I remember one big problem we had last year was locks on the trailer that froze. We tried every pad lock; the ones with the rubber shell, everthing... The problem was with the rubber shell is when it freezes and you take a heatgun on it, the plastic melts :bash:

So I was thinking, do combo locks freeze?

Any solutions?

Thanks.

combination locks are the worst. i think those rubber sealed locks are bad because once the water gets in it is harder to get out then with a normal lock.

i am assuming you are using a lock on the trailer hitch. anytime i used one of those i sprayed it with wd 40 before the journey and it was fine.

Right on Paul, a good dose of w-d will prevent freeze up (under reasonable conditions) in your locks.

My solution this year is a mini butane torch, self lighting with a pencil point flame. Shoot it in the key hole and hopefully loosen up that hard water, shouldn't have to hit the plastic parts at all :)

I'm with Paul on this one, always WD-40 the locks on everything in the winter, summer too for that matter.

We are with Paul and Cory... just use WD40... works good.

i've seen them and it is a cover that probably has velcro to strap them over the hitch. that and wd40,,,, what can go wrong?

The best solution is to keep my locks in the truck while travelling and put them on at the destination. Without the effects of salt spray they work allot better.

Torch? I think that is a little overkill. When I have had them really frozen, I just use a little light that I have (Craftsman, cordless). Put the light near the lock, and maybe throw a rag over it for a few minutes. Gently warms it enough to break it loose. I have also used chemical heat packs, those ones you can get at most sporting good stores.

WD-40 also works good.

A friend of mine keeps a can of that liquid windshield de-icer around for stuff like that.

My solution this year is a mini butane torch, self lighting with a pencil point flame. Shoot it in the key hole and hopefully loosen up that hard water, shouldn't have to hit the plastic parts at all smile.gif

I am with catdoo on this one as I have been dooing this method for over a decade with no melted locks yet :dazed: . I use propane or butane and it only takes a few secs to thaw it out

Perm

Pee on it!!!!!

Originally posted by skidoo175@Sep 9 2005, 04:59 PM
Pee on it!!!!!
431224

Actually in a bind that would work. :withstupid:
Im a Locksmith and keeping the locks lubricated is the best way. Myself I use TriFlow, its a teflon lube. A torch is a handy to have. A cigarette lighter works just fine also and easier to carry. Another tip is cup the padlock in your hands and blow warm air into the keyway. Hope this helps.

start cleaning your locks up now.lube them and throw in a can with a cover. don't carry your locks in your truck or car when it gets cold.(they get warm then cold and suck moisture in. lube them and carry them in your sled in a bag lock things up when you stop to eat or ride or for the nite. the hot then cold thing causes all the problems..........

Originally posted by skidoo175@Sep 9 2005, 05:59 PM
Pee on it!!!!!
431224

Ummmmm..... :dazed: :lookaround: Now that is another example of how its just easier for the men.. :whistling:

What a sexist comment, my wife can hit a baseball at 50 yards!!!!
Just kidding, she'd slap me if she read this!

I can just see 4 guys hudling around a trailer lock trying to pee on the damned thing so they can load up the sleds to get back to the motel!!! I know one thing for sure,,, I AINT HOLDING THE LOCK!!!!

My friend and I have a two place drive on/off pop top triton trailer. We keep one or two locks on the front. one on the hitch, and one on the ramp. I know it's over kill, but here is my reasoning. Hitch is an obviious one, for safety and theft. The same goes for the ramp, Heard of too many guys getting up north and the ramp is gone, usually because the pin pops out. We started putting locks on the front of the pop top because a friend of mine had the pins pop out and the front popped open at 75 mph on the e way. What a mess.
At anyrate, I have found that even with my $90 worth of good locks, the best way to keep them working is with a lot of WD-40. I shoot them before and after every trip. Usually after the trip I bring them in the garage and clean them up real well. The good thing is, Master Lock will warrenty them. I have sent them in twice now and they usually send back a couple extras.