Unfortunately the Front Door deadbolt lock once the temps drop below minus 15C' and beyond the tumbler inside the housing freezes up and one is unable to insert the key... It's a design flaw whereby the housing sticks out 3/4 of an inch on the outside, it should have stuck out on the inside at least to avoid condensation build up.. The front of the house is in a Direct Southerly exposure... Any DIY solutions to keep lock ice free? Other than changing deadbolt lock out completely? Right now were in the practice of carrying around a Bic Lighter in one's pocket... Thanks

Interesting. The only way it should freeze if if there is an air flow through the lock from inside the house to outside. Then moisture from inside the house will freeze on the outside of the lock.

Try drying out the lock completely with something like a hair dryer. Then lubricate it. Then try sealing the lock to stop air flow through it. Of course, you'll have to make sure the lock still turns, but if you can fill all the cracks/ gaps then I think it will help a lot.

Are the tumbler on the top or the bottom?

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

Are the tumbler on the top or the bottom?

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The Tumbler / Deadbolt is approximately 2 inches above the top of the handle , the latch is on top of the handle...

Your lock should handle direct southern exposure. There could be wear and tear issues or simply of poor quality. Take out the lock and clean with brake clean or similar solvent relube with LP1 or graphite lock oil. Also poor quality duplicate or worn keys can cause problems. Taking your lock down to a local locksmith will save you a repair visit charge, be fixed on the spot, or a better quality replacement can be purchased.

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Originally Posted by scott53715

Your lock should handle direct southern exposure. There could be wear and tear issues or simply of poor quality. Take out the lock and clean with brake clean or similar solvent relube with LP1 or graphite lock oil. Also poor quality duplicate or worn keys can cause problems. Taking your lock down to a local locksmith will save you a repair visit charge, be fixed on the spot, or a better quality replacement can be purchased.

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@scott53715, Your closing sentence seems to be the direction I'm leaning now... We've had the problem from day one since Installation, even had the Manufacturer replace tumbler and all after the 1st Winter... There's a Manufacturer's Rep living close by, as the Door is well over any warranty period.. Maybe a Sweet Talking Routine could do the trick, lol... Thanks

The lock cylinder should be installed such that the tumblers (the pins) are on the top. That is to say that the cut edge of the key should be up, smooth edge down, when you insert the key in the lock.

If the pins are down moisture can get into the mechanism and freeze.

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

The lock cylinder should be installed such that the tumblers (the pins) are on the top. That is to say that the cut edge of the key should be up, smooth edge down, when you insert the key in the lock.

If the pins are down moisture can get into the mechanism and freeze.

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Yep, as you describe, the cut edge up and the smooth side down. I follow your reasoning.. Honestly I think the style of lock mechanizeum is not meant for cold temperatures such as they are in Eastern Ontario.. The deadbolt lock should be completely encased in the door for more of an insulating factor against the cold... Thanks