frozen locks???

[BigSur2]

Anybody ever had issue with their deadbolt being frozen. It's in the teens and lower here in Northern MD. Went home to VA for the weekend....came home and can't get my deadbolt to turn. Key goes in....lock won't turn. I've tried heating the lock, heating the key, etc....no luck. DIDN'T try using warm water cuz I didn't have any....and didn't want to make an already bad issue worse..

Any ideas?

[Harvey51]

Good on you for not breaking off the key inside the lock.
The spray can of lock lubricant I use is graphite mixed with alcohol. Melts ice and lubricates with no sticky oil.

Sometimes a light, sharp rap on the lock with a hammer will help. Look for a way to help the deadbolt retract in case it is stuck. Lift the door a bit, etc.

[Happy_Prospecto]

We are not have a frozen lock problem here in Quarzsite this week.

[BigSur2]

Houston Remodeler wrote:
Can you crawl in through a storage compartment?

If I was much smaller maybe....only access would be through the laundry chute. I'm traveling until May. If it doesn't open up when I come back; I will be drilling it out and replacing the entire handle/lockset.

[Houston_Remodel]

Can you crawl in through a storage compartment?

[et2]

We have our electrical bay that I thought was froze. Used deicer, mini torch, heating the key and lock, hair dryer for over 15 minutes. Wouldn't t open for nothing. The handle and lock were more than heated to un freeze it.

Another thing to get fixed this spring when it thaws here in the great white north. I've learned my lesson to leave the bays unlocked I need to get into.

[Bobbo]

Sounds more like broken lock. Differential cooling may have snapped a weak or cracked area.

[BigSur2]

2012Coleman wrote:
According to folks on here, you should be able to gain access in seconds with only a screwdriver.

feel free to provide a link to a thread. 🙂

[2012Coleman]

According to folks on here, you should be able to gain access in seconds with only a screwdriver.

[BigSur2]

Tried again at lunch. Tried graphite and de-icer. Nothin. Wondering if the lock is broken. I may have to call a RV tech and/or locksmith.

[LadyRVer]

Besides the graphite or silicone into the lock, I have also put it directly on the key, then put key into the lock. Worked for me.

[BigSur2]

jsr21 wrote:
Push on the door as you try to turn the key...it might be too tight a fit between your deadbolt and the catch

Tried that too. Thanks though.

[jsr21]

Push on the door as you try to turn the key...it might be too tight a fit between your deadbolt and the catch

[BigSur2]

See it's weird though...b/c I "think" the key is going in all the way.....darn thing just won't turn.

I might try getting in there today and will let you guys know what happens. Thanks for the support.

[mabynack]

Don't get the key red hot. Just warm it up. Most are brass or aluminum and can't really take high heat.