A security expert has revealed a list of easy hacks to protect your locks from freezing in sub-zero temperatures. George Boyd has also issued a warning about two common mistakes which could leave your home and car at risk.
It comes as the UK faces an Arctic blast which led to our coldest March night in 13 years. Temperatures plummeted to -15.4C in the Highlands and the Met Office’s amber snow and ice weather warning is in force across large parts of the UK until the end of this week.
Tommy Geddes, Commercial Director for George Boyd Architectural Ironmongery, said: “Door, shed and car locks are vulnerable to the big freeze. But there are some simple and easy steps to protect them.
"Wrapping the padlock tightly in cloth can prevent ice forming in the mechanism and you can even use old bottles of hand sanitiser to fix it. However, using boiling water and trying to force the lock are two common traps which people often fall into during the cold weather.”
Locks jam when they are exposed to cold air and attracts moisture which freezes and forms a coating of ice.
CLOTH CONTROL
Looking to avoid a frozen padlock in the winter mornings? If you’re stuck with an older lock, a fabric barrier such as a piece of cloth can be a stop-gap solution to prevent it getting cold enough to freeze until you can replace the lock.
REPEL THE RAIN
Keeping out the rain is crucial to keeping your locks working. While it’s not a perfect solution, and you should look to use a proper lock cover (called an escutcheon) to provide proper protection, you can cover the keyhole with a strong magnet overnight for a quick fix solution to retain the functionality of your lock in bad weather.
LUBE YOUR LOCKS
A classic tool for any DIY-er, using a spray of WD40 overnight can keep away the frost and allow you to leave swiftly in the morning.
SANITISE YOUR SECURITY
It may come as a surprise, but your old bottles of hand sanitiser can be used to quickly de-ice a lock. Simply pour the liquid over the key before you pop it in the door to remove any ice crystals in your way.
ALL THE GEAR, ALL THE IDEA
You can’t beat using the best tool for the job. High-quality locks, such as any good weatherproof padlocks, are naturally less likely to fail in colder climates, so look for these when you’re searching for your next security solution.
COMMON MISTAKES TO ‘AVOID AT ALL COSTS
’A ‘quick fix’ for a frozen lock is boiling water - but this should be avoided at all costs. Boiling water can risk damaging the lock and even cracking the cylinder, leaving your home unprotected and you locked out in the cold.
Forcing the lock is another big no-go. If your lock has frozen, jamming the key into it is more likely to snap the key off rather than get you inside - leaving you needing a locksmith rather than a de-icer.
