Bike lock freezing up-need advice

My first winter of biking.My Onguard U-lock keeps freezing up big time.Anyone have advice about preventing it,or any good tricks for when it happens.Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on December 14, 2010 at 5:44am

Haha, I'm thinking that's a "I'm stranded if I don't do this" situation.  I don't think Ace is looking for any Man vs Wild antics.

Cricket said:

Some folks in Iowa pee on their frozen locks. Not sure what they do about the problems that temporary solution causes.

 

Maybe keeping the keyed part of the lock down when traveling, storing, and locking will allow any moisture inside to drip out before freezing.

Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on December 14, 2010 at 5:46am

Ace,

 

My Kryptonite has a plastic collar around the keyhole that I always turn to cover the hole when locking up.  Does your OnGuard have a similar piece to protect the keyhole from the elements? 

 

Also, when you say "freezing up" are you talking about the key not turning, the lock shackle being frozen in place, or what?

Permalink Reply by Duppie on December 14, 2010 at 5:47am

WD40 works. I use it on the lock on our fence in the alley. This lock is exposed to the weather 24/7/365. Even after the rain-to-frost combo last weekend it still opened fine.

I use WD40 on it once or twice each winter, by pouring it into the keyhole and the shackle holes. Keep a rag handy to mop up excess fluid.

 

Chris C said:

Might have some water (ice) in it.  Take it inside and let it warm up and dry out.  Squirt WD-40 into every oriface to help remove any lingering water. Let it sit overnight (indoors). Then liberally apply a lube of your choosing (other than WD-40). By oriface I mean the lock's - the keyhole, the ball-bearing and down the shaft into the housing (if there's clearance).

Permalink Reply by Ace Mann on December 14, 2010 at 6:18am
RYAN-lock does have the collar that I have started to use.By "freezing up" it is more with the key not wanting to turn at all.Will get WD-40 for lock today.Chris C when you said apply lube other than WD-40. I have chain lube oil,or the green grease from the bike shop.Will those work.Or is there a certain brand that I should get.Thanks for all the advice.
Permalink Reply by Duppie on December 14, 2010 at 6:35am

Chain lube oil works as well, as long as it is the liquid version. Might be cheaper than getting a bottle of WD40

Ace Mann said:

RYAN-lock does have the collar that I have started to use.By "freezing up" it is more with the key not wanting to turn at all.Will get WD-40 for lock today.Chris C when you said apply lube other than WD-40. I have chain lube oil,or the green grease from the bike shop.Will those work.Or is there a certain brand that I should get.Thanks for all the advice.
Permalink Reply by Jason W on December 14, 2010 at 7:19am

The WD in WD-40 stands for water displacement. It is made to get rid of the water that is freezing that lock. It is not really a lubricant, as many people think. Triflow or something like that would be good to use after the WD works it's magic.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on December 14, 2010 at 11:57am

It's worth having a napkin or paper towel handy so you can wipe off the key and avoid getting any lube on your clothing.

Chris C said:

...

The key will be coated in the stuff after you relube so be sure mind your clothing.

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on December 14, 2010 at 3:21pm

I use Lithium Grease, after it's dry and unfrozen.

Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on December 14, 2010 at 3:46pm

Triflow is better than WD40 for locks and won't gunk it up like lots of greases will. Sold by lots of locksmiths and in most hardware stores.

Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on December 15, 2010 at 4:05am

Lots of good preventative tips listed so far.

 

If you come out to your lock being frozen and you aren't able to use WD-40 or lube then and there to get it unfrozen, try breathing on it for a minute or two. If you are up close your warm breath should melt whatever little moisture is in there freezing the mechanism shut. You are however putting more moisture in there that will freeze again, but at least you'll be unlocked and on your way to where you can use some WD-40.

 

Breathing on it beats peeing on it for sure.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on December 15, 2010 at 8:32am

great thread and tips.

 

another solution is this (if you arrive to a frozen lock with no WD-40, lube, etc.)

heat the key up (use a match or lighter - but be careful around the plastic portion of the key)

and then immed. insert it into the lock. it may melt the ice / unfreeze it enough to get home and lube it.

Permalink Reply by Jin Kim on December 16, 2010 at 5:41pm

Another easy option if you don't have a lighter.

Hand sanitizer can be used to open a frozen lock. Just coat the key in it and then insert.

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