How To Stop Your Locks Freezing

smslocksmiths • April 9, 2025

British winters can be hard, and not just on people and animals, but also on property and any possessions exposed to the elements. This includes external locks such as door locks, and locks can become frozen if the weather is cold enough. 


Frozen locks can be very inconvenient and potentially costly, making it a good idea to prevent them from freezing in the first place. There are several steps you can take to prevent frozen locks, including the following: 


Keep Them Clean 

Dirt can attract moisture and if the moisture freezes, you can be stuck with a lock you can’t open. As such, cleaning dirty locks will help prevent them from freezing in cold weather. 


Spray with WD-40 

WD-40 is one of the handiest products to have in any home or business. There are numerous potential situations where you would be grateful you had it, including frozen locks. Spraying some WD-40 on your locks will help prevent them from freezing by stopping water from getting inside. 


Smear With Petroleum Jelly 

Petroleum jelly is another product that has numerous uses, including preventing frozen locks. Smear a lock with petroleum jelly and it will prevent water from getting inside. The jelly won’t freeze, and it can even help make it easier to slide your key in and out. 



Above are just a handful of examples of easy ways to help prevent your locks from freezing this winter. If you want more help with lock maintenance or if your locks are frozen, get in touch and we will be happy to help. 

Smart Locks vs Traditional Locks: What’s Right for Your Home in Putney?

By Locksmiths • October 13, 2025
Introduction With technology advancing, you might be considering replacing your traditional locks with a smart or electronic locking system. But is that the right move for your Putney home? Here’s a breakdown of pros, cons, and what to look for. Traditional Locks: Still Reliable Time-tested mechanical systems no battery or electronics to fail Straightforward to repair or rekey Wide compatibility with UK standard locks (euro cylinder, mortice) Lower up-front cost Smart / Electronic Locks: Modern Convenience Remote access: lock/unlock via app or Bluetooth Temporary access codes or keycards (useful for visitors, workers) Audit trails: check who locked/unlocked and when Integration possibility with home automation / alarms Potential Downsides of Smart Locks Require power - battery changes or wiring More parts that may fail (electronics, motors) Compatibility: not all doors/frames will suit smart lock retrofits Cost: higher initial investment What to Consider for Your Home Usage : Are you in often, or out most of the time? Smart locks shine if you plan to use remote functions. Door type : UPVC or multipoint doors require particular coordination; some models may not fit. Security standard : Make sure the smart lock is certified (e.g. to British Standards) and offers forced-entry resistance. Backup method : Always maintain a mechanical backup (key override) in case electronics fail. Warranty & support : Pick brands with good support and ensure the locksmith can service them locally. Conclusion Smart locks can bring convenience and modern control, but they don't necessarily replace the need for a solid mechanical lock foundation. In many cases, a hybrid solution (mechanical + smart) works best. At SMS Putney Locksmith, we install and service both and we can advise what’s right for your door, budget, and security needs. 

How to Prepare for a Locksmith Visit: What You Should Do Before They Arrive

By Locksmiths • October 13, 2025
Introduction Having a locksmith come to your home can feel a little stressful, especially if it's in an emergency. But if you take just a few simple steps before they arrive, you can help them work more quickly and effectively and maybe reduce the cost in time and labour. 1. Identify the problem clearly Before you call, try to figure out exactly what’s wrong: is the key broken in the lock? Has the door warped? Did someone force entry? Observations like “key turns but won’t unlock” or “door alignment shifted after a move” help the locksmith arrive prepared. 2. Provide property details & photos if possible Send a photo or tell them the door type (UPVC, wooden, metal), lock brand or style (euro cylinder, mortice, multipoint), and whether there are other locks on that door (deadbolt, chain). This helps the locksmith bring the correct parts. 3. Clear access Make sure the path to the door is clear. Move cars or bins that could block access. Unlock gates if possible. The easier it is to get to the door, the quicker the work. 4. Have proof of address or identity ready A locksmith should verify you are the rightful occupant before gaining entry. Having a utility bill or ID ready will smooth this process. 5. Consider temporary security If a lock is failing and you’re waiting for the locksmith, consider using a chain lock or secondary bolt to add security until proper repair. 6. Ask for an estimate up front A trusted locksmith will give you a rough cost estimate before starting work, especially if parts are needed. Ask them what additional costs (parts, mileage, late hours) might apply.  Conclusion Preparing in advance helps the locksmith help you faster, safer, and potentially cheaper. At SMS Putney Locksmith, we aim to make the process smooth from beginning to end. Call us anytime for advice or to schedule a visit.
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