How to Get a Broken Key out Of a Lock

How to Get a Broken Key out Of a Lock
  • Author: Mohsin Khan
  • Posted On: December 14, 2022
  • Updated On: December 14, 2022

When stuck with a broken key in a lock, it can feel like the end of the world. But don’t worry, there is hope! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to get a broken key out of a lock. So read on, and we’ll show you how it’s done.

Tips to Get a Broken Key out Of a Lock

It usually happens that your car key or house key breaks inside the lock, and getting it out can be complicated. To ensure that you don’t damage the locks further, here are our five tips on how to get a broken key out of a lock:

Tips To Get A Broken Key Out Of A Lock

Tip#1. Gather the necessary tools

Gather-the-necessary-tools.

Getting a broken key out of a lock can be intimidating, so you must ensure you have the right tools. Start by getting yourself a magnet and some pliers. Place the magnet over the end of the broken key, adjusting as needed so it properly grabs hold without getting in the way of other components inside the lock. Once there is enough tension, carefully use your pliers to pull the broken key out. If this attempt fails, getting locked out may call for a locksmith; however, if done correctly, pulling out a broken key does not require any professional help or further damage to the lock itself.

Tip#2. Insert a paper clip

Insert-a-paper-clip

If the magnet trick doesn’t work, you can use a paper clip to remove the broken key. Start by straightening out the paperclip and then inserting it into the lock. Push it as far as possible, then turn it back towards the broken key. If there is enough tension on the paperclip, it should create a gripping force that easily pulls out the broken key.

Tip#3. Try using tweezers

This is a great option if you have access to tweezers, as it allows for greater precision and can potentially help avoid additional damage. Start by inserting the tweezers into the lock at an angle, allowing them to grasp the broken key. Then twist your wrist back and forth while gently pulling on the broken key until it comes out.

Tip#4. Use lock lubricant

Use-lock-lubricant

In some cases, locks become stuck because of a build-up of dirt and grime. To help with this, you can use a locksmith’s lock lubricant to soften the inner parts, allowing for easier removal of the broken key. Apply the lubricant to the keyhole and wait a few minutes before attempting to pull out the broken key.

Tip#5. Call a locksmith in Hamilton

Call-a-locksmith-in-Hamilton.

If everything fails, you may call a locksmith in Hamilton for professional help. A locksmith has the necessary tools and experience to get a broken key out of a lock quickly and without causing further damage.

To conclude, getting a broken key out of a lock can be tricky, but with these five tips, you should be able to do it successfully. But if you cannot remove the broken key, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. With their professional assistance, you can get the broken key out of the lock without causing any further damage.

Tip#6. Don’t Use Broken Key Again

Dont-Use-Broken-Key-Again

Many believe that even if part of their key breaks inside the lock, it should still unlock when the remaining part is inserted. Try not to do this. You’ll advance the broken portion of the blade in the lock by attempting to re-insert your key.

Each of these techniques will function, some more quickly and easily, the shallower the key is put. You will struggle harder if the key is placed further back. Depending on how far you push the key into the lock, some of these techniques might not work.

What To Do If A Key Broke Inside A Lock?

Regardless of why a key was broken inside a lock, whether it was a home lock, a business lock, or a car lock, That needs to be handled immediately. The lock may be harmed as a result of the broken key. You wouldn’t be able to lock the door if the key broke within the lock before the door was closed, increasing the danger of theft to your home, automobile, or place of business.

After closing the door because the key broke off in the lock, you might be unable to open it again until the problem is fixed. You should be lucky if a key breaks off inside a lock, and you discover a piece protruding from it.

If this is the case, you might be able to pull out the remaining portion of the key by simply pinching it between your fingers. It’s time to get your toolbox if you can’t get a hold of the piece still in the keyhole.

Use Broken Key Extractor: A Profesional Extracting Tool

The expert answer to this issue is a broken key extractor tool. This tool will be used if the locksmith you hire doesn’t make his or her own. Place this tool into the keyway along the key’s bitting to use it. Specifically, you will attempt to connect the extractor’s hook(s) to the key’s teeth. Once along the biting, spin and pull; the key should be grabbed and extracted.

Use-Broken-Key-Extractor

While trying to buy a broken key extractor, keep in mind that these devices come in sets with extraneous differences. Key extractors with one or two hooked hooks are both used by some persons. The other profiles are not necessary aside from that. To get one or two of these, try to save some money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best alternatives to remove broken keys from the lock?

The best, fastest, and most dependable way to remove a damaged key from a lock is to call a locksmith for assistance. Professional equipment and a skilled touch are crucial. Although it takes some trial and error, doing this work yourself is effective. It will take time and patience, and there is a chance that the DIY solution you find will make things worse.

Can you get out a key from the lock without breaking it?

Put the key back exactly where it was when it was inserted. By doing so, the cylinder and pin tumblers are guaranteed to line up. Then, to stop the plug from moving, push firmly on its face with the tip of your finger while holding it in place with your other hand. Pull out the key by gently twisting it.

Is it possible to cut a key by hand?

Locksmiths can hand-craft keys for locks, so if you’ve misplaced your key, they can still make you a new one. An original key is unnecessary when a locksmith creates a key from scratch using a blank file and the abilities they have honed over the years.

Conclusion

You should be able to extract a broken key from any lock using one of these techniques. As long as you have the proper supplies, it shouldn’t be a problem, regardless of the lock type or the item they are linked to. Please be careful to take your time. Rushing through these procedures will undoubtedly make a bad situation worse.

Often, the most effective approach to save time is to slow down. Never move quickly when you’re hurried. Accidents take place in this manner. In this kind of circumstance, the majority of people will panic. More so than you were before this incident, you will become more composed. The only thing that matters is staying alert.

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Author: Mohsin Khan

Mohsin has worked as one of the experienced editors with ConstructionHow since 2020 with a total span of 5 years of experience in business PR, boasting a remarkable professional trajectory, he has collaborated with entrepreneurs and startups, and certain publications over the last few years. His unwavering interest lies in the construction industry and related materials. He believes in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings, and homes that fall under the right budget. With a wide range of experience in construction, he also tapped into DIY and home improvement projects based on his extensive set of knowledge in the industry.

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