Frozen or jammed lock in winter: how to unlock it safely

Why does a lock freeze?

It's not the lock itself freezing, but the moisture trapped inside the cylinder. In Brussels, winter nights below -3°C are enough to jam a poorly protected mechanism. North-facing or rain-exposed locks suffer most.

What NOT to do

• Pour hot water: it refreezes almost immediately and makes things worse
• Force the key: a cold-weakened key breaks twice as easily
• Lighter on the key: risks deforming the metal and damaging the pins

The right methods

1. Hairdryer

The safest: aim warm air at the cylinder for 2-3 minutes at 15 cm distance. Ice melts and evaporates. Repeat if the cylinder is very cold.

2. De-icer spray or alcohol

Car de-icer works well. Otherwise, methylated spirits or isopropyl alcohol drop-by-drop into the key channel melts ice without damaging the mechanism.

3. Graphite (after thawing)

Once thawed, lubricate with graphite powder — never oil or WD-40, which attract dust and cause a new jam six months later.

Prevention: annual maintenance

A drop of isopropyl alcohol every autumn, then some graphite, gets you through winter. For highly exposed locks, consider upgrading to a weatherproof cylinder.

If nothing works

If after 10 minutes of hairdryer the key still won't turn, the cylinder is probably seized (wear, not ice). Call us: 20-30 minute response in Brussels — see our 24/7 emergency.