Most Common Door Lock Problems in Winter
It’s winter season once again. It’s time to update our outfit as well as check our door locks in anticipation of the cold weather. Experts at West Coast Locksmith confirm that door lock problems are quite common during winter because the cold weather causes a number of things. Let’s take a look at what happens to our locks in this time of the year, as well as some quick fixes:
1. Misaligned Lock
When temperatures drop, door frames may contract, affecting the fit between the door and the installed lock. If you’re using a deadbolt-type, you might find turning the key a bit challenging because of this. If this happens, try to check if there is a need to re-center the lock within the door frame.
2. Icy Door Locks
The cold weather might cause problems on your locks because of the moisture, oil, and dust that have crept inside the keyhole and settled in the nooks and crannies of the lock over time. It will be impossible to turn a lock when they freeze solid. When this happens, dismantle the lock and wash the insides using dish detergent and water. Spray silicon lubricant on the insides before putting them back together.
3. Squeaky Doors
Due to the coldness, the hinges of our doors tend to contract, causing it to creak when we open or close them. You might also feel slight resistance when you push or pull the door. Applying oil or petroleum jelly into the hinge usually fixes this. Make sure to remove the pins first and apply these lubricants on the gaps between the moving and the fixed parts of these hinges.
It helps to understand what causes these problems so we can prepare better for the winter season that is fast approaching. When all else fails, call your 24-hour locksmith company for immediate help.
16 Comments
Tamra Phelps
My front door’s lock always seems to swell in Winter so the door doesn’t want to close. It’s so irritating.
heather
This was really educational to read and I learned a lot. I had a squeaky door hinge and I put some olive oil on it and it worked like a charm.
Kate Sarsfield
That reminds me to change the locks whenever I finally get to move in!
Tamra+Phelps
I still have door lock issues, lol. And I used to have an old wood desk that had a top drawer that would not open in Winter because it was in the basement (no heat) and the wood swelled. So, I had to empty that drawer every Winter.
Raul
I agree with the explanations about the problems with door locks in winter.
Call a locksmith if you do not know what to do or how to resolve the problem.
Kate Sarsfield
You Tube has been invaluable for all DIY how-to videos. Sorted all my wonky doors!
Lisa DT
I like great tips. Safety first.
Calvin
Good to check on your doors once in a while.
Nancy
These are some helpful tips for winter. It is nice of you to share them with us.
Dana Rodriguez
These are great tips. We replaced ours this past summer.
Tamra Phelps
I have door lock issues year round. The dead bolt seems slightly misaligned, so sometimes you have to shut the door several times to get the lock to turn.
Sarah L
The squeaky door will get the grease….
Shannon
I think that we have a misaligned lock, thanks for this article.
Renee T
A good article ~Safety first. Thanks for sharing.
Kelly Kimmell
These make sense, I think I have all our squeaky doors taken care of for the winter.
Rosie
Oh wow, I just got back from the basement to check on the doorknobs and locks, that the robbers had pried off and wrecked the door. The maintenance man has been chipping away at fixing all of them.