Though most of us associate silicone with lubrication and caulking, it is the name for a range of substances that are organic compounds containing atoms of silicon, the second most abundant substance on the planet... next toDepending on how the chemical wizards treat it, it can be a liquid oil (silicone spray lubricant), a resin (silicone caulk in the tube), or a rubber (dried silicone caulk). As an oil, it has all the best qualities of a lubricant... non-reactive to most substances, maintains its greasiness in extreme temperature ranges, low friction, and does not oxidize. These same qualities make it an excellent rubber product in hostile environments. Silicone in its many forms is used in airplanes, prosthetic devices, body implants, as a waterproofing for paper and ceramics, as a caulk, adhesive, heat resistant insulator, and as a lubricant. Because silicone oil is super slippery and non-reactive, it can lubricateIt works especially well on porous items, such as plastic

parts, but is a good lubricant on locks, hinges, and guns. As with all things, silicone has its dark side. Because silicone spray is water resistant, it also can protect items fromYou can use it on home, automotive, and marine metals as a rustI know that painted hinges, such as on my van, tend to rust because the paint chips off. The silicone spray not only protects the outside paint, but can creep into the hinge to keep it working smoothly. I don't know if you've ever tried to extract a hinge pin from a van door, but it is not for the faint of heart, so the silicone is a godsend! The fact that it is a spray allows you to put it in places that liquid oils or greases cannot be applied, such as into mechanisms (locks, clocks, etc.) or bearings such as garage door rollers, pulleys, etc. Manufacturers of silicone spray products promote this product like the best thing since sliced bread. It is great... but some of the applications

they recommend may be inconvenient or downright hazardous. Because it is so slippery and persistent, avoid using silicone spray under the followingUser ReviewedHow to Keep Car Doors from Freezing Shut Two Methods:Keeping Doors from Freezing ShutPreventing and Dealing with Frozen LocksCommunity Q&A In cold weather, car doors can freeze shut, and typically at the most inconvenient time. You can end up with a door that refuses to open, a lock that refuses to budge, or both at the same time. But this is not an impossible task. With some preparation, a little know-how, and ingenuity, you will be in your vehicle soon.The typical cause of car doors and car locks freezing shut is ice. When icing conditions are predicted — rain near the freezing point, freezing rain, freezing fog, or rain and snow — get your vehicle under cover. Another possible cause is frigid weather, which may cause locks and car doors to freeze without a lot of moisture causing the problem. Of course, not everyone has access to a covered parking space, heated garage, or the like.

Avoid locking your doors. If possible, keep doors unlocked. This will avoid the locking mechanism from locking into place. However, leaving the doors unlocked may allow the car to be entered by a thief. Do not leave any valuables in the vehicle if you plan on leaving it unlocked. Place duct tape over your door lock to keep it from freezing.clearance oak veneer doors If your car is parked outside, a car cover or tarp minimizes the amount of moisture from snow and rain that can reach the door parts and freeze.garage door flint miThis is especially useful during an ice storm or other icing event.magnetic door lock los angeles Replace torn or missing rubber gaskets.shower door roller grease

Wipe down the door frame. Coat the rubber with a protective liquid. Rub oil or lubricant over the rubber seals with a paper towel. This will repel water, reducing the amount that enters the seal and freezes. There is some disagreement over which oil is best to use, but here are a few options: A rubber conditioner or rubber care product are probably the safest options for long-term care.wood burners for sale norfolk Silicone spray lubricant can last several weeks per application, but it can damage foam rubber seals and should be kept away from paint.ipad 2 screen replacement dublin WD40, another light lubricating oil, or even nonstick cooking spray are easily available options, but repeated use can dry out or disintegrate the rubber.best lubricant for van sliding door

Rub the key and lock with rubbing alcohol. Choose a rubbing alcohol that contains at least 60% alcohol, so the alcohol will adhere to the lock and prevent moisture from freezing over it. Rub it onto the key and the door lock with a paper towel once per week to prevent ice from forming. This can also work to melt existing ice, but is typically slower than the methods below. Petroleum jelly is another option, but may leave a messy residue on your equipment. Spray a lock lubricant for severe problems. If rubbing alcohol is not enough to keep your lock usable, select a lock lubricant. Even experts tend to have differing opinions about lubricant choices, but some options are recommended more often than others. Use only one of the following options per lock, since a mix could easily gum it up:[5][6][7] A graphite lubricant typically comes in a squeeze bottle of air that can be pressed directly into the keyhole. Some people find this can absorb moisture over time and leave gunk on the key.

Teflon-based lubricant is often recommended, but some people consider the products that contain silicone messy and ineffective. Greaseless lubricants are supposed to attract less dust and debris. Spray frozen locks with a de-icer. Keep a de-icer product in your garage or winter jacket, in case you are frozen out of your car. These are typically sprayed directly onto the lock, and are the most effective option in severe ice conditions. Choose the lock with the least amount of ice buildup, spray, and insert the key.Hold the key with an oven mitt or tongs, with the toothed tip over a lighter or match, then insert it in the lock. If the key is completely metal, with no plastic handle or computerized fob, you can safely heat the key while it is inserted in the lock. This is not common a practice in cold climates; and there are other, safer alternatives for you and your vehicle. This should only be attempted if no other alternatives are available. Do not do this with a key with a computerized chip.

This may easily damage the electronics, and replacements can costs hundreds of dollars. Warm the lock with a hairdryer or your own breath. This method is less effective, but worth a try if no other options are available. A cardboard tube (such as an empty toilet paper tube) placed over the frozen lock will help direct the warm air.[11] Keep trying for several minutes, especially if you do not have a tube or if conditions are windy. If your car is outside, use a battery-operated hair dryer, or an extension cord rated for outdoor use. Show more unanswered questions Check the hatch as well as all the doors. Once you can get in and start the engine, the other doors will warm up and the ice will melt. If your car has keyless entry, it won't matter if the door lock freezes. While this won't stop car doors from freezing, a remote keyless car starter will heat the interior of the car and melt any ice that has formed in the doors. Use only lubricants that are safe for rubber seals and the paint.