Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Airstream Forums > Airstream Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums > Windows, Doors, Locks & Vents > Doors & Locks
Click Here to Login
Register Vendors FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search Log in

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-02-2010, 06:34 AM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
Whirlaway's Avatar
 
2008 27' Classic FB
Anytown , Massachusetts
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 249
Any solutions to prevent a frozen lock?

The temps have been in the teens off and on for past month. Every time I try to unlock the AS the "lock" is frozen. The keys do not even turn. I end up getting out a hair dryer and warming up the handle/key set til it opens.

Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas how I can prevent this from happening? There is no ice or water on the exterior of the lock when it will not open.

Thanks in advance.
__________________
Life Is Not A Dress Rehersal
It's okay to have too much fun
WBCCI #8701* TAC MA-1 * NEU UNIT
Gracie...A Liver & White GSP
Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'." - The Shawshank Redemption
Whirlaway is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 07:03 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
tkasten's Avatar
 
1965 22' Safari
Vassar , Michigan
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 848
Images: 6
Frozen

Try WD-40. It will displace any moisture inside the lock. It only takes a tiny bit of moisture to freeze. Very cold in Michigan this morning.....Tim
tkasten is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 09:41 AM   #3
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
Images: 1
Thumbs up

... I've found this works the best....
http://www.amazon.com/LOCK-EASE-GRAP...xgy_misc_img_b
POI..don't keep it inside the trailer or in the glove box, like someone I know.
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 09:59 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
Minno's Avatar

 
1972 31' Sovereign
Lexington , Minnesota
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,989
Teens ABOVE zero? That would be a heat wave here this morning - it was -17 degrees at 0900 (yes, that's seventeen below zero. My dad would say "it's colder than a welldiggers butt. Mom would say: "Ira, don't talk like that in front of the children.). I have no desire to go outside to even TRY the locks! But I would agree with WD40 or some other lock antifreeze - works here. Try to protect your locks from getting the brunt of the weather too, if possible - some type of shield if you get ice storms. They can wreck havoc with locks, then it is time to use the hair dryer!

Good luck!

Kay
Minno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 10:25 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
CanoeStream's Avatar

 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud , Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
Images: 19
Blog Entries: 3
Time Out on the WD40! It is oil based and does very little to penetrate frost and keep it out for long after you've treated. The best techs I've talked to stand by using LPS-1 (liquid polymer silicone) -- it is water based and what I've used for 15-20 years on locks. It works great in subzero conditions! You can find it by browsing a bit longer in the lubricant section at your hardware or auto supply store. It comes in a spray can just like the WD40. Don't get the LPS-3 -- that's light oil based just like the WD40.

Whirlaway - Do you have trouble with the whole opening mechanism? Many of us have experienced that the internal door latch mechanism is minimally lubricated by the OEM. It ends up getting harder and harder to open, close or latch effectively. Next time your door is open it wouldn't hurt to stick the LPS-1 tube into some of the openings on the edge of the latch and spray around inside the mechanism.

Kay, it was minus 24 here in St Cloud when I got up this morning. Any colder and I'll have to wear a jacket outside...
__________________
Bob

5 meter Langford Nahanni

CanoeStream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 11:19 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
tkasten's Avatar
 
1965 22' Safari
Vassar , Michigan
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 848
Images: 6
Locks

Canoestream-thanks for the tip. LPS-1 I will look for it at my hardware....Tim
tkasten is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 11:42 AM   #7
3 Rivet Member
 
Whirlaway's Avatar
 
2008 27' Classic FB
Anytown , Massachusetts
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 249
Great advice!!!

Thanks for the heads up on the #1 and #3 I would of just grabbed for the can.

I believe the lock is difficult under good conditions to open I will try spraying the side of the lock too. I just thought that's the way it was going to be...
__________________
Life Is Not A Dress Rehersal
It's okay to have too much fun
WBCCI #8701* TAC MA-1 * NEU UNIT
Gracie...A Liver & White GSP
Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'." - The Shawshank Redemption
Whirlaway is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 12:23 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
CanoeStream's Avatar

 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud , Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
Images: 19
Blog Entries: 3
Other threads on the topic of main door latches on newer Airstreams:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f453...hut-37154.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f453...ing-27193.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f453...oor-36890.html

... startin' to sound like I own stock in the company ...

