Archive for January, 2011

Helpful Hint #1

I just wanted to remind you all to have some lock deicer and graphite powder close by at all times. These are two items that are helpful to have on hand for when you need them.

I went to one of my building to do a showing and I tried to put the key in the hole, and it wouldn’t go all the way in. Luckily I had some lock deicer left over from last winter otherwise I would’ve had to drive to the store and then back just to show the unit. Do you think this prospect would wait for me? Probably not.

Lock deicer is an alcohol based liquid that melts the ice inside the lock cylinder. There are electric versions, but they take longer to work and require batteries. The ones I buy are a buck or two and are about 50 ml.

Graphite powder acts kinda like a non-corrosive lube and can be used when locks just aren’t turning right or are getting stiff. The tubes I buy are smaller than a chapstick tube.

These also work on your car or truck locks, so if you don’t have a storage room at each of your properties, keep some in your glove compartment.