BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

When the locks on my old car used to seize in the cold, I could heat the key with a lighter, then insert it in the lock and that would be enough to release it. With a u-lock, you may even be able to warm the lock directly with a lighter.

I tried with a lighter, but it was too windy. Also, the U-lock is coated. Strangely the key turns fine, so it is the mechanism inside that is frozen. Heating it would be hard. I guess I could pour hot water on it to get the key out. Oh, the reason the key is stuck is because it won't turn all the way because the lock isn't fully closed. Kind of a mess. I have a torch I could bring with me, but I don't know if I want to have all that going on? Maybe though. Thanks.

Yowza. That really sounds like a pickle. Sounds a lot worse than I expected. Hm. Blow torch is always fun...

WD40? It displaces water which is probably what the automotive stuff does. You cold also try one of those hand warmer packs but I'm not sure it would get warm enough.

Yeah, I might try WD-40. Maybe de-ice and then WD? Something has to work. I guess worse case hot water and keep the lock inside to dry out. Kind of a pain, but I think what happened was that rain and then super cold temps came. Ah well. Thanks for the replies.

It's probably rusted in there, too. I'd use a lot of WD40, really soak it. You're not going to hurt anything.

I used to (maybe even I still do?) carry around the spay lock deicer stuff on my bike for just that reason. I learned the lighter trick from a custodian at school the first time that happened to me. Also probably worth putting some bike lube in there when you get a chance to help things turn more smoothly in the future

Might this work?

About a month ago I had to drag 200 ft. of extension cord and an angle grinder down to the Macy's garage when my mini ulock seized up for no apparent reason, so, good luck. Otherwise known as "stealing your own bike". I do not have good history with ulocks. :/

Did you try peeing on it?

Wow, I sprayed it with de-ice AND then WD-40. Soaked it and it still wouldn't open. I am taking a torch tomorrow. If that doesn't work, I am calling Kryptonite. That thing was expensive.

How old was the lock? Not sure if this is applicable, but it's probably worth regularly oiling the mechanics of the lock to help preventing it from seizing up in situations like this.

I got the key out today. That was good. I will try and open it tomorrow. Probably take it inside to dry out. Thanks for all the tips. Oh, the lock was purchased this year.

gg Anything alcohol based should melt ice, fuel line antifreeze works well, it is mostly ethanol. Rubbing alcohol works to a lesser extent, but maybe a good dousing will get things moving.