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Frozen Locks

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Sir Henry
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Frozen Locks

Post by Sir Henry » Sat Nov 12, 2022 10:59 am

It’s below freezing now after a wet fall and my car doors were frozen shut yesterday morning. Then in the afternoon the gas filler door was frozen. It takes the ignition key to open it. Later my garage door lock was frozen. Everything opened eventually however they can’t take multiple forces before they break.

I’m wondering if I should spray them with DW-40 and then oil them? I’ve never been fond of graphite because it eventually builds up.

What do you use?
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Hatchdog
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Re: Frozen Locks

Post by Hatchdog » Sat Nov 12, 2022 11:03 am

WD 40 works great.

Another tip, don’t set your emergency brake on anything, especially your tractor. Being mechanical not hydraulic if water gets into the shoes/pads when they are set it can freeze and not release.
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Sir Henry
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Re: Frozen Locks

Post by Sir Henry » Sat Nov 12, 2022 11:13 am

Hatchdog wrote:
Sat Nov 12, 2022 11:03 am
WD 40 works great.

Another tip, don’t set your emergency brake on anything, especially your tractor. Being mechanical not hydraulic if water gets into the shoes/pads when they are set it can freeze and not release.
When I drove long haul that was a big problem picking up a trailer in cold weather. The trailer brakes lock automatically when air pressure drops. I carried a ball peen hammer and have had to bang on them many times. As a side note if you ever wondered why semi-trailer tires were painted with an X it was so you could easily see if the tires were turning. If you were empty and it was slick you can’t feel it.
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markiver54
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Re: Frozen Locks

Post by markiver54 » Sat Nov 12, 2022 12:28 pm

WD is great, but I also have a small aerosol can of a product called " Lock De-Icer ". (Can't remember who makes it though), in case they are already frozen. It doesn't happen very often here though.
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Mags
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Re: Frozen Locks

Post by Mags » Sat Nov 12, 2022 1:17 pm

WD-40 will eventually gum up. Try a combination of lock de-icer, followed by a Gun dry lube aerosol.
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daytime dave
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Re: Frozen Locks

Post by daytime dave » Sat Nov 12, 2022 1:51 pm

Silicone spray lubricant works pretty good.
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Ernie
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Re: Frozen Locks

Post by Ernie » Sat Nov 12, 2022 4:37 pm

Mags wrote:
Sat Nov 12, 2022 1:17 pm
WD-40 will eventually gum up. Try a combination of lock de-icer, followed by a Gun dry lube aerosol.
I have used a lot of lock de-icer which I believe is mostly isopropyl alcohol. This actually displaces the water and frees the lock. I like the dry lube idea.
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Re: Frozen Locks

Post by dave77 » Sat Nov 12, 2022 4:43 pm

Mags wrote:
Sat Nov 12, 2022 1:17 pm
WD-40 will eventually gum up. Try a combination of lock de-icer, followed by a Gun dry lube aerosol.
Agree, a dry lube will be a lot better for locks. Our school locksmith would get quite upset :evil: if we used WD-40 on locks.

I don't even have a can of WD-40 around anymore. PB Blaster is a lot better for freeing up rusted parts and then I use either a silicone or dry lube.
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Re: Frozen Locks

Post by Luv the lever » Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:05 pm

Most vehicles are have been equipped with key fobs for a while so make sure you use the keys in the door locks from time to time also. I had the lock on my 2014 Silverado tail gate freeze up on my two or three times. Super pain in the behind to disassemble and free up.
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Re: Frozen Locks

Post by graywolf » Sun Nov 13, 2022 7:05 pm

I don't have anything to add, just reminds me of the winters I was in Fairbanks, AK.
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