How To Get A Broken Key Out Of A Lock?

Many people face the trouble of getting a broken key stuck in a lock, which can easily ruin their day; you can be one of them and think, how to get a broken key out of a lock? It can leave you feeling helpless and locked out of your home, office, or vehicle. But if you’re already familiar with a bit of knowledge and the right tools, you can remove a broken key without causing damage to the lock or the key itself. You can try several methods to extract a broken key, which will be discussed in this article. 

It’s important to be patient and gentle when you get broken key out of lock. Applying too much force can damage the lock or cause other breakage. If you cannot remove the key yourself, it’s best to consult with a professional locksmith. They have the experience and tools to safely extract the broken key and restore your lock to its original condition.

Why Keys Break: Common Reasons

Broken keys can be a tense situation, but understanding the common causes can help you stop coming issues. By understanding the common causes, you can take steps to control key breakage and avoid the inconvenience of locked-out circumstances.

Wear and Tear

Heavy use of keys can wear and tear them over time, weakening or breaking their parts. Harsh weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures and moisture, can also cause keys to become flaky and more easily damaged.

Improper Use

Improper use can greatly contribute to breaking the key. Applying too much force when inserting a key into a lock stresses the metal, increasing the risk of cracking. Twisting or bending a key more than its intended range of motion can also cause it to break. These actions stress the key unnecessarily, making it more accessible to fracture.

Low-Quality Materials

Cheap materials used in crucial construction can contribute to increased breakage rates. Keys made from low-quality metals are more prone to cracking or bending than those from higher-quality materials. This is due to the fundamental weakness and need for more durability of cheaper metals.

Lock Issues

Crooked locks can stress a key excessively, causing it to bend or break over time. This can happen when the lock’s internal parts are damaged or when the lock gets installed incorrectly. Also, sticky locks can be challenging to turn, requiring a lot of force from the user, leading to more wear & tear on the key. It will eventually cause it to break. Rust, dirt, or other trash can cause a lock to become sticky, so regular cleaning and maintenance are important to prevent key breakage.

Accidental Damage

Dropping or bending a key can cause it to break, primarily if the manufacturer uses the breakable material to make the key. Accidents can happen, and even a simple fall can result in a fractured key. It’s important to handle keys carefully to prevent such damage and avoid the inconvenience of a broken key.

Techniques for Removing a Broken Key

Removing or to fix broken key from a lock can be a time-consuming plus stressful experience, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s usually possible to do it yourself. 

Holding and Pulling

To remove broken key from lock, carefully grab the remaining piece with pliers or tweezers. Apply constant, gentle pressure while pulling the key out of the lock. Be cautious not to use too much force, which can damage the lock’s internal mechanisms.

Lubrication

Spray a lubricant into the keyway to reduce friction and make the key easier to remove. Allow the lubricant to get inside the lock for a few minutes before attempting to pull the key out. This will help prevent further damage to the lock and increase the chances of successfully extracting the broken key.

Using a Hook or Needle

Carefully insert a small hook or needle into the keyway to remove a key broke in lock. Gently move the hook or needle until it catches the broken piece of the key. With a controlled hand, slowly pull the fractured piece out. Be careful not to force the hook or needle, which could damage the lock. If you face resistance, try using a different method or getting assistance from a locksmith.

Drilling the Key

As a last alternative, you can drill a small hole in the key broken in lock. Once you’ve drilled the hole, insert a hook or needle to extract the broken piece. Drilling a lock can be risky and should only be attempted by those with experience and caution. If you need more clarification about your ability to do this safely, it’s best to consult a professional locksmith like Keysnlock to avoid damaging the lock or causing further complications.

Broken Key Emergency: Why Quick Removal is Crucial?

If you’re wondering how to get a snapped key out a lock, you must also know that leaving a broken key in a lock can compromise the security of your home, office, or vehicle, making it vulnerable to unallowed entrance. It is essential to remove a broken key stuck in a lock quickly for several reasons:

• Security Risk— A broken key can weaken your lock to unauthorized entry attempts. If the broken key blocks the lock’s mechanism, it may be easier for someone to bypass the security features and gain access to your property.

• Damage to the Lock— A damaged key can lead to rust and rot within the lock’s internal parts over time. This can cause the lock to malfunction or become inoperable, necessitating more extensive repairs or replacement.

• Inconvenience— It can limit your home, office, or vehicle access. If you cannot remove the broken key yourself, you may need to call a locksmith, which can incur additional costs.

• Legal Implications- Lease violations can occur when a broken lock prevents access to common areas or shared spaces. This can result in legal matters for the resident, such as fines or eviction.

Tips Before Removing The Key

With the techniques to help you solve the question of how to take out a broken key, you must also consider these helpful tips before removing a broken key from your lock. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of successfully removing the broken key and avoid further damage to your lock:

Assess the Situation

First, check the severity of the breakage. Understanding the size of the damage will help you choose the proper removal method. Next, identify the type of lock you’re working with. Different locks have unique mechanisms, and they require specific removal techniques. For example, a standard doorknob lock might be easier to handle than a high-security deadbolt.

Gather Necessary Tools

To remove a broken key, confirm that basic tools like pliers, tweezers, a small screwdriver, and lubricant are available. Specialized tools might be necessary for specific lock types or more severe breakages. A hook or needle, for example, can help extract broken key pieces from the lock. The right tools will make the removal process smoother and more hassle-free.

Prepare the Work Area

Clear a workspace around the lock to prevent accidental damage to surrounding objects. Ensure sufficient lighting is available to see the lock and the broken key. This will allow you to work correctly and avoid further difficulties.

Avoid Excessive Force

When doing broken key extraction, apply constant, gentle pressure to avoid damaging the lock or causing further breakage. An unnecessary force can pull the threads off or bend the key, making extracting it even more challenging. If the key is still stuck after applying gentle pressure and rotation, try using a lubricant and then pulling the key again.

Consider Professional Assistance

If you need help to remove a quite stubborn or damaged key from a lock, you should get help from a professional locksmith. They can safely extract the broken key and assess the condition of the lock, recommending necessary repairs or replacements. 

Wrapping Up!

Now that you know how to get a broken key out of a lock, you can do it safely now that you have all the details you need. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can attempt to extract the broken key yourself. However, if you encounter significant difficulties or are unsure about your ability to proceed, it’s always advisable to consult a professional locksmith like KeysnLock. Here, you will get assistance with any lock-related issues, including broken keys.

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