How to loosen frozen deadbolt lock in frozen winter??

[SoCal Midwest Noobie]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

[johngolf]

Years back we would heat the key with our cigarette lighter then let it sit in the lock for a bit. A Zippo lighter worked well......LOL

[JONOV]

Originally Posted by johngolf

Years back we would heat the key with our cigarette lighter then let it sit in the lock for a bit. A Zippo lighter worked well......LOL

I'd recommend a torch lighter, the windproof varieties. But that assumes the problem is actually moisture as opposed to he whole frame of the door shifting on him.

[rrtechno]

If possible, when you get a chance, make sure that the lock is assembled so that the smooth edge of the key is on the bottom when you insert it. This way any water that might get into the key way will be more likely to run out of the lock before it freezes. If the ground edge of the key goes down, water in the cylinder will seep down into the pins where it can freeze.