The Finnish winter is fickle in that there is no longer a steady, long and cold winter. One day it's freezing, the next it's above freezing, and then it's freezing again. Variable air temperatures can bring surprises to your home, and one of them can be a freezing lock on your front door. Surprises can also be brought on by chilly frost and warm air from inside the home, which, combined with rapid temperature changes, can cause challenges with locking.
In this blog post, we'll show you how to anticipate and avoid freezing locks. We also share tips on what to do if your lock freezes and what to do if the freezing causes your key to break into the lock.
Remember, you can always call 24 Center if you are wondering how to proceed with locking systems or any other building services challenge. Our customer service is on call 24/7.
By being proactive, you can avoid freezing your lock
The best way to be proactive is to protect the lock so that moisture and debris cannot accumulate. Check that the environment around the front door is such that it also protects the lock. If necessary, a small canopy can be installed around the lock to provide protection.
The lock should be serviced regularly. Lubricate it before the frost season and increase protection by lubricating the lock a couple of times during the winter. Keys should also be serviced and lubricated regularly. Keeping them warm, for example in a pocket, will make it easier to open the door in winter.
Upgrading from a traditional mechanical lock to an electronic locking system means that physical keys can be forgotten, thus reducing another concern. With 24 Center, you get the help of a knowledgeable professional who will evaluate the right locking solution for your home and your needs. You can also order an installer from us to conveniently upgrade your mechanical locks to an electronic locking system.
The lock froze, try these
NOTE! When attempting to defrost yourself, take care not to damage the lock, keys or the environment. Also take care of your own safety.
- You can try to thaw a frozen lock with a lock block. If possible, keep the lock barrier within reach outside the house. You can buy lock salt at petrol stations, well-stocked department stores or hardware stores.
- Gently heat the metal key with fire. If there is not much ice, a warm key can melt a small layer of ice.
- Blowing hot air can melt the lock. A hairdryer, for example, is a handy tool for this. We understand that few people have a hairdryer outside if the problem is a frozen lock on their front door, but this can be used if the lock on a storage room, garage or neighbour's door is frozen.
- An effective and traditional method is to pour hot water into a plastic bag and then place it against the frozen lock. This old trick helps to melt the ice quickly.
- Hot water can be poured over a frozen lock if available, but after such treatment it is essential that the lock is completely dry to prevent it from freezing again. We therefore do not recommend this method if the lock is physically attached to the door. However, this is fine for a padlock, as the lock can be brought inside to dry before being reused.
If you use running water to defrost the lock, make sure that no one slips and injures themselves when the excess water freezes.
When the key breaks in the lock
Sometimes it can happen that a key can break in the lock. This usually happens when you think the door is just stuck and use force to open the lock. In this case, the key may break, leaving part of it stuck inside the lock. Even if a spare key is available, it is of little use in such a situation.
If the lock and key break, it is necessary to call a locksmith quickly. 24 Center is here to help you, as our customer service is open 24 hours a day. Our network of on-call locksmiths are ready to help you with all your security problems, from door openings to major renovations.
See more about our versatile locksmith services and an example of emergency call out pricing. Each order is individual and the price of the job is always discussed with the client before the actual work starts.
24 Center helps when you need help with your building services challenges
24 Center's network of professionals is just one contact away when all the ingredients for disaster happen in your home or if you need advice on how to proceed with a minor incident. Our on-call customer service representatives are ready to help you with your building services problems.
24 Center handles both non-urgent and planned installation work, as well as urgent measures such as thawing pipes and opening external doors. You can rely on professionalism and a fast response when you need help to solve challenges.
Ordering urgent work is easy using the online order form. Fill in the contact form and get help for the day of your choice. Alternatively, you can send an order and quote request by email to [email protected].
Contact the 24 Center when you're wondering what to do!
