Frozen lock? Don't force the key

Moisture gets into a lock, freezes overnight, and the key won't turn. Forcing it is how keys snap off inside the cylinder.

Warm the key, not the lock

Hold the key's metal blade in your hand or warm it briefly, then insert and wait before turning gently. Repeat a few times.

Use de-icer, not boiling water

Lock de-icer spray works in seconds. Hot water refreezes in the cylinder and on car door seals, making it worse by morning.

Prevent it

A dry graphite or PTFE lubricant keeps moisture out. Avoid oil-based sprays, which gum up in the cold.

Key snapped or lock damaged?

Broken-key extraction and lock repair are routine for a Fort Collins locksmith.