Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » frozen door lock
| frozen door lock [message #110679] |
Mon, 03 January 2011 13:51  |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Had a week of below freezing, but just barely, like 24F or so. No problems with my as yet un-winterized water lines, but the lock on the door freezes.
First temperature dip I couldn't even get the key into the lock. Used a propane torch gently to gradually warm it up and got the key in, a bit more and got the key turned. Lock mechanism worked fine.
But really don't like the torch solution, so have just left the rig unlocked. Not overly concerned about theft, live in a fairly dense urban area, lots of foot traffic ie witnesses, but not happy about it either.
Thought about WD-40 but have in the back of my mind that it's not good to put into locks. Also thought about graphite powder that I've heard recommended for locks that are sticky, not sure how much it might help for freezing.
Any tips?
Thanks
J
76 PB
Portland, OR
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| Re: [GMCnet] frozen door lock [message #110685 is a reply to message #110679] |
Mon, 03 January 2011 14:39  |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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There are spray lock deicers where you
squirt it into the hole. Not much help
if you can't get the skinny tube into
the lock.
If you can get a key into the lock,
you can use a lighter to warm the key
and the heat will transfer into the
lock mechanism.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: jayrabe@hotmail.com
> Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 13:51:29 -0600
> Subject: [GMCnet] frozen door lock
>
>
>
> Had a week of below freezing, but just barely, like 24F or so. No problems with my as yet un-winterized water lines, but the lock on the door freezes.
>
> First temperature dip I couldn't even get the key into the lock. Used a propane torch gently to gradually warm it up and got the key in, a bit more and got the key turned. Lock mechanism worked fine.
>
> But really don't like the torch solution, so have just left the rig unlocked. Not overly concerned about theft, live in a fairly dense urban area, lots of foot traffic ie witnesses, but not happy about it either.
>
> Thought about WD-40 but have in the back of my mind that it's not good to put into locks. Also thought about graphite powder that I've heard recommended for locks that are sticky, not sure how much it might help for freezing.
>
> Any tips?
>
> Thanks
>
> J
> 76 PB
> Portland, OR
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] frozen door lock [message #110687 is a reply to message #110679] |
Mon, 03 January 2011 14:54 |
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hnielsen2
Messages: 1434
Registered: February 2004
Location: Alpine CA
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I have been told you can use a cigarette lighter on the key then insert it
in to the key hole?
I don't have to deal with the here in Alpine though we did have some snow
over night.
Its gone now.
45 this afternoon.
I know poor baby!
Howard
Alpine CA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jay Rabe" <jayrabe@hotmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 11:51 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] frozen door lock
>
>
> Had a week of below freezing, but just barely, like 24F or so. No problems
> with my as yet un-winterized water lines, but the lock on the door
> freezes.
>
> First temperature dip I couldn't even get the key into the lock. Used a
> propane torch gently to gradually warm it up and got the key in, a bit
> more and got the key turned. Lock mechanism worked fine.
>
> But really don't like the torch solution, so have just left the rig
> unlocked. Not overly concerned about theft, live in a fairly dense urban
> area, lots of foot traffic ie witnesses, but not happy about it either.
>
> Thought about WD-40 but have in the back of my mind that it's not good to
> put into locks. Also thought about graphite powder that I've heard
> recommended for locks that are sticky, not sure how much it might help for
> freezing.
>
> Any tips?
>
> Thanks
>
> J
> 76 PB
> Portland, OR
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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All is well with my Lord
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| Re: frozen door lock [message #110737 is a reply to message #110679] |
Mon, 03 January 2011 20:56 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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They make a product called tri-flow that makes door locks work really well. I've used it in freezing temps and its lubricating quality holds up well. Unlike other sprays that "de-grease" this product lubes well. Its helped the little metal lever be more pliable when it was cold. They use it a lot on bike chains. I'm not sure if its recommended for locks but has worked for me.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] frozen door lock [message #110745 is a reply to message #110679] |
Mon, 03 January 2011 21:35 |
Douglas Norton
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Is the problem in the key part of the lock or in the other hardware that locks the door?
