How To Keep Your Outdoor Locks From Freezing

One unavoidable truth about winter is that you, as a homeowner, will have to deal with frozen outdoor locks. This happens due to moisture. When the temperatures are still warm, it works its way into your locks. Then, when winter sets in, it freezes the lock’s internal mechanisms. This affects the lock and compromises your home’s security.

Luckily, there are proven methods to keep this from happening. Here are some things you can do:

Lubricate Your Locks Before Winter
Interestingly enough, lubricating your locks before temperatures drop can help. Although lubricants still freeze, they have a lower freezing point compared to water.

There are many ways of doing this; some people opt to squirt WD-40 into their locks. If WD-40 is not available, people use graphite sprays or petroleum jelly as alternatives. Graphite sprays are applied the same way as WD-40. On the other hand, petroleum jelly can be smeared onto your key and inserted directly into the keyhole. This prevents moisture from getting in your lock.

Cover the Lock Opening
For this method, you can purchase a small and strong magnet, and stick it on the outside of your lock’s opening. Doing this will also prevent any moisture from getting in your lock’s internal mechanism. You can leave the magnet on until winter is over, removing it only when necessary.

If you cannot find a magnet small enough for your lock, you can instead use a thick wooly sock or a couple of towels. This will insulate your lock, keeping it warm throughout the freezing season. Be sure to tie a knot to secure it. Keep in mind that if the sock gets wet, it will end up freezing around the lock. So, it’s best to use this method as a last resort and be mindful of the possible consequences when doing this.

Switch to Higher-Quality Weatherproof Locks
If you have the budget, you can switch out your locks for weatherproof ones. They’re made from higher-quality materials compared to their cheaper alternatives. Although they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent freezing, they are designed to have a higher resistance to low temperatures. When you’re on the lookout for this type of lock, be sure to find one with a plastic casing that can block moisture.



Don’t let frozen locks ruin your day. If you need help with your padlocks, call a locksmith company like Oliphant Lock & Safe. We offer 24/7 emergency locksmithing services.