Picture this — you’re unlocking your front door, and snap… half of your key is in your hand, the other half is stuck inside the lock. Frustrating? Absolutely. But you don’t have to kick or bang against the door. You can handle it without panicking (and without destroying your lock).
How to Remove a Broken Key From Your Lock?
Whether it’s your home, office, or car door, here’s a step-by-step guide to dealing with a broken key stuck in a lock.
Step 1: Don’t Force It
When you have a broken key stuck in the lock, your first instinct might be to shove the remaining piece in and try to twist it out — don’t. Forcing it can push the broken piece further in, damage the lock pins, or make it harder for a locksmith to fix later.
Step 2: Assess the Situation
Check how much of the broken key is visible. If a small part of the broken key is sticking out, you might be able to grab it with your fingers, tweezers, or needle-nose pliers. Just be careful not to push it in deeper.
Step 3: Try a Broken Key Extractor Tool
Available online or at hardware stores, a broken key extractor is a thin piece of metal designed to hook the teeth of your broken key and pull it out.
- Insert it gently alongside the key
- Hook the teeth
- Pull straight out
Step 4: Apply Graphite Lubrication (Not WD-40 for Locks)
A graphite lock lubricant can make the job easier by reducing friction inside the lock. Do not use oil-based sprays like WD-40 — they can help build-up of dirt and grime, and damage the lock over time.
Step 5: If It’s Stubborn, Call a Locksmith
Still reading? It’s time to call the professionals!
If your attempts aren’t working or the key is lodged too deep, it’s best to call a professional locksmith. With specialized tools to remove the broken piece without damaging the lock, they will remove the broken piece of the key — and you can even get a new key on the spot.
Step 6: Prevent Future Breaks
Once you have the broken key extracted, learn about how to avoid dealing with broken keys. A key usually breaks because it’s worn out, bent, or used with a sticky lock.
To avoid having a broken key, you should:
- Replace worn keys before they snap
- Lubricate your locks twice a year with graphite powder
- Avoid using excessive force when turning keys
Need Help in San Diego & Riverside Counties?
A broken key in a lock can be a headache, but it’s rarely a disaster if you know what to do. If you are locked out of your house, business or car, a quick call to your local locksmith with get you back inside without further damage.
If you’re in a rush or don’t want to risk damaging the lock, skip the DIY key extraction and let a professional locksmith handle it. You’ll save time, stress, and possibly money in the long run.
Located in San Diego County or Western Riverside County? Busy Bees is a professional locksmith service for fast and reliable broken key extraction and lock-out assistance in the area. Connect now and we will fix the situation in no time.