There aren't many things more annoying than turning the door after inserting your key and then hearing a snap. An ordinary routine becomes stressful when a broken key becomes lodged in a lock. You can be left standing outside in the rain, unsure of what to do, and unable to lock up or enter.
You are not alone if you have ever encountered this issue. A stiff lock, worn teeth, metal fatigue, or just spinning with a bit too much effort are some of the many reasons why keys break. The good news is that there are multiple approaches to solving the issue. This tutorial will cover how to remove a broken key, when you might be able to do it on your own, and when you should contact a Salisbury locksmith.
Why Keys Break Inside Locks
Knowing why keys break can help you avoid it in the future. The majority of home keys are composed of comparatively soft metals, such as nickel silver or brass. The teeth and grooves are strained by the continuous twisting after years of everyday use. The key must work harder if the lock is stiff or not oiled. At last, it gives way.
Other common causes include:
- worn keys that no longer fit nicely after being copied too many times.
- dirt or rust in the lock, which makes it more resistant.
- Cold temperatures can exacerbate the brittleness of metal.
- pressure on the key due to a misaligned door or lock.
Once the key breaks, half of it is usually still inside the lock, and removing it becomes the challenge.
First Steps Before You Try to Extract a Broken Key
Before grabbing tools or improvising, take a breath and assess the situation. Here are some initial steps:
- Do not keep turning the lock. Any extra movement can push the broken piece further inside, making removal harder.
- Check how much of the key is visible. If a small section is sticking out, you may have a better chance of pulling it free.
Keep the other half of the key safe. It can help a locksmith identify the correct replacement.
DIY Methods for Removing a Broken Key
Using a few easy methods, you might be able to extract the broken key yourself if you can see a portion of it.
Using Pliers or Tweezers
Sometimes the simplest option works best. A pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers may be able to hold the key securely enough to draw it free if a tiny portion of it is protruding. The secret is to avoid applying too much pressure that can cause the key to become wedged deeper by keeping the tool in line with the lock.
Using a Broken Key Extractor Tool
These instruments are thin enough to slide next to the broken key and are made especially for the task. They frequently contain a tiny hook or barb at the end that can grasp the key's teeth and extract it. Professional versions are carried by locksmiths, while less expensive sets can be found online or at certain hardware stores.
Using a Jigsaw Blade or Paperclip
Narrow items, such as a bent paperclip or a narrow jigsaw blade, can be used as temporary extractors in an emergency. Carefully place them next to the broken key, twist to grasp the ridges, and then pull outward. Patience and a delicate touch are necessary for this technique.
Lubricating the Lock
A short mist of lubricant with a silicone or graphite base can help if the lock seems stiff. Steer clear of oil-based sprays like WD-40 because they draw dust and can eventually clog the mechanism. Once grabbed, the shattered piece slides out more easily when lubricated.
Tapping the Lock
Holding the lock with the keyhole pointing down, tap it gently if gravity is on your side. The fractured piece may occasionally get loose enough to fall out or approach the edge where it can be grasped.
When DIY Fails
While these methods can work, they’re not guaranteed. In fact, trying too hard can sometimes make things worse. For example:
- The broken key may become wedged deeper if tools are pushed in too firmly.
- Unreliable techniques may harm the lock's internal springs or pins.
- Overuse of force could cause the lock to bend or scrape, rendering it useless.
If you’ve tried the basics and the piece won’t budge, it’s time to stop before the repair turns into a replacement.
Why Call a Professional Locksmith?
There is a reason why individuals frequently type in "how to extract a broken key" and then look for a local locksmith. A skilled locksmith can typically resolve the issue in a matter of minutes, despite the temptation to keep trying. This is the reason:
- Specialist tools: We carry professional key extractors designed for different locks.
- Experience: Having dealt with hundreds of broken keys, we know the tricks that work.
- Non-destructive methods: Our goal is always to save the lock if possible, saving you the cost of a full replacement.
- On-the-spot solutions: If the lock is damaged or the key is beyond repair, we can supply a new lock and fresh keys immediately.
Locksmith Salisbury is open all day and all night. Therefore, assistance is just a phone call away if you find yourself stranded outside your house with only half of a key in the lock.
Preventing Broken Keys in the Future
After addressing the current issue, it is worthwhile to consider preventive. You can avoid the inconvenience of another broken key by adopting these easy habits:
- Keep locks lubricated. A spray of graphite every few months keeps things smooth.
- Replace worn keys. If your key looks bent or thin, get a new copy cut before it breaks.
- Check door alignment. If the door is sagging and you have to lift the handle hard, the extra strain affects both lock and key.
- Upgrade locks. Modern cylinders are smoother and more secure than older ones, reducing resistance.
As locksmiths, we do more than just replace broken keys; we also give our clients helpful advise and, if necessary, security modifications to help them avoid future issues.
Extracting a Broken Key from Different Locks
Keep in mind that not every lock is created equal. It might be simpler to extract a broken key from a UPVC door lock than from a conventional mortise lock. Certain padlocks and automobile locks can pose particular difficulties.
- UPVC doors: Usually involve euro cylinders, which are relatively straightforward for locksmiths to work on.
- Wooden doors: Mortise locks can be trickier, especially if the key broke deep inside.
- Padlocks: Depending on the design, extraction can be easier or sometimes not possible without cutting the lock.
Knowing what type of lock you’re dealing with helps a locksmith choose the right approach.
Concluding
A broken key in a lock might leave you feeling trapped and is very annoying. Although there are do-it-yourself methods for removing a broken key, they are risky and don't always work. With luck, the issue could be resolved with a dab of lube or a pair of tweezers. Otherwise, pressing the problem can irreparably harm the lock.
For this reason, it's usually better to consult a local Salisbury locksmith. Every week, we at Locksmith Salisbury deal with broken keys. We'll get you back inside safely and swiftly with the appropriate equipment, knowledge, and spare parts.
Don't panic, don't push yourself, and don't stand in the cold for too long the next time you hear that dreadful crack. Giving Locksmith Salisbury a call will allow us to carefully remove the broken key, fix or replace the lock if necessary, and restore the piece of mind that comes with knowing your house is safe.
