How to Remove a Broken Key From Your Door Lock
Have you ever faced this worst situation when you insert your key in the lock, twist it, and snap, your key breaks in half?
If you’re nodding your head yes then you know how gross and scary it feels. Unfortunately, this can take place at any moment and often happens at the most inappropriate times.
Anyhow, if this happens now, you don’t need to panic. As, here is all the guidance that you need to remove the broken key from your lock using regular household things and tools.
So, let’s start the play!
Do’s and Don’ts of Such Scenario
Before anything else, you must know certain do's and don'ts in this regard. These are several things that will help you prevent additional trouble. First of all, do not attempt to open the door with the other broken half of the key. I know this would be your first reaction, but you should not do this. The reason being, this can push the key deeper and it will become difficult to remove.
Moreover, it can also stuck the other half of the key into the lock and then you will have no choice other than seeking the assistance of professional mobile locksmith services such as Locksmith Houston TX.
Time for the do's.
Although you do not have to attempt to open the lock with the other half, you do need it to keep it. This is because you will need both pieces to get a new key made.
Other than that, remember as each break is different, removing a broken key from a lock is always doesn’t an exact science. You need different tools and methods.
The best among these is………..
Method 1 - Use a Lubricant: Start with spraying a lubricant like graphite or WD-40 into the lock. No matter which brand you have, you just have to lubricate the lock throughout. This will help you to slide out the broken key.
Note: While spraying the lubricant make sure to cover all the insides of the lock. Allow the lubricant to fully coat all the surface areas for a few minutes.
Method 2 Go for Probe and Pull: This is the best method if you don’t have any specific tools, as you just need two stiff wires or safety pins.
Insert the pins on the two sides that engage the warding of the lock. Put pressure on the key by rotating your wrist and the pins. Once you have pins fitted with the key, pull it towards you. However, the key might not come outside on the first try, but it will definitely slide outwards with each further attempt. When the broken key seems handy to you, use your fingers or pliers to pull it out the rest of the way.
Method 3 Use a Nose Plier: Needle nose plier is one good tool to help you remove your broken key from the lock. But this only works when some part of the key is still sticking out of the lock. Just grab ahold the visible part of the key using the Plier and pull it out.
Although, if the key is stuck deep inside the lock, then you should go for the key extractor tool.
Method 4 Take the help of a key extractor tool: Key breaks are such a headache and occur more often than you might think. But, now there is actually a specific tool that addresses this nightmare. The key extractor tool is not something that most people probably have laying around. But, you can buy this kit at selected hardware stores.
Help Tip: You should call ahead to save yourself the trip in case they do not have the tool available.
Method 5 Look out for assistance: Finally, if the above methods won’t work out, you should look for professional assistance. Seeking some local professional locksmith services will be a great advantage as they will take less time to reach your place. For instance, natives of Houston can go for
Locksmith Houston.
Final Thoughts...
Instead of wasting your energy and time on unfruitful attempts, first, you need to plan a strategy. The strategy you need will depend upon the type of lock, the tools you have and how deep is the key inside the lock. Having said that, yet, if you are running out of time, then the best option is to go for professional locksmith services.
If you’re nodding your head yes then you know how gross and scary it feels. Unfortunately, this can take place at any moment and often happens at the most inappropriate times.
Anyhow, if this happens now, you don’t need to panic. As, here is all the guidance that you need to remove the broken key from your lock using regular household things and tools.
So, let’s start the play!
Do’s and Don’ts of Such Scenario
Before anything else, you must know certain do's and don'ts in this regard. These are several things that will help you prevent additional trouble. First of all, do not attempt to open the door with the other broken half of the key. I know this would be your first reaction, but you should not do this. The reason being, this can push the key deeper and it will become difficult to remove.
Moreover, it can also stuck the other half of the key into the lock and then you will have no choice other than seeking the assistance of professional mobile locksmith services such as Locksmith Houston TX.
Time for the do's.
Although you do not have to attempt to open the lock with the other half, you do need it to keep it. This is because you will need both pieces to get a new key made.
Other than that, remember as each break is different, removing a broken key from a lock is always doesn’t an exact science. You need different tools and methods.
The best among these is………..
Method 1 - Use a Lubricant: Start with spraying a lubricant like graphite or WD-40 into the lock. No matter which brand you have, you just have to lubricate the lock throughout. This will help you to slide out the broken key.
Note: While spraying the lubricant make sure to cover all the insides of the lock. Allow the lubricant to fully coat all the surface areas for a few minutes.
Method 2 Go for Probe and Pull: This is the best method if you don’t have any specific tools, as you just need two stiff wires or safety pins.
Insert the pins on the two sides that engage the warding of the lock. Put pressure on the key by rotating your wrist and the pins. Once you have pins fitted with the key, pull it towards you. However, the key might not come outside on the first try, but it will definitely slide outwards with each further attempt. When the broken key seems handy to you, use your fingers or pliers to pull it out the rest of the way.
Method 3 Use a Nose Plier: Needle nose plier is one good tool to help you remove your broken key from the lock. But this only works when some part of the key is still sticking out of the lock. Just grab ahold the visible part of the key using the Plier and pull it out.
Although, if the key is stuck deep inside the lock, then you should go for the key extractor tool.
Method 4 Take the help of a key extractor tool: Key breaks are such a headache and occur more often than you might think. But, now there is actually a specific tool that addresses this nightmare. The key extractor tool is not something that most people probably have laying around. But, you can buy this kit at selected hardware stores.
Help Tip: You should call ahead to save yourself the trip in case they do not have the tool available.
Method 5 Look out for assistance: Finally, if the above methods won’t work out, you should look for professional assistance. Seeking some local professional locksmith services will be a great advantage as they will take less time to reach your place. For instance, natives of Houston can go for
Locksmith Houston.
Final Thoughts...
Instead of wasting your energy and time on unfruitful attempts, first, you need to plan a strategy. The strategy you need will depend upon the type of lock, the tools you have and how deep is the key inside the lock. Having said that, yet, if you are running out of time, then the best option is to go for professional locksmith services.
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