The start of 2026 was very cold for the majority of the UK because of the arrival of an Arctic airmass. A lot of areas got snow. The freezing conditions can cause a number of problems, including issues with locks. We want to have a closer look here and provide a key piece of advice that could save you an unnecessary bill. Then, if you want to work with a reputable emergency locksmith in Chigwell, you can trust us.
Locks can freeze
If it’s sub zero temperatures and you find your locks aren’t working properly, don’t immediately assume they are broken. It is more likely that they are frozen. Moisture can get in a lock and freeze. This in turn can make it stiff and hard to turn. In the worst cases, ice will make the lock stick so you are unable to open or close it.
The cold temperatures can also affect locks by making the metal contract. Even a tiny contraction can have an impact on how a lock works. It could make it harder to operate. Even worse, it could lead to a key getting stuck, especially if you force it.
What to do?
When people have an issue with locks, especially late at night, early in the morning, or when they have something urgent to do, the first response is to panic. It means the immediate idea is to call for help. We’re always happy to come out to you if you need an emergency locksmith in Chigwell. However, the best thing to do here is take a step back and wait for it to get warmer. When it does, locks can expand back to their normal size and ice can clear from inside the mechanism. If you are patient, it can save you a bill.
If waiting for the lock to thaw naturally isn’t an option, there are a couple of tricks you can try. Firstly, you can try to gently warm up your key and the lock. Using body heat or a warm cloth is a good option. Never try anything with intense heat like a hair dryer or boiling water; it can damage the lock.
Another thing you could try is to melt the ice in the lock with hand sanitiser, de-icer, or a suitable lubricant. Just be very careful here to ensure you don’t overdo it; a little goes a long way in most cases.
Like with so many things, prevention is better than responding to a problem with frozen locks. If the forecast is predicting a period of cold weather, start taking action. A good tip is to lubricate locks more regularly; it will help to displace moisture and help to keep locks working smoothly. If possible, try to insulate the lock or keep it warmer so it doesn’t plunge into sub zero temperatures.
The most reliable emergency locksmith in Chigwell
If you ever need help from a professional locksmith with a fantastic reputation, you can rely on us. We respond quickly around the clock, every day of the week, even in the worst conditions. Most importantly, we’ll always advise you on the options for fixing lock problems. It means no surprise bills or paying for things you didn’t need.
So, get in touch today if you want to work with the top emergency locksmith in Chigwell. We can open locks, repair them, provide replacements, and much more.