Dealing with a broken key in a lock is not only inconvenient but also stressful. It can happen to anyone, at any time, and in any situation, whether it’s your front door, car, or workplace. A broken key in a lock can be caused by a variety of factors, such as worn-out keys, damaged locks, or even excessive force when turning the key.
However, the good news is that removing a broken key from a lock can be a relatively simple process, as long as you have the right tools and knowledge. With a few tips and tricks, you can safely remove a broken key from a lock without causing any damage.
In this article, we will walk you through some effective methods to safely remove a broken key from a lock. We’ll also discuss some essential tips to keep in mind to prevent causing damage to the lock during the process.
Lubricate the Lock Cylinder
Lubricating the lock is an essential step in removing a broken key from a lock. A lock that is not lubricated can make it difficult to remove the snapped key, and using excessive force may damage the lock. Lubricating the lock helps to loosen any debris or corrosion that may be preventing the key from coming out smoothly.
Graphite spray is a popular lubricant that is safe for locks and works well to loosen the key. You can also use other lubricants like WD-40 or silicone spray, but be sure to avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can cause the lock to become sticky over time.
By lubricating the lock before attempting to remove the key, you can make the process much smoother and avoid causing damage to the lock.
Use Needle Nose Pliers
If a part of the key is still visible inside the door lock, you may be able to extract it using pliers. Before using pliers, lubricate the lock to ensure the key comes out smoothly. Once the lock is lubricated, use pliers with a firm grip and pull the key out.
It’s important to use caution and not apply too much force as this could damage the lock or cause the key to break further. If the key doesn’t come out easily, stop and try a different method to avoid causing any damage to the lock. By using pliers carefully, you can safely remove the key without causing further damage to the lock.
Use a Broken Key Extractor Tool
A broken key extractor tool is a useful and specially designed tool for removing broken keys from locks. This tool has a hooked end that you insert into the lock alongside the broken key and then gently pull outwards.
It is crucial to use the appropriate size of the extractor tool that fits your lock to ensure it can get a good grip on the key. A broken key extractor tool can be purchased from a DIY store, or online.
Although this tool may take some practice to use correctly, it is a handy tool to have in your toolkit for removing broken keys from locks. When using a broken key tool, it’s important to be gentle and patient to avoid causing damage to the lock.
Use a Jigsaw Blade
If you don’t have a broken key extractor tool, you can use a jigsaw blade or a hacksaw blade as an alternative method to remove a snapped key from a lock. To use a jigsaw blade, insert it into the lock alongside the broken key and use the blade to grip onto the key.
Once you have a good grip, slowly and gently pull the key out. Be sure to use caution when using a jigsaw or hacksaw blade to avoid causing damage to the lock.
It’s essential to be gentle and patient when using this method to avoid pushing the key further into the door lock or causing any damage. If the blade slips, stop and try again or consider seeking the help of a professional locksmith.
Call a Professional Locksmith
In some cases, removing a broken key from a lock can be a tricky process, and using the wrong method could cause further damage to the door lock. If you’re unsure about how to remove the key, it’s best to seek the help of a professional locksmith. We have the right tools and expertise to remove the broken key without damaging the lock.
Attempting to remove the key yourself using brute force or tools not intended for locks could cause the lock to become permanently damaged, making it harder to unlock in the future. Additionally, pushing the broken key further into the lock can make it harder to remove and may require more advanced methods to retrieve it.
In summary, it’s best to avoid attempting to remove a broken key from a lock without the appropriate tools or knowledge, especially if you have a UPVC door. Before trying any method, lubricate the door lock to help loosen any debris or corrosion that may be preventing the key from coming out.
If you have the necessary tools and knowledge, proceed with caution and take your time. Otherwise, seek the help of a professional locksmith to avoid causing further damage to the lock.
Never use super glue, a flathead screwdriver, other household items or your teeth! Yes we have seen people attempt all these things, but they never work and you risk damaging the keyhole.
Removing a broken key from a lock can be a tricky task but with the right tools and techniques, it’s possible to do it yourself. However, in an emergency situation, or if you’re not confident or comfortable doing it yourself, it’s always better to call a professional locksmith to avoid causing any damage to the lock or injuring yourself.
