please! :eek:

worried_jim

trollopscarletwoman wrote: »

Love that story, lol.

Sorry I had to laugh!

There is more-

When I selected a locksmith from the Yellow pages I went for a local "lady locksmith". I can only describe it as Geoff Capes in a dress/Bulgarian shot putter.

Not the "lady" I was hoping for!

fannyadams

put a small fridge magnet over the lock
it'll keep the wet out and therefore stop it freezing.
Don't forget to take the magnet off before you set off.

Norman_Castle

Quentin wrote: »

If you have no chemicals or other (warm) fluid:

1. Insert the key (don't try and turn it in case you snap it).

2. Remove it

go back to 1 and keep repeating the exercise. In and out. As fast as you can. Till you feel the lock turning.

The friction warms the key which in turn thaws the lock.

:rotfl: Really?...

cardinalbiggles

When its not frozen get a cloth and some WD40 or Silicon lubricant.

Put the cloth under the lock to protect your paintwork and spray in the hole then stick your key in and work the lubricant by opening and closing the lock and putting the key in and out, in and out until you feel it moving freely. If its been freezing then you will notice a big difference when you start lubricating it, it will become very smooth over a few minutes as you work the lubricant in. Dont be scared to use more lubricant if needed.

That should stop it freezing for a few months and give you silky smooth locks.

Use the rag to wipe your key when you are done to get rid of excess lubricant.

attila_

EdGasket wrote: »

Just poor some hot water over it from the kettle; never fails. Used to do that all the time when I was a student parked in bleak conditions.

This is the best suggestion. Works everytime, unlike wd-40