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  Discussion on Frozen gate latches
Author Message
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Dec 15, 2008 - 8:22 am:

Help I really can't take it anymore are my latches the only ones that freeze? I tried the anti-freeze Dr.O. suggested...didn't work and I really don't want to try a lighter just for the fact I'm pretty sure it won't work, and I can't stand the though of standing out there freezing to death while/if it thaws.

Yhis morning I couldn't get into the paddock so climbed the fence a hundred times to feed. Then tried to open the pasture gates in case the horses wanted to go out (which I doubt) and they were froze solid, honestly they have 2in of ice on them, so left them locked in.

The latch into the paddock is one like you use on screen doors kind of. The pasture ones are chained gates. Any Ideas other than a blow torch??

Already broke the shovel beating them the other day, hot water re-freezes in seconds! Is there a freeze free latch, what does everyone else have?
New Member:
sherryw

Posted on Monday, Dec 15, 2008 - 8:45 am:

I do use a lighter, but a long tip lighter like you use for a grill, to get the frozen lock open, but you then have to rotate the wet lock with a dry one! I use the long tip lighter because I like the trigger starter instead of the litter roller thing. But every time the lock gets wet and it's cold out, unless you take the wet lock into the house to let it thoroughly dry out, it may just refreeze quickly when the temps are so cold! Been there, done that. That's why I use the 2 lock (wet lock/dry lock) system. Also, you might try a zip lock baggie over the dry lock to help it stay dry a bit longer. Use the small baggies with the zipper top so you are not fumbling with it and don't have to take off your gloves. I hate climbing gates too when you are trying to carry grain, hay, etc.! Hope this helps.
Member:
cheryl

Posted on Monday, Dec 15, 2008 - 8:53 am:

I have electric fence so no gate latch problem - but - the handle on the frost free faucet use to freeze shut - I sprayed it with WD-40 and it hasn't frozen since - I spray it 4 or 5 times during the winter - whenever I happen to think about it - Keeping your latches dry is the main thing - Good luck - :-)
Cheryl
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, Dec 15, 2008 - 11:19 am:

I'd agree that WD-40 should work; but why are you latches freezing? They have to get wet to freeze, don't they? Are your horses coming over and slobbering on them? Seems like if you could keep them dry you could keep them from freezing.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Dec 15, 2008 - 6:09 pm:

Sara I don't know how or why but last year and this year (so far) we have freezing rain when it's 18 degrees out??? The ice is already thick here. Tomorrow they are calling for 6 in of snow followed by freezing rain and the high is suppose to be 15 degrees, I don't know why????

I'll give the WD-40 a shot. I finally got one of the pasture gates open this afternoon...then Hank told me the auto water was froze and boy were they thirsty. Got that thawed out, but never did get the paddock gate open (the one I use ). Gotta love winter
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Dec 15, 2008 - 6:23 pm:

DianE, I don't recall recommending antifreeze for frozen gate latches? Can you direct me to this, cause I can't figure out how that might work. I wouldn't be hot on a cigarette lighter either, now a propane torch that will get it unfrozen.
DrO
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Dec 15, 2008 - 6:47 pm:

Dr.O you must be getting our forgetful disease, you did recommend anti-freeze or a lighter

It was in my post It will Get better


Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: DrO

Posted on Monday, Dec 15, 2008 - 6:59 pm:

Back to Wal Mart Diane, my husband says he's pretty sure there is a product called lock de-icer! Or you could try windshield de-icer, which he found at WM and put in all our cars (no garage right now) and that stuff if really quick acting, and I am thinking that might even help on frozen latches.

We have very icy roads, and wind chill warnings for the next 24 hours or so. Only -25!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Dec 15, 2008 - 7:27 pm:

AH Angie I forgot about that stuff..have a garage!

Tell hubby he's a genius!. Hopefully I can get it home without loosing it!

Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 9:20 am:

I see DianeE, the key in that post is the "keeping it warm" part: Applying warmed antifreeze will defrost a frozen latch and then prevent refreezing. If it fails either more liquid or warmer liquid should be used. However if the spray Angie's husband recommends works it will be hard to bear for convenience.

Fumbling with a average cigarette lighter would not be practical. Being a cigar smoker I get these propane lighters that shoot out a blue flame several inches that might do the job on small latches with a little water. However if you have a big metal latch or a lot of water a small propane torch with self lighter would be much better. They make some small ones that are used in lighting grills but produce an intense blue flame and not the much cooler yellow flame of a regular grill lighter.
DrO
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 10:02 am:

So the thing to watch out for with lock de-icer is that it's moderately corrosive. I have some, but use it as a last resort, because it seems likely that with regular use I'd rust out my latches. Kind of depends on the situation.

