Yes, WD-40 will unfreeze a lock. Its primary ingredient displaces water, which helps melt ice inside the mechanism. However, it is primarily a solvent rather than a long-term lubricant, so it is best to follow up with a dry lock lubricant later.
Thawing an Already Frozen Lock
It's a good idea to keep a few cans of anti-freeze on hand to spray into locks in these situations. If you don't have any anti-freeze, heating up your key could do the trick. Carefully heat the key using a lighter then insert into the lock. The heat should melt the ice.
Teflon-based dry lubricant is preferred by some locksmiths over other options, like graphite or WD-40. It's ideal because, besides lubricating your lock, it repels water and dust. That means that once you fix a lock with this type of lubricant, you can expect the lock to be in good shape for a long time.
Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is a Teflon-based lubricant that dries inside the lock to leave behind a non-stick, water-repellent film on all the surfaces. Since it's dry, it doesn't attract dust or dirt.
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.
Use a de-icing product to deal with frozen car door locks
If you don't have one available, there's a way to make it yourself by mixing three parts vinegar to one part water, according to AAA. Fill a spray bottle with your homemade deicer and apply to car door locks to help melt the ice.
Silicone spray or graphite lubricant
Once the lock is working, spray a small amount of silicone lubricant or add a bit of graphite powder to prevent re-freezing. Don't use WD-40 as a lubricant for your lock. It can gum up over time and cause more problems down the road.
Isopropyl alcohol is the most accessible and inexpensive method for defrosting a frozen lock or door. When poured over the lock or door, the door should defrost quickly. Also, the alcohol will rid the lock of any excess moisture.
To fix a stuck key, apply a lubricant such as graphite powder or a silicone-based spray to the keyhole. Gently wiggle the key while pulling it out. If this doesn't work, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the key and carefully work it out.
Unfreeze the Lock on a Car with Water
Heat water to a comfortably warm temperature—never boiling, as boiling water may damage the lock or metal. 2. Pour warm water directly over the car keyhole to melt the ice.
Tap gently with a hammer
After spraying WD-40 into the keyhole, let the lock sit for a few minutes. Next, try opening the lock with a key. If needed, tap it gently with a hammer. This should shake out the remaining bits of rust within the keyhole.
WD40 strips a lock of its natural lubricant and can make your lock stiffer or even sticky. Likewise, it can attract dust and dirt into your locking mechanism and lock which will affect how your lock works. Top Locksmith Tip: Use a lock lubricant instead of WD40 to help with stiff or sticky door locks.
"WD-40 can degrade rubber, such as the rubber seals used around windows and doors. The degradation of these seals can result in air infiltration and thus lower energy efficiency." Using lubricating spray on hinges can increase the risk of attracting dust and dirt, causing them to further stiffen up over time.
We don't recommend using WD-40 on your windows or windshields but you can apply WD-40 Multi-Use to your number plate to not only provide a protective layer to stop it from rusting but to also prevent ice from sticking to it.
Silicone base lubricant in the the Spring & Fall before the cold hits. WD-40 works temporarily in a jam but can dry out the lock after so not recommended. Never use graphite in a lock, it will gum it.
Use a lock de-icer spray
This is your best first move. Commercial de-icer sprays are alcohol-based and melt ice fast. Spray the de-icer into the keyhole and wait a few seconds. Then, wiggle the key gently.
The acetic acid in vinegar has a lower freezing point than water so when you spray the ice on your car the vinegar will dissolve into the ice, melting it in the process. Top tip: the best use of this remedy, is to spray your windows the night before, preventing the ice from forming in the first place.
Trick 2: Hand Sanitizer Application
This is how to do it: Apply a small quantity of hand sanitizer on your key. Put the key inside the lock and turn it slowly. The hand sanitizer will lower the freezing point of the ice and help you thaw it in your lock.
If your deadbolt or door lock jams, it can be due to dirt buildup or general dryness. Exterior doors get exposed to the elements, and tiny particles can get into the lock, making it hard to get the key in or turn it to unlock the door.
Door lock maintenance
Lubrication is an important factor that provides the necessary door lock functions. Grease all rubbing surfaces of the locking mechanisms on average once every 6 months. Spray a small amount of lubricant into the keyway. Insert the key without turning it.