Laura Berkowitz on wed 7 jan 04
Hi Krista,
Not a midwesterner, but would advice from a frozen Fairbanksian due?
A popular product, and one we use here, is Qualco Lock De-Icer. We keep
several applicators in the house and I carry one in my pack or purse when
driving in the winter. I'm sure there are other de-icer brands out there, too.
We use it both in the vehicle door locks and in the ignition lock. Your
local hardware store will have it or the equivalent.
A hair drier will work too, but in my experience it isn't a winter-long fix.
It'll at least get you going so you can get some de-icer. But it may only
melt the ice and not dry out your lock, so the lock may freeze again.
We used to keep a few Bic lighters to thaw locks out with, but again, not a
long-term fix. A de-icer lubricant will keep moisture out of the locks longer.
Also, I've found the very best ice scraper for windows is a SWIX ski
scraper, those thick plexiglass ones.
Laura (Fairbanks, AK and -30 below yesterday)
> I can't even get into my car to get to the ice scraper.
>Does any of you experienced midwesterners know
>the best way to unfreeze my door locks?
Krista Peterson on wed 7 jan 04
Well, looks like I'm stuck home again. I can't even get into my car to get to the ice scraper.
There's gotta be at least an inch of ice on top of a few inches of
snow. My dog doesn't know WHAT to think. Does any of you experienced midwesterners know
the best way to unfreeze my door locks?
Krista Peterson
Kathy Forer on wed 7 jan 04
Not a midwesterner (where's that?), but we have snow in the east too, albeit
not like Minnesota. Try a hairdryer set on high, it works very well. And if
you don't have a long, extension cord, maybe a midwesterner has a better
trick.... there's chemical de-icer but you have to already have that. If all
else fails, try cleaning the lock area and hoping some sun will come out
melt through.
On 1/7/04 9:04 AM, "Krista Peterson" wrote:
> Well, looks like I'm stuck home again. I can't even get into my car to get to
> the ice scraper.
> There's gotta be at least an inch of ice on top of a few inches of
> snow. My dog doesn't know WHAT to think. Does any of you experienced
> midwesterners know
> the best way to unfreeze my door locks?
>
> Krista Peterson
Paul Vernier on wed 7 jan 04
Krista,
Thanks for reminding me again why I moved to California.
But I have not forgotten those wonderful times in Michigan.
First, if the door and lock are covered with ice. Pour a bucket of hot
water over it. That is if the temperature is above zero. Otherwise, it may
be spring before you get to your car.
Then with the isce off the surface, heat your key with a lighter and insert
slowly into lock.
Oh and wear gloves so you don't burn your hand. A pair of Raku gloves would
be fine. :-)
Sure glad it's not me
Paul Vernier in Santa Cruz, where yes it is cold and rainy
| |
|
