How to Remove a Broken Key From a Door Lock

Among the most commons emergencies that locksmiths are called to attend to is the broken key in the lock. However, you can save the money that a locksmith typically charges by solving the problem yourself. You only need a few simple tools to rake the broken key out or pull the broken piece out. Typically, locksmiths deploy narrow, barbed tools that are designed specifically to rake out keys. However, you can use a scroll saw or jigsaw blade to the same effect. To do so, just follow these steps.

Step 1:

Spray some penetrating oil into the keyhole. This will loosen up the parts in the lock. This is an especially important step if your lock has been had been seizing lately.

Step 2:

Determine how much of your key got stuck in the lock. If, for instance, the key broke from the middle of the key cuts as evidenced by the piece you hold, it is most likely that the lock is still aligned. Therefore, it can allow the key to move in and out. However, if the piece you hold contains none of the cuts, it is probable that you may have broken the key as you were turning the key. If that is the case, insert a screwdriver and twist the lock back to default vertical position.

Step 3:

The next step is to insert into the keyhole the tip of needle-nosed pliers. In this process, try to grip and pull the broken key piece. However, you should note that this technique is most effective for keys that have broken at the head and all the cuts are intact inside the lock. As such, if you cannot pull the key free, do not force it and remove the pliers.

Step 4:

With the teeth facing downwards, slide the jigsaw or scroll blade into the keyhole. Slowly push the blade in until you feel its teeth grab on the keys’ cuts. Pull the blade out, slowly. It should pull the broken key out as it moves out.

Things You Will Need

  • Penetrating oil
  • Screwdriver (on a need-to-use basis)
  • Needle-nosed pliers
  • Jigsaw blade or Scroll saw

Tips

In cases where you are locked outside and the needed tools are inside your house, you need to determine whether it safe to leave and borrows these tools. As such, if half of the key’s cuts are stuck in the lock, now will be able to pick the lock and gain access to your home. You can leave the door as it is to search for the tool. However, it all the key’s cut are stuck in the lock, anyone can use a screwdriver to twist the lock open. As such, only leave the door when you have someone you trust guarding the door. Alternatively, you can find a study and flat material to twist the lock open yourself.

If your key gets stuck at night and you have no other feasible options, Pop-A-Lock always has a team of experienced and expert locksmith on call to help you. In fact, we have a team ready to help you 24/7 365 days a year, whether it is on a weekend, at night, or during holidays. Once you call us, our expert locksmiths are dispatched immediately to come to your aid. Our unformed locksmith technicians make a point of rendering client-centric services by offering professional prompt locksmith services to our Houston community. Therefore, if you are in need of high-quality locksmith services, look no further than Pop-A-Lock. Our reputation for rendering client-centric services speaks for itself.

Importantly, our technicians are skilled and experienced in handling home, auto, or commercial locks and security systems. We can also handle lock changes, re-keying, unlocking your car, and making a duplicate key for your car, business, or home. For car owners, we also provide roadside services such as fuel deliveries, jump starts, as well as tire changes. As you can appreciate, we can handle a wide variety of emergency situations in a quick and efficient manner, getting you back to your normal life as soon as possible.

Contact us today for more information or visit our blog for more related articles.