Spilled cola into lock, core wont turn

[WilsonTrucking]

As stated in the title, one of my cats knocked a glass of soda over and it spilled on several of my locks. Most of them were fine, but a couple got a full drenching and now the cores are stuck. If I had keys for these, this might not be a problem, however the locks im having difficulty with were in my practice pile and I have no keys for them. I've tried brake cleen, wd-40 and liquid wrench to free them up but to no avail. I am at a loss at this point, but was wondering if I put the locks in a pot of boiling water with a drop of soap would that work? I've done the same to clean out carbs off my old motorcycle. Anyone ever tried this?

[GWiens2001]

As stated in the title, one of my cats knocked a glass of soda over and it spilled on several of my locks. Most of them were fine, but a couple got a full drenching and now the cores are stuck. If I had keys for these, this might not be a problem, however the locks im having difficulty with were in my practice pile and I have no keys for them. I've tried brake cleen, wd-40 and liquid wrench to free them up but to no avail. I am at a loss at this point, but was wondering if I put the locks in a pot of boiling water with a drop of soap would that work? I've done the same to clean out carbs off my old motorcycle. Anyone ever tried this?

I was going to suggest hot water. The sugar from the soda has thickened. Making some lock soup should take care of it. After making the lock soup, remove the locks, drain the water, and use compressed air to get out most of the water. A bit of WD-40 might be a good idea, as it is intended to displace water. But if the locks are hot from the boiling water then draining out the water and maybe a little compressed air should be enough as the residual heat should drive out the remaining water.

Gordon

[WilsonTrucking]

I'm going to try it, but rather than compressed air a few hour stint in a 200 degree toaster oven is in order, mainly because I have no access to compressed air heh.

[Raymond]

Perhaps this will also assist other locksmiths with the same problem. I regularly have to replace the locks, (Southco), below soft drink dispensers in fast food restaurants due to being gummed up and no longer working. Sometimes the syrup has run under the spring loaded catch, congealed, and leaves no room for the catch to go down. These I must destroy to get open. Others, I can clean by soaking in hot water and dish soap. I start with boiling water and let them sit for two days before rinsing them out. Add a little lube and they are as good as new.

Your locks will probably clean up just the same.

[tjohn]

baking your locks will only make it worse

[WilsonTrucking]

So i finally got around to picking up a can of brake cleaner last time I was home and applied a liberal amount to the core of this lock. Still turns extremely stiffley. Any other suggestions? thinking perhaps at this point i may have to get destructive, sadly.

[GWiens2001]

Did you try the lock soup? Then a little spray lube like Tri-Flow or Houdini.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

I like using alcohol, isopropyl is only about $1 a bottle--I pour it into a cup or jar and drop the lock into
it. The alcohol will eat any organic substance I have tried it on and it's safe for mammals. Let the lock soak for a
hour or less, it works fast.

[demux]

Did you try the lock soup? Then a little spray lube like Tri-Flow or Houdini.

I'd second this, seems like the best approach. Tri-Flow is my lock lube of choice, I've brought back some pretty far gone locks with just that. Coupled with the hot water bath to dissolve out all the gummed up sugar, I'd think this should work fine.