It’s that time of year again when frozen temperatures and precipitation cause inconvenience in our lives.  Just like windshield on your car or the lock on the door can freeze over, so can your Magna Latch.  Below is a letter from the manufacturer on how to help prevent the freezing and steps to take if your latch is already frozen.

Dear Magna-Latch User:

The Magna Latch has been tested to temperatures of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.  As happens with most mechanical devices, freezing rain or snowing-thawing-refreezing conditions, while rare, may cause problems that are easily corrected with the following steps. (Please see the attached warranty).

WEEP HOLE DRAINAGE:

If you have the Series 1 model, be sure the weep hole at the top of the unit, near the release knob, is clear of debris.  For both Series 1 and 2 models, ensure that both striker body weep holes (located in the cup that the latch bolt goes into when the gate is in the closed position) are clear of debris, allowing water to escape properly.

PROPER STRIKER ADJUSTMENT:

The Magna Latch needs to be properly adjusted.  If there has been ground settling or if the gate has gone out of alignment for some reason, The Magna Latch is vertically and horizontally adjustable.  Ice build up and subsequent freezing can occur if the latch is not in proper alignment.  All you need to correct this is a Phillips head screwdriver.  There is a setscrew at the bottom of the latch that can be removed allowing the latch body on the post to be adjusted vertically.  Once properly aligned, re-insert the setscrew.  On the side of the striker body on the gate is an adjustment screw.  Turn the screw so that the striker body moves back and forth.  The striker body should line up with the contour of the latch body.

DE-ICING A FROZEN UNIT:

Before you can properly adjust the Magna-Latch and clean out obstructions in the weep holes, you may need to use a de-icer to unlatch the latch.  Spray the de-icer around the lift knob at the top and at the area where the two parts meet at the bottom when the gate is closed.  Spray around the moving parts on the exterior.  There are several de-icing products on the market that are kid-safe and environmentally friendly.  Examples would be windshield de-icer or products used on car or home locks.  Be sure the product you use is not oil or petrochemical based.  This breaks down plastic.  Your local hardware store, home center or auto parts store will typically sell these products.  On the Internet, go to any search engine and type in: Non-toxic De-icer.  You will find several products that will work.  If you need further assistance, please contact me directly.

Best regards,

George Acevedo

D&D Technologies

7731 Woodwind Dr.

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

800-716-0888 x234

gacevedo@ddtechusa.com

www.ddtechglobal.com

Click here to view the Limited Lifetime Warranty