How to De-Ice a Frozen Lock

Published on 12/20/2022
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Whatever you choose to do, remember to push the key into and out of the keyhole MANY TIMES prior to attempting to turn the key.  Turn the key gently, do not force it to turn, doing so will cause the key to break.  

These methods can take up to 10 minutes to melt the ice in the lock, please be patient.  

Do NOT use WD-40 to attempt to de-ice the lock.

To de-ice your lock, complete one of the following.  

  • Spray de-icer solution directly into the lock. 
  • Hold the key by the end and warm as much of the key as possible with a lighter or torch, moving the heat back and forth across the key. Heat the keyhole for a couple seconds.  You do not want too much direct heat, as it could damage the keyhole.  Warning: The key will get HOT.
  • Pour some hand sanitizer onto the key and try to insert as much hand sanitizer or into the lock as possible. 
  • Cup your hands around the lock and breathe deeply into the lock to warm it up. (This is the slowest method.)