When a lock has been left for some time outside in the elements, rust and grime builds up and can seize a lock. Unseizing a lock can take some time and patience. The symptoms of a seized lock include not being able to insert the key, the key does not turn or the key turns but nothing happens.
Fortunately, this is often an easy fix. Simply grab a can of WD-40, silicon-based lubricant, graphite spray, or a dry lubricant and spray it into the keyway. Once it has been sprayed, insert the key so the lubricant will work into the locking mechanism.
Seizing of Locks happens during cold weather due to the drop in temperature and cold air which causes the contraction of locks. If the locks contract this then results in the keys no longer being able to engage the way they should be able to resulting in you being unable to use the lock.
The issue most homeowners face with their locks is that the key jams in the lock and is hard to pull back out. Usually, this happens when the lock pins are dirty or need to be lubricated. Common causes of this include corrosion, rust, and a build-up of dirt and debris.
Dirt and dust can sometimes find its way into a lock and build up over time. This can clog up the locking mechanism making it difficult to turn. You can apply some graphite spay or silicone based lubricant in the lock, put the key back in and turn it a few times.
Debris or Dirt Inside the Lock
Dust, small particles, or even metal shavings can build up inside the lock cylinder, preventing the key from engaging the locking mechanism properly.
Use it to release as many rusty bolts as you like but if you use WD40 within a lock you only succeed in displacing the last bit of lubrication that was left in the cylinder, making it dryer than ever and even more likely to stick!
Use petroleum-based lubricants like motor oil or WD-40. Use sharp tools to try to pick the lock. Use a hammer or mallet in an attempt to fix the lock.
Put a little amount of graphite powder inside the door lock to ease any friction inside, making sure not to put in too much. You'll also want to put some of the powder onto both sides of the door key. If you don't have any graphite powder you can use a pencil.
Moisture inside the lock can freeze if temperatures drop low enough.
What's the best lubricant for your lock? When choosing the best product to lubricate locks, dry lubricants like graphite powder and PTFE lubricants are best. As mentioned above, oil-based products can attract dust and dirt which can damage the delicate internal mechanism of your lock.
Similar to a stiff lock, you can try lubricating the lock, but if that doesn't help, there could be a misalignment of the lock and door or another, more challenging problem with the lock cylinder. These are both issues that have to be assessed and corrected by a locksmith.
Conclusion. Encountering a frozen lock can feel like an inconvenient roadblock, but understanding the problem allows you to tackle it effectively. Rubbing alcohol emerges as a viable option to unfreeze a lock due to its moisture-displacing properties.
WD-40 While WD-40 is a penetrating oil and technically not a lubricant, it can get a stuck lock moving if you're in a pinch. Simply spray WD-40 into the lock. Then, repeatedly insert your key into the keyhole to work the WD-40 into the lock.
Try a lubricant
If you have a stuck door lock, spray lubricant into the lock's keyhole. Doing so will loosen any debris or deposits sitting inside your stuck lock and prevent your key from turning. Insert the key and rotate it a few times to work in the lubricant, releasing the stuck part.
Another possible cause of a stiff lock is dirt buildup on the tumblers inside the lock cylinder. When dirt builds up inside these tumblers, they may become stuck together, preventing them from moving freely when you try to turn your key or insert it into the lock.
Lubrication: A common cause of jammed locks is lack of lubrication. Applying a silicone-based lubricant or graphite powder can help. Avoid oil-based products as these can attract dirt. Spray or insert the lubricant into the keyhole and gently work the key in and out a few times to distribute the lubricant.
Oil, plus the environment – you don't want that in your lock, so you'll want to use a graphite or silicone spray rather than your regular WD-40 or other oil-based lubricants. WD-40 does make a product specifically for locks, WD-40 Specialist Dry Lubricant and we also like 3-IN-ONE's Lock Dry Lube.
Don't use oil.
Oil might assist the moving parts of the motor in your car, but it is never a good idea to squirt it in a stiff lock. The oil will just combine with any grime already in the mechanism and compound the situation.
There are three main reasons why a door lock mechanism is stiff or sticking: Debris in the lock. Extremes of temperature. A broken lock mechanism or gearbox.
Many locksmiths recommend PTFE lubricants because they possess chemical-resistant properties and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides, PTFE lubricants provide superior water resistance and have self-cleaning ability.
Using a lubricant is one of the easiest solutions to release your stuck key from the lock. To fix this issue, take any petroleum-based lubricant and spray it at the spot where the key is inserted. We also recommend using a fast-drying lubricant to avoid creating a muddy buildup and attracting more dirt to the keyhole.