Snow can be a beautiful sight to see, especially in Denver from the comfort of your home and some hot cocoa. However, there is more than what meets the eye. Shoveling snow in your driveway is never fun, and so are frosted locks. Locks are used to keep unwanted things and people out of your home, business, or vehicle, so they become a hassle when frosted. Nobody likes the idea of trying to fight a frosted lock while shivering in the cold, especially when you have somewhere to be. In this article, we will share with you what to do when your lock is frosted.

 Car Locks

            Car locks are much easier to defrost compared to house locks. All you have to do is apply heat to the lock to get it to work. You can use something like a hairdryer, which will gradually melt the ice away. Make sure your car key is not frosted, otherwise you could possibly make the situation worse! Since you are outside, the wind is not on your side. If you find yourself unable to open your lock, try having yourself or another person stand in the direction of the wind to act as a shield.

 House Locks

          Firstly, make sure there is little to no ice surrounding the lock and on your house key. Removing as much ice as possible is important when trying to unlock a tradition lock-and-key. You could potentially make the problem worse by attempting to unlock a lock with a frosted key. Ice could easily make its way inside your lock, which could call for an entire replacement during the winter season. The ice will not just “melt away” because of the constant cold for many months. Once you have cleared the ice, try putting heat on the lock and key. This may potentially be difficult since you are unable to get inside your home, which has objects like blow dryers. Use items you may have on your person or in your vehicle, like matches or lighters. Trying to scrape ice out of a lock could destroy the lock, so do not attempt to do so. Fire is a dangerous tool, so use your lighter or match as carefully as possible.

 Ways to Prevent Frosted Locks

            Frosted locks are an unexpected emergency nobody wants to handle. This is why taking preventative measures to stop any sort of emergency is vital during the chilly winter months. Try applying oil to your locks and keys to act as a layer of sealant. Keeping a lighter or matches in your car, in your pockets, or on your porch is important for any last-minute attempts to unlock your lock.

Is It Dangerous?

            Any sort of unprofessional work done to your locks is dangerous. This is why, when all else fails, calling a professional locksmith is the smartest thing to do. If you are in the Denver area and need a locksmith to assist you and your frosted locks, visit our website DenverLocksmith.com or call us at (303) 619-9136. The best way to ensure the safety of your locks is by calling a locksmith. Trying to force your way into your home is potentially damaging to your locks, and can increase its ware. Locks are bound to wear and become more difficult to open over time, and damaging it is going to cause you to replace them sooner.