I carry a fencing tool that usually can either tap or pry loose a frozen latch. In the past, I've wrapped an old piece of hay tarp around the chronic latches (with a bungie because of wind) to keep them dry-- bad idea for ponies and babies, but stayed in place for adult horses.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 2:27 pm:

Elizabeth it wouldn't break my heart if the latch rusted, then I'd have motivation to get something different. I don't know why the one gate is being so stubborn, but beating a shovel over it didn't make it budge...so don't think a fencing pliers would work, ya never know tho!
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 2:33 pm:

Ok, I've got it! We need to invent a fencing tool that has a small push-button flamethrower built into the nips. That would be useful for many more things than icy gate latches.

Off to the lab!
Member:
amara

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 2:35 pm:

i was going to recommend de-icer but angie got to it first. I used it when i was up north, and on the very rare occasions i've needed it downhere, and never had a problem with the latches. it keeps them from freezing up a bit longer then other stuff, so dont need to use as much. i dont need it now, because all my gate latches are the kind that i can dethaw easily enough/or arent the type that are a prpoblem if htey get frozen...
handy stuff to have around tho!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 2:56 pm:

Elizabeth that would be a very handy tool. BUT I NEVER have the fencing pliers with me when I need them. I don't even know where they are anymore, I think hubby runs off with them all the time and they are MINE! So while you are in the lab, create a beeper for it too so I can find them and a handy carrier would be nice also while you're at it!
Member:
annes

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 4:35 pm:

I can't tolerate those frozen latches either and having to climb over the wood fence so on days with freezing rain I hook bungie cords on the chain (the heavy rubber kind) and that works for me.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 5:51 pm:

Ann, bungee cords of course! Until I get the de-icer I will do that. Thurs. we are suppose to get the freezing rain again so I will bungee the gate.

I can't get over how smart and inventive HA people are!!!

Thanks
Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 8:09 pm:

Diane, they make these great little key tags that beep and light up to help you find things. You attach a tag to whatever you don't want to loose, then when you can't find your keys, or fence tool, push the appropriate button on the remote and the tag on your keys or fence tool will beep and light up. You can get them, where else, at Walmart.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 10:12 pm:

OK Sara asked how my latches are getting wet, I wish someone with weather knowledge could explain why we have turned into an icy wonderland. I am curious when our temps WELL below freezing we get ice instead of snow.

This is our forecast for Thurs. the high is suppose to be 19 degrees how does this happen...the bungee cords are going on!!!

A winter storm is likely to bring freezing rain... sleet and snow
to the area Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Significant
ice accumulations are likely... with accumulating snow and sleet
also possible

Hope my internet and elec stays on
Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - 11:22 pm:

Here you go Diane. I remembered the term "super-cooled rain" from when I learned to fly, but this explains the term much better than I could.

https://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/cld/prcp/zr/frz.rxml
Member:
scooter

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - 7:07 am:

Thanks Sara. If I have any daylight left when I get home today I am ice proofing!!! Don't think I'll have time to go to WW but like every good horse person I have bungees galore!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Dec 19, 2008 - 8:24 am:

The bungees saved me!!! First we had the ice, then it seems like about 8in of snow and right now it is sleeting/snowing/blowing. No frozen latches to fight!!!...but the snow was so high on the gates I had to shovel them out. Nothing's easy is it?

The big bale is buried in snow, so the horses get to be hot house flowers today and get fed inside. Obviously they were out in it, and I will have to ice scrape them again

You guys out east that are going to get this storm...PREPARE. There is NO traffic out and I have a feeling tomorrow afternoon will be the soonest we get out...Then more snow!

Since Sara says you are not as tough be careful!!!!!
Member:
hpyhaulr

Posted on Friday, Dec 19, 2008 - 10:00 am:

Good Morning God,

Thanks for not dumping TOO much snow on Diane. I know Hank & Sam don't mind, but she still does have this knee thing going on, so if we could keep the ice thing to a minimum, it would be nice.
Now, about this storm. If you could just skootch it over a bit south and east of her for a while, we would both appreciate that. See, she doesn't need anymore, and since Walt will be coming in here for a layover tonight, it would be helpful to me if you could keep the storm thing going on for a while. He is supposed to head out tomorrow for Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Arizona. He has been gone for 6 weeks, and will then be gone for another 2. So if he has to layover here for the week to avoid driving up into a storm with a trailerload of horses, I would consider that an act of personal kindness. We have not had him home for 'Hannumas' for a couple of years now. I don't mind going into the barn at Christmas Eve midnight and not hearing the animals speak. Just hearing them , healthy and comfortable is more than enough for me, but if I could just hear him snoring when I get back from that Christmas Eve midnight barn visit, that would be perfect. If you see fit to keep the storm going so he has to layover here, I'll cook breakfast for him and I promise no sausage or bacon! How's that for ecumenical compromise?
And if you could toughen and smarten us up behind the wheel so we can make Sara proud, that would be cool too. She has a lot on her mind with Libby and all.
As always, thanks for listening.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Dec 19, 2008 - 10:33 am:

Cyndy I hope the storm works in your favor There's another dandy one blowing in Sun. so maybe your prayers will be ans. I don't know about the rest of the states you named, but I would recommend he stay out of Il. unless he's going to be in the Very southern part of it.

