Someone who does their daily commutes with their bike has to keep it in tip-top shape because that person will ride that bike in various environments, roads and weather. The bike will go through a lot, and it’ll clearly require time-to-time check-ups.
Just like your bike, you also need to be aware of the other utilities related to it. Like the bike locks, they are the reason your bikes are kept safe, and these things are often put through various weathers.
You have locked your bike on a public stand on a day when it is storming heavily. Then clearly, you might notice that you’re struggling to open your lock.
Worry not because I am here to assist you in this fundamental issue.
Why do bike locks get stuck after rain?
There are a few ways for your locks to get stuck because chances are, if you ride on city roads or in good weather, then your locks are supposed to act just as it is supposed to be.
- Debris and filth can be a significant reason because, on a stormy day, it is also highly windy. So, wind can attract all kinds of dirt. The dirt can quickly get attached to the locks, then if you forget to clean them, Eventually, some of the insides of the lock will start to corrode, leading to the lock getting stuck.
- Moisture can be another apparent reason because when it rains, things will evidently leave moisture. If you are unbothered about it, then chances are your locks will attract moisture. Moisture leads to rust coating that ruins the lock entirely.
The tools you require
From my observation and research, I know that most users with Chains and D-locks have their locks stuck. So, I will tell you a few products that will assist you in making your locks Unstuck.
What should you do to prevent your locks from getting stuck?
For D-Locks
For this application, you require the WD-40. At first, try troubleshooting with your keys. Try rotating it a couple of times. Be careful in not applying to much force once you realize it has gotten stuck because you may just break the key. And, that further make your life miserable.
- So, as you have realized that the D-lock has gotten stuck, so now I want you to spray some WD-40 on the hole where you put the key. Then insert the key and move it around a few times so that the lubrication becomes thicker all around. Also, you need to push the o-rings in the shackles as debris or rust may appear inside them as well. Push the o-rings and try lubricating it again.
- After a couple of trial and error efforts, you will likely see your lock get unstuck. And, when it has gotten unstuck, you then need to apply some WD-40 on the holes where you place the shackles as well. The nut ring in the lock also needs to be closed because if it’s opened, then it will attract debris and rust again.
Another method for D-locks
In this method, I want you to get the Tri-flow superior lubricant or machine oil which is thicker, or get anything equivalent based on your convenience. But, I don’t recommend using the WD-40 here since we have already tried it, and its efficacy is simply not enough in this issue.
- So, for this process, I want you to avoid adding the lube on the hole where we place the lock but instead place the lube in the holes where you insert the shackles. Gently apply the lube.
- After applying the lube, then insert the key and put the lock placement into movement. You should start to feel that ruggedness has begun to drop slowly. So, keep on adding the lube but not too much. After a while, you will see that the oxidation that was causing the lock not to move has faded away due to the lubricant.
- Bear in mind to not add any sort of weight to your keys or to not rotate keys harder because it could tear the keys off and add insult to injury.
For Chain Locks
The metal-oriented locks are more likely to be stuck after rain because it starts to rust and forms a yellowish layer that completely ruins the smooth rotation of the lock. In this method, you need to get the ProGold Xtreme Chain Lock.
To understand that your locks have gotten damped, you will see yellowish colors on the insides of the lock and also on the exposed parts of the chain.
Usually, chain locks are covered with a protective layer, so in case you have the ones that don’t have any covering, then you are gonna be a horrendous sight because the chains will be filled with rust and that yellowish coating.
- So, get the attachment of the chain out and rotate the notch of the lock. I am sure the metal got oxidized in it as well. But, first, apply the lube to the hole where you place the keys, just like the ones in D-locks. Gently apply the lube and push it down with the keys so that all the layers of the lock get lubed.
- Now add the lube to the part of the chain where you will attach it. After that, add the lube on the surface of the gap where you place the other part of the chain. Then insert the keys and pull the notch or the shackle inside the lock and add some lube to it as well.
- Now you are done adding the lubes, you start rotating the keys and see if the sensation of the lock getting unstuck has started to loosen. After a couple of tries, your chain lock should begin to work as it used to.
Which type of locks should you use on a rainy day?
Before getting into suggesting the types, I first would like to tell you not to choose the cheaper ones because the less pricey ones are more probable to get stuck after a rainy day ride.
Whereas if you get the pricey ones like the Kryptonite New York Lock Fahgettaboutit Mini, which is perfect for tackling any situation or weather.
The reason for me to choose this type of D-lock is that it has a plastic keyhole cover that prevents the lock from getting dirt or rust. You can also the chain locks that are fully covered with a protective layer, and that have a cover where you place the key.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What should I clean my bike locks with?
Just like you unstuck your locks with the lubes, it is wiser to use lubes as well to clean your bike locks. You can use the Teflon Dry Bike Lubricant along with a small rag or towel. Clean the shackle tips at first and any other viable places where you can rub them off with a cloth.
Then start to apply the lubricant to places, like the deadbolt area or the keyway. Apply the lube and move the keyway and deadbolt areas so that the surface gets smoothen with the lube. Kryptonite recommends you clean your bike lock in a bi-monthly process.
To Summarize
Thus, I hope you are fairly enlightened in solving this issue. As an avid cycle user, it is your responsibility to take care of each and everything related to your bike. Not just your bike; you need to take care of things like the speedometer, locks, headlights, and so much more.
The fix is relatively simple because you mainly require to get the best possible lube based on how stuck it has gotten. You need to start off with the less powerful ones like the WD-40, which dries up quite fast, then approach the powerful ones.
Suppose you drive into rough weather or muddy tracks quite a lot. In that case, it is better to get the locks that have a plastic keyhole because then you need to worry about cleaning your locks quite a lot, and your cost will instead increase.
So, it’s better to get an expensive lock that is more protective for these scenarios. I guess you will now step to help yourself and among others whenever this issue arises.