Option one: without licking your lips, put your mouth over the key hole and blow in. If you do lick your lips and they get frozen to the door,do not apply your tongue too! Have warm water ready to thaw your lips!
My lock mechanism is all accessible if I remove the door panel. I can clean with a solvent then add some graphite or lite oil. One time I got the clearances too tight after replacing the door panel; the key could not pull the lock up against the small amount of added friction. You may wish to check for clearances. In my case, I had to push my wife through a rear window to get the coach open. Since I tried and did not fit, I won the "who has the most fat" contest.
If I was to do it over again, I would have tied a string to the lock and let it hang over the top of the door or I would have left the wife inside.
--- On Mon, 1/3/11, Jay Rabe <jayrabe@hotmail.com> wrote:
From: Jay Rabe <jayrabe@hotmail.com>
Subject: [GMCnet] frozen door lock
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Monday, January 3, 2011, 11:51 AM
Had a week of below freezing, but just barely, like 24F or so. No problems with my as yet un-winterized water lines, but the lock on the door freezes.
First temperature dip I couldn't even get the key into the lock. Used a propane torch gently to gradually warm it up and got the key in, a bit more and got the key turned. Lock mechanism worked fine.
But really don't like the torch solution, so have just left the rig unlocked. Not overly concerned about theft, live in a fairly dense urban area, lots of foot traffic ie witnesses, but not happy about it either.
Thought about WD-40 but have in the back of my mind that it's not good to put into locks. Also thought about graphite powder that I've heard recommended for locks that are sticky, not sure how much it might help for freezing.
Any tips?
Thanks
J
76 PB
Portland, OR
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List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] frozen door lock [message #110749 is a reply to message #110745] |
Mon, 03 January 2011 22:45 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Douglas,
Well I must admit you're the first person who has ever advocated "kissing"
their GMC to make it better! ;-)
Sorry I couldn't resist!
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Douglas Norton
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2011 2:35 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] frozen door lock
Is the problem in the key part of the lock or in the other hardware that
locks the door?
Option one: without licking your lips, put your mouth over the key hole and
blow in. If you do lick your lips and they get frozen to the door,do not
apply your tongue too! Have warm water ready to thaw your lips!
My lock mechanism is all accessible if I remove the door panel. I can clean
with a solvent then add some graphite or lite oil. One time I got the
clearances too tight after replacing the door panel; the key could not pull
the lock up against the small amount of added friction. You may wish to
check for clearances. In my case, I had to push my wife through a rear
window to get the coach open. Since I tried and did not fit, I won the "who
has the most fat" contest.
If I was to do it over again, I would have tied a string to the lock and let
it hang over the top of the door or I would have left the wife inside.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: frozen door lock [message #110835 is a reply to message #110679] |
Tue, 04 January 2011 20:26 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| jayrabe wrote on Mon, 03 January 2011 12:51 |
Had a week of below freezing, but just barely, like 24F or so. No problems with my as yet un-winterized water lines, but the lock on the door freezes.
First temperature dip I couldn't even get the key into the lock. Used a propane torch gently to gradually warm it up and got the key in, a bit more and got the key turned. Lock mechanism worked fine.
But really don't like the torch solution, so have just left the rig unlocked. Not overly concerned about theft, live in a fairly dense urban area, lots of foot traffic ie witnesses, but not happy about it either.
Thought about WD-40 but have in the back of my mind that it's not good to put into locks. Also thought about graphite powder that I've heard recommended for locks that are sticky, not sure how much it might help for freezing.
Any tips?