Thanks for including me in your prayer...my knee is doing GREAT in this stuff!!! Our internet went out yesterday because of the ice and I didn't care if it stayed off for the rest of the winter...I have learned my lesson
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Dec 20, 2008 - 6:08 am:

Went to Wally World yesterday and I couldn't find the lock de-icer stuff. I did find some spray on windshield de-icer how very simple and nice it will be if that works. I'll let you know next ice storm.

Thanks all for all your very good suggestions, my blood pressure thanks you too!!!!
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Saturday, Dec 20, 2008 - 11:01 am:

I am just getting a chance to read this thread.

I would have recommended the lock de-icer also. If the store carries wash antifreeze it should have the lock de-icer, probably in some obscure location that only makes sense to the designer.
I would not recommend antifreeze due to its extreme toxicity, some animals, horses, dogs and cats seem strangly drawn to its sweetness.

My experience is the same as Elizabeths, wd-40 dries out metal and promotes rust. My hubby the mechanic strongly cautions its use.
I asked him what he would recommend. He told me the best solution is a very heavy grease worked into the hinges.
The cold will make it stiff but the rain can't stick and cause those frozen gatesicles.

One of those mini flame throwers is a great idea, think I'll put one of those in the tack box to thaw frozen blanket snaps. Don't want to grease those.
I can't imagine trying to get grease off the horse.
We haven't had a blizzard yet but the temp DrOpped to -20 last week, then -30, the days have 'warmed' up to -26. We have about two feet of snow already, apparently the looong range forecast is for record snow and cold this winter.
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Saturday, Dec 20, 2008 - 12:14 pm:

Lori,

Just wondering...WD-40 you say dries out the metal and promotes rust. A little off subject, but I was told to use that on my rasp, followed by wrapping the rasp in brown paper to keep it sharp longer. This was from the guy at the farrier supply place. It seems to be helping as long as I wrap the rasp well in between uses.
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Saturday, Dec 20, 2008 - 4:48 pm:

Diane,

My guys don't think the windshield de-icer is as potent as the lock de-icer stuff, so it may not work on the locks & gates, but it works great on the windshield, BUT, I did notice if the ice is really thick, it don't work as well. Just FYI.
Member:
kathrynr

Posted on Saturday, Dec 20, 2008 - 6:22 pm:

I have to laugh at myself I had been reading this feeling bad that you are all dealing with frozen latches and then this morning (remember this is my first winter having my horses home) I had to scale all the gates at 7am because they were ALL frozen shut. Misery loves company they say, so off to get some lock de-icer. The Bic candle lighters worked this morning but it took awhile to thaw them!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Saturday, Dec 20, 2008 - 6:46 pm:

Thank goodness I can access all the horses by going through the barn! I'd have a hard time scaling fences early in the a.m. With my knees I'd probably fall on my face in a snow pile and not be seen until Lonnie realized dinner was missing and then went to hunt for me!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Dec 21, 2008 - 8:49 am:

KatR isn't scaling fences holding leafs of hay fun I really expected a frozen waterer this morning, but the horsie god's smiled on me. The horses were completely insane this morning, glad I only had to open the gate to the big bale and run!! Even the old mare was running and rearing.

Let us know how the lock deicer works if you have to use it.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Dec 22, 2008 - 10:31 pm:

Angie tell hubby he has 4 grateful meter readers. We have places that are paddle locked and with this weather none of us have been able to get into these places because of the frozen locks every year it's the same thing. Today I had one of those places, that darn lock wouldn't open...after I had driven miles to get there. My options are skip it (and get sent back) or walk half a mile to the meter (no thanks) THEN I remembered I had that windshield de-icer, gave it a couple squirts and that lock worked like it was new!!!!

Another meter reader winter frustration is demand meters, which we have to re-set by pushing in a steel button, they are always froze and a major frustration for all. Today I squirted it with the windshield de-icer and WALLA it worked!!!!! I got on the phone and called the meter readers in our area and told them about it, they were all in awe!!! and going to get some.

