Why a lock may begin to work worse after winter even without obvious rust
Let's call the client Martin. There was a cylinder on the outside door that worked without problems for several years. After another winter, the key began…
The client's name has been changed.
Let's call the client Martin. There was a cylinder on the outside door that worked without problems for several years. After another winter, the key began to move noticeably harder.
There was no visible rust on the outside. Martin asked:
“If you don’t see corrosion, what does winter have to do with it?”
Moisture and contamination can affect internal elements long before obvious marks appear on the outside. In the source materials, moisture and corrosion are separately named among the typical causes of malfunctions of cylinders and car locks.
Why doesn't the appearance show everything
The cylinder has internal moving elements. They may be affected by:
- condensate;
- small particles;
- salt;
- temperature changes;
- humidity.
Therefore, externally the mechanism looks normal, but inside the movement becomes less free.
When the problem is especially noticeable
Often:
- after frost;
- after the thaw;
- early spring;
- after a long wet period.
Do I need to change the cylinder right away?
No. If the problem has recently appeared, you first need to determine:
- pollution is;
- wear;
- corrosion;
- or generally the load from the door.
Why you can’t wait for obvious rust to appear
By that time, the internal elements may already be much more damaged.