Thanks
J
76 PB
Portland, OR
|
The traditional smart ass remark about moving to AZ no longer seems to be appropriate 
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] frozen door lock [message #110923 is a reply to message #110904] |
Wed, 05 January 2011 12:44 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hi Joe, Thanks, that confirms what I thought I remembered too about not using oils in locks. I used the alcohol-based "Lock de-icer" first, and that got the lock unfrozen enough to unlock, though I had to use it again two days later after more freezing temps. Am planning on getting some "Lock-Ease" and using it today now that the weather has warmed up to rain for the next week. It's a graphite powder in a liquid that penetrates and then completely evaporates. leaving the graphite, but also displacing water in the process which has been suggested as my main problem. Lock-Ease sounds like a one-step combination of your electrical contact cleaner and powdered graphite.
Don't have power available where it's parked to plug in a hair dryer. Did buy a couple of foot-warmer pads that activate when you open the package. They have an adhesive backing and I figured they might work, but the de-icer worked, so I haven't needed to try the pads. They supposedly get up to 100+F and last several hours.
Thanks
J
76 PB
Portland, OR
-----------------------------------------------------
> To thaw frozen door locks, use an electric hair dryer.
>
> Never put any spray like WD-40, Kroil, PB Blaster or any
> oil-based spray into any lock cylinder. The oil attracts dust
> and dirt that will bind the small springs and wafers.
> Spray electrical contact cleaner to clean out the dirt, wait
> a couple of minutes , then spray in powdered graphite.
>
> Retired locksmith
>
> Joe Ekl
> '78 Royale rearbath
> Exit 67 Pennsylvania pike
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| Re: frozen door lock [message #112594 is a reply to message #110679] |
Fri, 21 January 2011 13:28 |
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jaholland
Messages: 565
Registered: June 2010
Location: Sweet Home Alebamy
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| jayrabe wrote on Mon, 03 January 2011 13:51 |
Had a week of below freezing, but just barely, like 24F or so. No problems with my as yet un-winterized water lines, but the lock on the door freezes.
First temperature dip I couldn't even get the key into the lock. Used a propane torch gently to gradually warm it up and got the key in, a bit more and got the key turned. Lock mechanism worked fine.
But really don't like the torch solution, so have just left the rig unlocked. Not overly concerned about theft, live in a fairly dense urban area, lots of foot traffic ie witnesses, but not happy about it either.
Thought about WD-40 but have in the back of my mind that it's not good to put into locks. Also thought about graphite powder that I've heard recommended for locks that are sticky, not sure how much it might help for freezing.
Any tips?
Thanks
J
76 PB
Portland, OR
|
~ Jay ;
JUST USE " P B BLASTER "
DON'T KNOW HOW BUT IT WORKS
http://blastercorporation.com/display.cfm?p=50003&pid=4
~ Joe ~
/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 "
"
O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 "
"
" Joe & Lavelle " "
"
'sweet home alebamy'
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| Re: [GMCnet] frozen door lock [message #112598 is a reply to message #112594] |
Fri, 21 January 2011 13:47 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hi Joe,
Got it solved already but thanks.
I ended up using Lock-DeIcer to get it loose enough to unlock, then later when things had thawed I used Lock-Ease and that really smoothed out the operation. Haven't had a problem since. The Lock-Ease is graphite powder recommended for lock lubrication, in a penetrant that evaporates. Frankly I'd be leery of using the PB, even though I've no doubts that it works, but without knowing more about the "lubricant film" that it leaves on the parts, I'd be concerned about the film being sticky and collecting dust and making the situation worse down the line. I know WD-40 works too, but lock experts say not to use it for that reason.
Thanks again,
J
---------------------------
> ~ Jay ;
>
> JUST USE " P B BLASTER "
> DON'T KNOW HOW BUT IT WORKS
> http://blastercorporation.com/display.cfm?p=50003&pid=4
> ~ Joe ~
> --
> Joe & Lavelle
> '65 6cyl Cortez/'68 8cyl Cortez/
> '73 26' Canyonlands/
>
> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2056676&id=1266255830&l=7a962eb8eb
>
> '78 26'Eleganza II/ http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035030&id=1266255830&l=5536e612f6
>
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