Posted By: Bones
Door lock cylinders frozen. How do I unstick them? - 01/01/13 06:58 AM
My 1972 Demon has been sitting for so long that when I went to get in it the other day I could not get the door locks to turn with the key. They won't budge. Does anyone know how to remedy this problem. I really need to get in my car and get it running again.
Posted By: 1_WILD_RT
Re: Door lock cylinders frozen. How do I unstick them? - 01/01/13 07:06 AM
How long has it been sitting? Are you sure your using the right keys? Santa Rosa isn't exactly the rust belt..... Try some dry graphite, if you don't have that try penetrating oil...
Posted By: B5 Bee
Re: Door lock cylinders frozen. How do I unstick them? - 01/01/13 07:17 AM
Besides my occasionally used auto door locks, I have the same problem with seldom used home door locks.
You may be able to get them to turn with regular lubricating oil. If you use a penetrating oil first, once loose, give them a shot of lubricating oil. I've been using PB50 lubricant, same company that makes PB Blaster penetrant.
BTW, WD40 is not a good penetrant or lubricant, use something better for both needs.
Posted By: RapidRobert
Re: Door lock cylinders frozen. How do I unstick them? - 01/01/13 07:50 AM
get inside with a slim jim then take out the lock cyl. The ones with the chrome removeable covers you can open em up & clean the mini tumblers/spacers/springs. Lube it with powered graphite. On a side note with some spare cyls you can mix/match em so all your cars use the same key (even the trunk) & you can even leave a hole or 2 in the cyl blank, nobody picks locks anymore (except in the movies)
Posted By: radar
Re: Door lock cylinders frozen. How do I unstick them? - 01/01/13 03:31 PM
Locks only keep the honest people out!
Posted By: Bones
Re: Door lock cylinders frozen. How do I unstick them? - 01/01/13 09:07 PM
I'll try squirting some penetrating oil in there first and if that doesn't work maybe just slim-jim it open. I've never used a slim-jim before, how hard are they to use? Also, if the locks are stuck won't they still be stuck even if I use a slim jim?
Posted By: Dunnuck Racing
Re: Door lock cylinders frozen. How do I unstick them? - 01/01/13 11:29 PM
A locksmith I know told me the best thing for his business/ worst thing to lubricate locks with is graphite. It clumps up when it gets damp and makes things worse. WD40 works well as said,it displaces moisture . You do need to reapply it occasionally.
On A side note,the best penetrating oil and lubricant I have found is made by Marvel Mystery Oil. Hard to find around here though.
Keith
Posted By: MPerry
Re: Door lock cylinders frozen. How do I unstick them? - 01/01/13 11:40 PM
spray some penetrant in then stick the key in and lightly tap on the end with a rubber mallet(or the handle end of a screw driver)
It will help loosen the pellet waffers in the lock
Posted By: Pyper70
Re: Door lock cylinders frozen. How do I unstick them? - 01/02/13 12:41 AM
is it rusted? Are the temps really really cold? Will putting your keys through a flame aid in the loosening of the cylinders?
I have found Liquid Wrench works better than WD40 when temperature is a factor