These types of keyless locks are considered “all-weather,” so exposure to water, in the form of rain or snow, is usually not a problem. However, exposure to high or low temperatures can play a role in how keyless locks work. Regularly oiling the locking mechanisms can often be the solution to poor functionality.
Yes. While some smart lock companies warn against using their products in temperatures below freezing, the fact is that most smart locks work in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit without a problem, which is well below freezing.
Moisture is always present inside the doors, since those cavities are not airtight. So that moisture could be freezing the linkage that connects the “locking button” on the inside of your door to the lock mechanism itself.
Moisture tends to work its way into locks while the outdoor temperatures are still warm. Then, when cold weather sets in, this moisture can freeze within the lock. To prevent frozen locks, you can oil them before the first frost of the year.
WD-40 and Freezing
The water displacing properties of WD-40 can be used as a preventative step in winterizing your car or truck. Spraying a small amount of WD-40 into the lock mechanism before an expected freeze will coat the metal components to deter moisture from gathering or pooling.
Q: WD-40 shouldn't be used in door locks or ignition locks. It dries out and turns to goo, which can cause the tumblers to stick. It was initially meant as a de-rusting spray and general-purpose lubricant (say, door hinges).
The rise in temperature causes wood to expand and, the result, is locks and deadbolts that suddenly seem to not fit in their door. The humidity will also have an effect on the wood.
In many cases, when a door doesn't lock, it's due to the door latch rather than the lock itself. This is usually because the latch is not aligning with the hole in the strike plate. While this can be easily fixed, it's always best to call a professional locksmith rather than attempting to repair it yourself.
At 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below, water turns to ice. If there's any moisture inside your lock when this conversion occurs, it may cause the lock's internal components, such as the pins, to freeze up.
All padlocks, especially combination locks, use complex mechanisms with springs, pins and bars. These all expand and contract with a change in temperature and worse, will get stuck if only a little bit if water gets in and freezes.
Cold Weather
Low temperatures, along with moisture, can cause a door lock to freeze solid and prevent your door from opening or closing. The simple fix is spraying the lock with deicer or WD-40 (never use boiling water!). If you don't have these items handy, try coating the key with hand sanitizer.
In a pinch you can rub lead from a soft pencil (which is composed of graphite) on the key, then work it back and forth in the lock. Be sure the lead in the pencil is made from true graphite.
To defrost your lock, simply coat your key with hand sanitizer and insert the key gently into the frozen lock, but do not force it. The last thing you want is a broken key or lock or even worse, a key that breaks off inside your lock.
Gently pour lukewarm water over your car's frozen lock or door frame. Do NOT use boiling water, as the temperature difference could shatter your car window. Be sure to dry the door off after it's open to prevent re-freezing.
3M Silicone Lubricant eliminates rubber squeaks, prevents sticking and seals out moisture. This lubricant contains no petroleum oils to stain fabrics. Formulated for extreme conditions, it will not freeze at -28°F nor degrade at 350°F.
Spray Your Windshield with Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
This vinegar solution will help prevent frost and ice from forming on your windshield and if you are in a hurry in the morning, the same mixture will melt the ice. You can do the same with a 2:1 rubbing alcohol and water mixture.
WD-40 helps you remove mold, rust, and rancid odors from your refrigerator.
Be it a bike lock, combination locker locks, padlocks, or even your master lock, regardless of the material it is made of, it can freeze. As long as the lock is made of metal and is exposed to freezing temperatures, you will have to stay careful so that you can avoid the chaos of fixing or changing the lock.
Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.
Founded in 1859, BRINKS is known for making durable, secure, and easy to install locks. The company offers a limited lifetime warranty for its entire line of products. BRINKS also designs knob and lever sets, so you can get everything you need for your doors from one place.
Door lock problems are often caused by a malfunctioning lock mechanism or latch assembly, but there are several common reasons why locks stop working: The lock is dry or dirty. It doesn't fit in the door properly. The latch and strike plate don't align.