So even if the stuff don't work on my latches, it has found a very special place in my jeep and boy does it make my job easier, if it works on the latches too why that will just be a double bonus!


THANKS!
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 23, 2008 - 9:29 am:

You're welcome, glad it made your life easier! I'll let Brian know about the 4 grateful meter readers.

Now, if he'd only remember to find that hand protection stuff at work,...which he will eventually, I may have to make the note on his lunch basket bigger, tee hee!
Member:
jerre

Posted on Friday, Dec 26, 2008 - 11:44 am:

I have those Kiwi or New Zealand latches that are a hook with a ring. You push the shank of the hook through an eyebolt and the ring, which is springy, opens underneath.

You can open them one-handed and there are no internal parts to trap water.

My bigger problem this year is keeping the gates shoveled out so I can open them.

And then! pushing wheelbarrows through snow! I'm afraid my horsekeeping is not up to standard until we get a little break in the weather.

Jerre
record snowfall in W. WA
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Dec 26, 2008 - 3:43 pm:

Jerre, that is exactly the latch that is giving me the most problems.

I gave up on the wheel barrows have to use a muck bucket now, and it's awful early in the season for that!
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Friday, Dec 26, 2008 - 8:15 pm:

Hi Diane,

How about spraying them with PAM? I've been using vegetable oil to seal my Ritchie waterers this winter, and am kind of on a "grease the ranch" kick.

- elk
Member:
lilo

Posted on Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 - 11:25 am:

The few times that we have had deep snow this winter (nothing like the last two winters, fortunately) I gave up on the wheelbarrow and used a cheap plastic toboggan to get the manure to the manure pile. I had to make more trips, but sliding over the snow is so much easier than pushing a wheelbarrow through it. However, I will be on the lookout for a larger toboggan to cut down on the number of trips.
Maybe I should post this under tips & tricks.
Lilo
Member:
canter

Posted on Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 - 8:46 pm:

Lilo, that is a very good idea. Check out the "sleds" that are used by ice fishermen. They are deeper, longer and made of a thicker plastic than a kid's plastic toboggan. Just might be large enough to drastically reduce the number of trips you make to the manure pile.
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 - 9:08 am:

The Pam is a great idea.

Diane not only must you be in great shape you have great stories.

Do any of your customers shovel a path to their meter for you?
I always keep the cistern shoveled out for the water hauler.
Sounds like a pocket sized lock de-icer is mandatory equipment now.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 - 9:23 am:

I wish they would shovel a path! 2 people out of 10,000 meters a month is all that's shoveled. Before we got the flooding rain Fri. I was walking in snow up to my butt all day...thought I was going to have a heart attack. It is mostly melted now leaving behind ice. Finally broke down Fri and bought myself a pair of Yak Tracks OMG they are wonderful on ice!...The driving was rather treacherous tho. I think they should make Yak Traks for vehicles!

Any other time my latches would have been froze solid, but now that I am prepared they ain't freezing
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 - 9:40 am:

what are Yak Traks?
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 - 10:12 am:

https://cozywinters.com/shop/yk-pro.html?source=base
Member:
lilo

Posted on Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 - 11:42 am:

Fran - thanks for the tip. Right now the weather is nice, but it would not hurt to be prepared for the next snow.
Lilo
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 - 12:01 pm:

Diane,

Ya know, I think if people don't have paths shoveled so you can easily read their meters, they should get charged an extra monthly fee, which you get part of! You can tell management I SAID SO!

We always have our driveway cleared as much as we can keep up with it, and a path to the gas tank so those guys don't have to lug that hose through the snow. We even keep the branches trimmed on the Blue Spruce beside the tank, even though as far as we are concerned that should be their job for putting the tank in such a dumb place.

I think it's darn right rude that people don't give a hoot about service people like yourself, and fuel men, garbage pickup, mail, etc. You're all out in the weather year round, and you deserve more respect!

Applause, applause, I'll step down now....
Member:
boots

Posted on Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 - 2:20 pm:

sahalie.com has a frozen lock gizmo claiming a 30 second result. It takes 2 AAA bats. The order # is 72494 and costs $11.95, on sale now at 2 or more for $10.95 each. I have not tried this, just ran across it in a catalogue. Their phone is 1-800-458-4438.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 - 3:17 pm:

Thanks boots that looks interesting. I don't know if it would be big enough for a latch tho? I'm pretty sure now that I have the de-icer I will no longer have frozen latches.

Angie thank you I wish more people realized how nice a little courtesy would be. I imagine a meter reader is the last thing a person thinks of when shoveling! During the summer I finally got the elec co. to send out a note about trimming bushes or I was going to start sending bush trimming bills... That helped a little anyway!
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