How Can I Get a Broken Key Out of the Lock? 7 Ways

How to Get a Broken Key Out: 7 Simple Steps to Get Your Key Out.

It can happen to anyone: you try to open the door of your house or car and suddenly the key breaks off in the lock. This can be frustrating, especially if you are in a hurry or if it is late at night. Fortunately, there are several ways to get a broken key out of a lock without having to call a locksmith right away. In this article, we discuss simple yet effective methods to Get a Broken Key Out of the Lock.

Why Do Keys Break Off?

Before we discuss the solutions, it's helpful to understand why keys break. This happens for several reasons:

1. Wear : Over a period of time, keys can wear out, making them weaker.
2. Rust : An old or rusty lock can cause the key to get stuck.
3. Too Much Force : If you turn the key too hard, especially in a stiff lock, it can break.
4. Poor quality keys : Some keys are made of softer metal, meaning they can bend or break more easily.

How can you prevent a key from breaking?

To prevent you from having to deal with a broken key again in the future, you can take the following precautions:

1. Maintain your locks regularly : Lubricate your locks every few months to keep them supple.
2. Do not use force : Turn the key carefully in the lock and do not use force if the lock is difficult to turn.
3. Have worn out keys replaced : If you notice that your key is worn out, go get a new key.

Now that you know why a key can break off and how to prevent it, let's look at the best ways to get the broken piece out of the lock.

1. Use Tweezers or Pliers to Remove a Broken Key from the Lock

The first and easiest method to remove a broken key from a lock is to use tweezers or small pliers . This only works if part of the key is still protruding from the lock.

Steps:

• Get a pair of strong tweezers or heavy-duty pliers : The tweezers should be thin enough to fit into the lock, but they should be able to hold the key securely.
• Grab the part that sticks out : Try to grab the broken part of the key.
• Gently pull the key : Slowly and carefully pull the key out of the lock. If you pull too hard, the broken piece may become lodged deeper in the lock.

If no part of the key is sticking out, you will have to try another method.

2. Use a Key Extractor Set to Remove a Broken Key from the Lock

Another useful tool is a key extractor set . This is a professional solution that locksmiths often use, but you can also get the set yourself at most hardware stores.

Steps:

• Insert the tool into the lock : These kits contain thin metal pins that you insert into the keyhole, along the broken part of the key.
• Rotate the tool : Try to rotate the tool so that it grips the knurls of the wrench.
• Pull out the key : Once the tool has properly grasped the key, you can carefully pull it out of the lock.

This method requires a little practice, but can be very effective.

3. Try Strong Glue to Get a Broken Key Out of the Lock

This method may sound strange, but it can work when other methods fail. Super glue or other strong glue can help if the broken piece of the key is deep in the lock and you have no other tools at hand.

Steps:

• Apply the glue to a metal rod : Use something that fits in the lock, such as a paper clip or thin screwdriver.
• Place the rod in the lock : Press it gently against the broken piece of key.
• Wait until the glue is dry : This usually does not take long, but it does depend on the glue you use.
• Pull out the rod : If everything went well, the broken piece of key will come out with it.

Be careful with the above method. Using too much glue can further damage the lock and cost you more.

4. Use a Hacksaw Blade to Remove a Broken Key from the Lock

The blade of a hacksaw can also help remove a broken key from a lock. The blade should be thin enough to fit into the keyhole, but strong enough to grip the key.

Steps:

• Insert the saw blade into the lock : Make sure that the saw teeth point towards you, otherwise this could damage the lock.
• Grab the key : Move the saw blade back and forth to grab the key, being careful not to cut into the lock.
• Pull the blade back : Gently pull the saw blade toward you to remove the broken key.

5. Use Lubricant to Get a Broken Key Out of the Lock

One of the most common reasons why a key gets stuck in a lock is that the lock is not properly lubricated. Lubricating the lock makes it easier to remove the broken part.

Steps:

• Use lubricant : Spray a little WD-40 or other similar lubricant into the lock.
• Try again : After you've lubricated the lock, you can try one of the other methods.

6. Use a Magnet to Get a Broken Key Out of the Lock

If you are a metal and tool enthusiast, you can use a strong magnet to pull the broken piece of key out of the lock. This only works really well with steel keys.

Steps:

• Place the magnet on the lock : Try to pull the broken piece of key towards the magnet.
• Pull the magnet away : If all goes well, the broken part will stick to the magnet and you can easily remove it.

7. Call a Locksmith

If none of the above methods work or you do not want to damage the lock, it is wise to call locksmith Locksmiths have special tools and experience to remove broken keys from locks safely and quickly without causing damage. If you do not know a locksmith and live near Uden, we recommend Slotenservice Uden .

Conclusion on How to Get Broken Key Out of the Lock

A broken key in a lock can be an annoying problem, but with the right tools and methods it is often possible to solve it yourself. Whether you choose tweezers, key extractor set or a simple magnet, there are plenty of options available. If nothing seems to work, don't hesitate to call a locksmith to prevent further damage.