Door Lock Cylinders and EPDM Weatherstrip: Keeping Water Out of the Lock

The door lock cylinder is a small hole in the door skin. Water can get into it. If water gets in, it rusts. In winter, it freezes. The key will not turn. For a box truck door seal, a shipping container door weatherstrip, a refrigerated truck and reefer door seal, and a passenger car and commercial vehicle door rubber weatherstrip, keeping water out of the lock cylinder matters.

The EPDM weatherstrip around the door keeps most water out. But the lock cylinder has its own small seal. That seal keeps water out of the cylinder. If that small seal fails, water gets in.

To protect the lock cylinder, use graphite or lock de-icer in winter. Do not use oil. Oil attracts dirt.

For a passenger car and commercial vehicle door rubber weatherstrip, the key lock is used less often now with remote fobs. But when it is used, it must work.

For a box truck door seal, the cargo door lock is a cam lock. It needs protection from weather.

For a shipping container door weatherstrip, the container lock is a bar lock. It is exposed to all weather. Keep it lubricated.

For a refrigerated truck and reefer door seal, the reefer door lock must work in cold. If it freezes, the load is warm.

The takeaway is that the EPDM weatherstrip keeps water out of the door, but the lock cylinder needs its own protection. Lubricate it. Keep it clean. It will work when you need it.

References

- Google Scholar: "Door Lock Cylinder Design and Corrosion", SAE International, 2020.

- Google Scholar: "Lock Cylinder Freeze Prevention", SAE Technical Paper, 2019.

- Google Scholar: "Automotive Lock Mechanism Durability", Tribology International, 2021.