These are 3 locksmith tips every technician should remember!

The cold weather in winter months come with its own challenges. Keeping this in mind while working is a crucial to keeping the day operating smoothly.

1. WINDOWS, PLASTIC, AND OTHER MATERIALS DON’T RESPOND TO COLD WELL

It is crucial when wedging ANY area of a vehicle, to apply extreme caution. The cold glass, plastic, or other materials will break under pressure in cold conditions. Always try to find metal to metal surfaces to wedge from when opening a jam for a long rod. Avoid metal to plastic or plastic to plastic surfaces whenever possible. Subaru jams can also be very brittle due to the rimless jam and the necessity to wedge metal to glass. Take extreme caution when applying pressure into the door to depress an unlock button not to allow the tool to come off and forcefully hit the glass. Applying tape or a plastic end piece to any metal ended long rod or other locksmith tool is advised.

2. PICK UP A WINDOW LIGHT TO ALLOW YOURSELF ANOTHER HAND ON THE TOOLS

Window mounted opening lightsare relatively inexpensive and allow you another hand when extra caution is being used while opening vehicles in the cold. During the winter months, more and more of the day is spent in darkness. Although many locksmiths have opened thousands or more vehicles, it is still important to light up the interior of a car or truck in case there are any obstructions.

3. UTILIZE LUBRICANTS DURING THE OPENING PROCESS

Some locksmiths, to avoid damage, may choose to pick the lock of the vehicle. Our last locksmith tip is that whether you are picking the lock or sliding a tool into the jam or window, use a proper lubricant to ensure both the lock is free to pick or that the tool will easily slide past window moulding or door weatherstripping. A liberal spray of lubricant, such as Lock Saver, onto the area of the long reach tool, slim jim, up and under, etc. will help it easily slide into the vehicle and past vulnerably cold rubber/plastic parts.