Type of Solvent to Apply to Corroded Padlock That Will Not Open

Updated 05/03/2018 | Published 05/02/2018

Question:

Bought Master Lock Covered Solid Body Padlocks for my fence. The one lock is locked and will not open. The key goes all the way in but will not turn. There is some corrosion on the lock. Can you advise what to do?

asked by: Marcella D

Expert Reply:

If a lock has corrosion and will not allow you to turn the inserted key you can try applying a spray solvent like WD40 or PB Blaster inside the key opening. This may be able to dissolve enough of the corrosion to allow the key to turn and open the lock. At that point you can apply more of the solvent to finish removing the corrosive build-up inside it.

These solvents can take time to work and they will sometimes need multiple applications before they have finished working on the corrosion. If possible apply the solvent to the lock with the lock in more than one position so that it can work its way through the lock interior. Several applications (with the lock in different positions) over the course of the day usually does the trick.

expert reply by: Adam R