Not!
.
__________________
Bob

5 meter Langford Nahanni

CanoeStream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 12:56 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
Royce's Avatar
 
1977 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
Colorado Springs , Colorado
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 739
Images: 9
Thanks Bob, for jumping in quick on the no thanks for WD-40. The previous owner of my Wrangler thought WD-40 was the thing for locks. It took three separate times of taking off the door panel and cleaning the mechnisim with carb cleaner to get the locks to work and stay working. They were so gummed up I could not unlock even on a warm day. Liquid silicone or LPS-1, or G-96 for me.
__________________
Royce (K0RKK) 146.460 simplex
Web page https://spearfishcreek.net/
AIR# 3913
'77' Minuet 6 Metre, behind a 2005 stock Jeep Rubicon with Equa-L-Zer hitch.
Royce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 02:57 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Minno's Avatar

 
1972 31' Sovereign
Lexington , Minnesota
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,989
AH, thanks for the warning, Canoestream. I never knew that about WD40. We'll look for the LPS-1 also.
You can keep the -24 degrees. You're closer to the arctic circle than we are! Although, we've figured out after living here for 28 years, that once you hit -15 or so, it's just cold. There's no difference in how you feel after you walk outside with -15 or -30. You just warn the kids not to run anywhere.

Kay
Minno is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 03:13 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
tkasten's Avatar
 
1965 22' Safari
Vassar , Michigan
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 848
Images: 6
No to WD-40

This forum is a wonder of experience. I would and have gone with WD-40 in a heart beat. I'm really glad to hear there is something much better. Another example of the power of this forum. I thought is was cold in Michigan today 4 degrees above. Not sure how I would handle -20 or so. I don't think I will be over in your area til spring......Tim
tkasten is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 03:22 PM   #12
Retired.
 
Currently Looking...
. , At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
In a pinch, go to the medicine cabinet, and grab that bottle of rubbing alcohol. There is the 70% and the 90%, the 90% is better (more alcohol). If you have one, put the alcohol in a spray bottle, and squirt directly into the hole for the key.
It may take a couple of applications, but it will "thaw" the water in the tumblers.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
overlander63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 08:48 PM   #13
Wise Elder
 
Jammer's Avatar
 
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river , Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
What CanoeStream said.

Also, it is often more practical to heat the key than to heat the lock.
Jammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 08:51 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
Lumatic's Avatar
 
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia , New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,743
Images: 16
Blog Entries: 1
Just don't try to thaw mouth to lock
Lumatic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2010, 09:12 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
r carl's Avatar
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Lin , Ne
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,430
Well, locks isnt in the list.
Water Displacement #40. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and de greaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were
Successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile parts.

Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you...' IT IS MADE FROM FISH OIL' . When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It is a miracle! Then try it on your
stovetop... It is now shinier than it has ever been before.

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars..
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that `just-waxed` sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hing es on vehicles and doors in homes
18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car. Removed quickly, with WD-40!
20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift on lawn mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, well as vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs..
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain
37) Florida 'S favorite use 'Cleans and removes
Love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38) Protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time.
40) Ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) If you've washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you spray WD-40 on the distributor cap, it will displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

Keep a can of WD-40 in your kitchen cabinet. It is good for oven burns or any other type of
Burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring.

Remember, the basic ingredient is FISH OIL.
r carl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2010, 06:30 AM   #16
3 Rivet Member
 
Whirlaway's Avatar
 
2008 27' Classic FB
Anytown , Massachusetts
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 249
Wow

Thanks for all the uses...more than I would of ever imagined...
__________________
Life Is Not A Dress Rehersal
It's okay to have too much fun
WBCCI #8701* TAC MA-1 * NEU UNIT
Gracie...A Liver & White GSP
Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'." - The Shawshank Redemption
Whirlaway is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2010, 08:09 AM   #17
Rivet Master
 
tkasten's Avatar
 
1965 22' Safari
Vassar , Michigan
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 848
Images: 6
Wd-40

Wow! Looks like I now have 44 reasons to keep WD-40 around.

Thanks,
Tim
tkasten is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How do I prevent tires from deteroriating in sun? leong1 Tires 12 06-24-2009 10:27 PM
Cancer in our pets - how to prevent? Mackhopp The Pet Forum 30 12-30-2007 09:52 AM
Water spots...how to remove or prevent? Rog0525 Cleaning, Stripping & Polishing 1 07-11-2004 04:54 AM
Prevent rodents, ants in trailer. Ed Keyes 2000 - 2004 Safari 3 09-12-2003 12:38 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:37 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.