Locks can freeze, which can be a pain if you need access. Follow these tips to prevent yours from freezing in the first place - and what to do if yours has frozen.

Preventing Freezing: If a lock is exposed to wind and rain and is likely to get wet inside, we use an aerosol lube such as is often used by mountain bikers ("Finesse Multi Lube"). Similar products will probably also work well. That helps to keep the water away and can therefore avoid the problems associated with locks getting frozen solid in cold weather. We do find with the one we use that it gets pretty stiff at around -10 C, but in more normal temperatures it gives a good compromise. Locks that have sliding keyway covers can help to exclude dirt, but they can also trap moisture and potentially increase problems with freezing.

If your lock has already frozen: If you've got a lock that has already frozen as a result of water getting inside and temperatures dropping such that you can't operate the key, defrost sprays used for clearing car windscreens can often help but may take a while and a few squirts (again, straight into the keyway with the lock inverted). Another option can be to heat the key over a flame or other heat source (taking care not to get burnt etc!) and then to insert the key and leave it for e.g. 30 seconds before trying to operate it, and repeating as required. If it is possible to move the lock into warm surroundings and leave it to warm up and thaw out, that is often an easier but slower option. If you can leave the lock indoors for a day or more, it may help to dry it out inside and help to prevent a repeat occurrence. A non-ideal option can be to flood the outside of the lock with hot water, again with care. All of these techniques should be followed promptly with rinsing the lock with GT85/WD40/similar to remove the water from the melted ice etc so that it doesn't freeze up all over again as soon as the temperature drops! Naturally, you should exercise caution when using any source of heat or with hot water - the lock body and the key can hold and transfer a surprising amount of heat so it is easy to get a surprise burn.

Squire Guarantee: Squire locks we supply have a 10-year guarantee directly with Squire and on the rare occasions we have had to return locks to them, they have provided replacements and refunded postage very quickly. We refuse to sell locks where we've had problems or where the manufacturer has not provided good backup - security has to be reliable or it is worthless! Cheap locks are often a false economy, but even top-quality locks need some occasional care and attention.