Have you ever put your key into your door lock, turned it and the key breaks in half in the lock? If so, you know the scary and sick feeling that you feel when it happens.
Unfortunately, keys breaking off in a lock can occur and often occurs at the most inopportune times. However, if this happens, don’t panic. We have the knowledge that you need to remove a broken key from a lock using common household items and tools without needing to contact a locksmith. If you have any issues removing the broken key from the lock, don’t worry, we are available to help you with any key or lock issue.
The method that you should use will depend on the type of lock that the key broke off in, the tools that you have handy, how far the key is in the lock and the amount of time that you have to remove the broken key from the lock.
You can help to simplify your task by spraying a lubricant like WD-40 or graphite into the lock. It doesn’t matter which brand you have, the trick is to lubricate the mechanisms in the lock to help the broken key slide out easily. To use, apply the lubricant around the key, making sure that all areas of the key and the lock have been lubricated. Once you have sprayed lubricant in the lock, wait a few minutes to allow it to fully coat all surface areas.
Needle nose pliers are another tool that can help you remove a broken key from your lock. These can be used to pull the key out of the lock if the key is out of the lock to grab ahold of the end. Needle nose pliers can grasp the key and help to remove it from the lock if some of the key is still sticking out of the lock. This can help to shorten the time it takes to remove a broken key from your lock. If none of the key is sticking out, you can try one or more of the following techniques.
Local Locksmith – Before You Attempt to Remove a Broken Key from a Lock
There are several things that you must know before you attempt to remove a broken key. This information will help prevent additional trouble, which may cause you to need the assistance of a locksmith.
Your first reaction may be to try and use the other portion of the broken key to try to open the door after your key breaks off in your lock. You should not do this because you can push the broken key further into the lock, which can make it more difficult to remove. If the key becomes lodged deeply into the lock, it can be almost impossible to remove without the assistance of a locksmith.
Although you will not need the remaining portion of the key to open your door, you want to keep it. After you extract the broken key from the lock, you will need to take both pieces to a local hardware store or a locksmith to get a new key made.
Finally, remember that each break is different and removing a broken key from a lock isn’t an exact science. You can use different tools and similar methods. Oftentimes it takes trial and error to determine the best method to remove a broken key from your lock.
If you have any questions regarding the array of services provided by our locksmiths at Pop-A-Lock Houston, please feel free to contact us or call 713-722-0060! Click here for the Second installment, and, Stay tuned for the next issue of this article.