Broken Keys? How To Get Them Out Of Lock

Breaking your key inside your lock seems like a far-fetched idea, but it does happen when you least expect it.

Broken Keys

To Remove a Broken Key From A Lock, Follow These Steps:

Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and stay patient. Panicking might worsen the situation.

Gather Tools: You might need small pliers, tweezers, a thin and sturdy piece of metal (like a paperclip), lubricant (like WD-40), and a flashlight.

Lubricate the Lock: Spray lubricant into the lock to help loosen any debris and make it easier to work with.

Inspect the Situation: Use a flashlight to assess the key’s position and how much is protruding from the lock. This will help you plan your approach.

Tweezers or Pliers: If the broken key fragment is protruding slightly, use tweezers or pliers to gently grip and pull it out. Make sure not to force it, as this might push it further in.

Hook Method: Straighten a paperclip or a piece of thin, strong wire. Create a small hook at one end. Insert the hook into the lock alongside the broken key and try to engage it to pull the key fragment out.

Super Glue Method: If the key is broken deep inside, you can put a small amount of super glue on the end of a thin object (like a toothpick), insert it into the lock, and let the glue adhere to the key fragment. Wait for the glue to dry, and then gently pull the object out, hopefully bringing the key fragment with it.

Locksmith or Professional Help: If the key is deeply lodged or the above methods fail, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a professional locksmith. They have the expertise and specialized tools to safely extract the key without damaging the lock.

Remember, patience and gentle handling are crucial to avoid further complications. If you’re unsure about any step, it’s better to call a locksmith to ensure the lock isn’t damaged during the extraction process.

Let Us Help You Out of Your Bind

When this incident happens, call us right away because we have the tools and equipment to open your lock. Our emergency services mean we will heed your call no matter what time it is. Instead of tinkering with the broken key and locking yourself which can complicate the problem, call your Perth Locksmith NEAR YOU to get the job done swiftly. Attempting a DIY will only push the lock deeper into the lock, damaging your mechanism. 

Our Residential Locksmith technicians can remove the broken key safely. They have the knowledge and tools to open your jammed door lock without destroying your frame or your doorknob. If you let us do our job, you can save your old lock, remove the key, and make another copy. This saves you tons of money in replacing the entire doorknob system. 

Reasons This Freaky Incident Occurs

Broken keys are fragments of keys that have become separated from the main part of the key. They can occur for various reasons, such as wear and tear, poor key quality, accidental force while turning the key, or inserting a key at an awkward angle. Broken keys can cause several problems:

Lock Jamming: When a key breaks off inside a lock, it can jam the lock’s internal mechanisms. This prevents the lock from functioning properly and can make it difficult or impossible to lock or unlock the door.

Inability to Access: If the key that breaks off is the only key you have for a particular lock, you might be unable to access the area that the lock is securing. This could lead to being locked out of your home, car, office, or other important spaces.

Security Concerns: A broken key in a lock can compromise security. If someone can remove the broken key and has access to the original key, they might be able to open the lock without proper authorization.

Lock Damage: Attempting to extract a broken key without the right tools or techniques can potentially damage the lock further. This could result in the need for expensive repairs or even replacement of the lock.

Time and Frustration: Dealing with a broken key can be time-consuming and frustrating. You might need to spend considerable effort trying to extract the key or waiting for professional assistance.

Emergency Situations: In emergencies, such as medical issues or safety concerns, having a broken key can hinder quick access to a building or vehicle.

To prevent broken keys and the associated problems, it’s important to handle keys gently, avoid applying excessive force, and use high-quality keys made from durable materials. If a key does break, it’s recommended to address the situation promptly by using appropriate extraction techniques or seeking help from a locksmith to avoid further complications.

Call Us Right Away

If you find yourself in this unfortunate scenario, call us at Perth Locksmiths. Our phone number is 0403 232 113 or leave us a message here. It’s always alarming to find yourself with half a key in your hand and a half in the door. But with our help, we can sort out your problem and get you inside your home in no time at all.