April 17, 2021

How to Remove Broken Key from Lock

It’s always a challenge to have a broken key stuck inside a lock. Literally, it's more frustrating when this happens after a hectic day at work or when you are in a hurry to meet up with an appointment!
The first thing that comes to mind is to call a nearby locksmith. Though that may be the best option at the moment, you can remove the broken key without contacting a pro. However, removing the broken key and having access to your home depends on the availability of a spare hidden somewhere. If not, you will also need the help of a locksmith to open the door.
Here are tips that will help you get a broken key out from the lock.
Things that may come in handy

A Needle-nosed plier
Screwdriver
Tweezers
Metal hair clip
Paper clip
Oil-based lubricant
Pocket knife
A jigsaw blade
Eyebrow scissors

Use Tweezers

When it comes to getting a broken key out of a lock, this method is probably the fastest. A tweezer is a tool used for picking small objects or grabbing ingrown hairs. Usually, car owners have it in their pigeon-holes for picking out objects that may fall inside tiny holes.
To make it easier and faster, a quick prep is needed before using the tweezers. Start the process by applying a lubricant to the keyway. Ideally, this will make the stuck or broken key slippery and easier to pool out. Dry lubricant like standard WD-40 will work perfectly.

Use an Extractor Tool to Remove the Broken Key

The use of key extractor tools or key hooks is another good option for getting out stuck keys. You can ask a neighbor (if you have a friendly one) or get them at any hardware store.
Before getting started with this method, you need to align the cylinder. This is where the needle nose plier plays a role. You insert it inside the cylinder to ensure that the door is locked or unlocked. The truth is that you can’t remove any stuck key when it is in-between states.
Then insert the extractor tool when you have determined that the key fragment is not obstructed and pull it out.

The Probing and Pulling Method

You can use the metal hair clip or the paper clip to gently twist and pull the key out. This method is also easier after applying oil lubricant to the keyway. However, you need to be as careful as possible never to change the direction of the broken key inside.

The Jig or Hacksaw Blade Method

A jig or hacksaw blade can be handy when you want to hurriedly pull out a stuck key. This is an alternative method for people who cannot afford to buy a key extractor. Just get a thin piece of metal and construct a mini hacksaw blade using your needle nose plier.
Then carefully observe the keyway and insert the serrated edge into the lock to bring out the broken key.
There are other effective methods like the use of superglue and also tapping the cylinder to get the key out. Nevertheless, if you can’t get the tools or you are not technically savvy to get out the broken key, then call a locksmith professional from 843 Locksmith to help.
Our mobile locksmiths will arrive at your location within minutes to remove the broken key and also open the door for you.

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