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You seen it in movies sure, but it turns out freezing a lock and then smashing it with a hammer really does work. Most of the time. This probably won't work on Kryptonite or other heavy duty locks, but for the garden variety you're likely to use around the house (and subsequently lose the key to) it will do the trick.
Before we get started, keep in mind that breaking locks is illegal. If you lost the key to the lock on your shed and you don't want to pay a locksmith, then this trick works just fine. If you want to get in your neighbors shed, well that's not cool so don't do it.
Here's our guide to freezing and smashing a lock.
== Materials ==
The trick to making this work is getting the metal lock cold enough that it becomes brittle and easy to smash with a hammer. In this case we'll use a can or two of compressed air -- like the stuff you use to clean out your keyboard.
You'll also need a hammer and, obviously, a lock that you'd like to open. It's also a good idea to put on a pair of heavy duty work gloves since we'll be working with temperatures that can easily freeze human skin.
== Technique ==
Hold the compressed air can upside down and empty it onto the lock. You'll notice a lot of white powdery stuff coming out; don't worry that's just Tetraflouroethane. If you're thinking Tetraflouroethane is probably bad for the environment, well, you're right so try to keep it to a minimum.
As soon as the air can is empty, grab the hammer and smash the lock. If all went well the compressed air should have brought the temperature of the metal down to around -47F, making it brittle and easier to break.
== For crazy people ==
There are of course other sources of extreme cold that can do far more to metal than a can of compressed air. Liquid Nitrogen has long been a favorite of Hollywood and it will break many more types of locks.
If your name isn't Adam Savage or Jamie Hyneman then you probably shouldn't do this. But, if you happen to have some liquid nitrogen around, along with the proper gloves and other protective gear, go ahead and drip a little into the lock and then give it a good smashing.
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