How to Open a Frozen Lock
by Erin MartiseUpdated July 19, 2023How to Open a Frozen Lock. You leave for work one morning and sigh impatiently when you realize your car is covered with snow. You take precious time to clean off the snow and scrape away the ice, but when you try to unlock the doors, you find that the locks are all frozen. If you don't think your boss would buy that you're "sick," you're going to need to unfreeze those locks ASAP. Read on to learn how to open a frozen lock.
1. Get to the store and buy some de-icer
Get to the store and buy some de-icer. Of course, you may not be able to get to the store since you can't get in your car. Don't worry, chances are you have something in the house to unfreeze your lock.
2. Spray WD-40 on the lock
Spray WD-40 on the lock. This doesn't work as quickly as de-icer, but it should work eventually.
3. Heat your car key with a cigarette lighter or match
Heat your car key with a cigarette lighter or match. If you're not a smoker, maybe you have a grill or candle lighter in your house.
4. Turn the key very gently in the lock
Turn the key very gently in the lock and do a happy dance when the car door opens.
5. Get your WD-40 back out and spray the lock
Get your WD-40 back out and spray the lock, so that it won't freeze again.
Tips and Warnings
Once you unlock the doors, make a point to stop somewhere and buy de-icer. You should be able to find it at any hardware store.
Never pour hot water on a frozen lock. The water may get inside the lock and make your problem even worse later. Don't force the key when you are trying to open the lock. If you break the key, you have got an even bigger problem.
Video: How to Open a Frozen Car Door Lock
Helpful comments on this video:
- Thank you! Used rubbing alcohol and my hair dryer on an extension cord to unfreeze the passenger door on my Ford F-250
- Thank you very much lighting my key worked shit was frozen and not from car wash it’s 5 but feels like -5 outside it rained snowed yesterday n now I’m in my car. Appreciate you cause I was bout to call aaa for nothing . Love this video had nothing but a lighter
Tips
- Once you unlock the doors, make a point to stop somewhere and buy de-icer. You should be able to find it at any hardware store.
Warnings
- Never pour hot water on a frozen lock. The water may get inside the lock and make your problem even worse later.
- Don't force the key when you are trying to open the lock. If you break the key, you have got an even bigger problem.
