When a key breaks inside of a lock, more times than not, it is absolutely necessary to remove the key . A broken key can be extremely dangerous because if someone were to try and turn the lock with the broken key, they would most likely break off even more of the metal , causing shards of sharp metal to fly at them. This could be very dangerous, not to mention the fact that the lock would be completely useless
When a key breaks off in a lock, it can be a major hassle to remove. You may be tempted to try and pry the key out with a screwdriver or other sharp object, but this can damage the lock or even break the key off further. Instead, there are a tips on how to get a broken key out of a lock without causing further damage.
Method 1 – Removing the broken key with a wire
You will need:
1) An unbent paperclip or another piece of thin wire long enough to reach the key in the lock. If you are not sure how much wire you need, just grab some out of your desk.
2) Needle-nose pliers.
3) A paper towel or a rag.
4) WD-40 or an oil-based lubricant, such as 3 in 1 Oil .
In general, there are two ways to remove a broken key with a wire:
Option 1: Straightening the wire and using the tip to push the key out.
Option 2: Bent paperclip method, or using a needle-nose pliers to remove the key.
For Option 1:
Use either needle nose pliers (if you do not have them, strong fingers will work) or a second piece of wire to straighten out the paperclip or another wire so it can be used as a tool to push the key out.
Carefully push the wire through the hole at the front of your lock until you feel it touch or hit something metal inside that is not part of your lock. Pushing gently, work it around until you can get a good grip on the broken key.
Now, with a steady hand, pull the wire and key out of the lock.
For Option 2:
If you don’t want to try to straighten out a paperclip, you can use needle nose pliers to remove the key.
Grip the key with the pliers as close to the lock as possible. Be careful not to grab the paper that surrounds the key, or you may tear it up and make it more difficult to pull out.
Depending on how your key came apart, you may need to adjust where you’re grabbing the key before pulling it out of the lock.
At this point, you can try to turn the key and pull it out. If the key turns but does not come out, follow steps 3-5.
For all methods:
If the key cannot be pulled out or if pulling it out has no effect on whether or not it will turn in your lock, then your lock may be damaged and you will need to call a locksmith.
Method 2 – The bobby pin method
You will need:
1) A bobby pin or hairpin.
2) WD-40 or an oil-based lubricant, such as 3 in 1 Oil.
3) A paper towel or a rag.
The Bobby Pin Method is a way to remove a broken key without having to use a wire.
This method can be used if the key broke off at the shaft, and you still have some of the key sticking out of the lock.
If the key is completely inside of the lock, this method will not work.
To start, spray a small amount of oil onto the shaft of the key inside the lock. This will make it easier to push out with the bobby pin.
With one hand on each side of your bobby pin, use your fingers to bend it in half (fig 1). Make sure you are squeezing both sides of the bobby pin exactly equally.
Be sure not to squeeze too hard, as you don’t want to break your bobby pin!
Start with the bent part of the bobby pin facing away from you, so that you are pushing against the flat side of the key in the lock. Now, push and twist the bobby pin into the keyhole until it is touching the key.
You may need to wiggle it around a bit to get it in the right spot.
Now, using your fingers, twist the bobby pin (still bent in half) in the same direction that you would turn a key to unlock the door.
The end of the key may pop out a little bit to give you better access. At this point, you can use your fingers or pliers to pull the end of the key out of the lock . [continued below]
Method 3 – Drill and tension wrench
You will need:
1) A drill.
2) A tension wrench to match the keyway of your lock.
3) WD-40 or an oil-based lubricant, such as 3 in 1 Oil.
4) A paper towel or a rag.
To remove a broken key with a drill, you will need to make a small hole in the lock so that you can insert the tension wrench.
This method can be used if the key broke off at the shaft, and you still have some of the key sticking out of the lock.
If the key is completely inside of the lock, this method will not work.
Drill a hole in the lock slightly smaller than the width of your tension wrench.
Insert the tension wrench into the hole and spray lubricant onto it.
Turn the wrench until it is tight in the keyway.
Now, using a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the width of your key, drill into the key until you can grab it with the pliers.
Be very careful not to drill into the tension wrench or you will lose it!
Once you have a grip on the key, pull it out of the lock. If it doesn’t come out easily, spray more lubricant in and try again.
Method 4 – Pliers and fishing wire
You will need:
1) A pair of needle nose pliers.
2) Fishing wire or a nylon string, such as dental floss.
3) WD-40 or an oil-based lubricant, such as 3 in 1 Oil.
4) A paper towel or a rag.
To remove a broken key with pliers and fishing wire, you will need to make a small hole in the lock so that you can fish the fishing wire through it and pull on it to bring up your broken key.
This method can be used if the key broke off at the shaft, and you still have some of the key sticking out of the lock.
If the key is completely inside of the lock, this method will not work.
Get a piece of fishing wire or thin nylon string (such as dental floss). Thread one end through your needle nose pliers and wind it around several times.
Make sure you have a tight grip on the wire before you start fishing.
Now, spray some lubricant onto the key and into the lock. Insert the other end of your fishing wire or string into the lock and push it as far in as you can.
Be careful not to lose the end in the lock!
Use the pliers to pull up on the fishing wire or string. Your broken key may start to come with it.
If not, push your fishing wire back in through the top of the lock and try again. If you still don’t have any luck, try using lubricant along with pulling up on the wire until the key comes out.
Method 5 – Hammer and chisel
You will need:
1) A hammer.
2) A chisel or flathead screwdriver with a wide blade.
3) WD-40 or an oil-based lubricant, such as 3 in 1 Oil.
4) A paper towel or a rag.
If the key broke off inside of your lock, you will need to chip away at the part that is stuck in order to get your key out.
This method can be used if the key broke off at the shaft, and you still have some of the key sticking out of the lock.
If the key is completely inside of the lock, this method will not work.
Secure the lock in a vice or clamp it between two pieces of wood. This will keep it from moving around while you are trying to chip away at it.
Hit the chisel or screwdriver into the key with a hammer until it is completely chipped away.
Remove any excess metal from the lock and spray lubricant into it.
Insert your tension wrench and turn the lock to open it. If you don’t have a tension wrench, use pliers or even a screwdriver that fits into the keyway and turn the lock back and forth until it opens.
When your key comes out, be careful not to lose it down the drain!
You may also need to take a wire coat hanger apart and pull out a straight piece of wire in order to get the key out if you dropped it down a drain.
Other tips on how to get a broken key out of a lock
There are a more few ways that you can remove a broken key from a lock. One way is to use a metal hanger. Unfold the hanger and straighten it out as much as possible. Then, place the hanger in the keyhole and try to wiggle the key out. If the hanger doesn’t work, you can also try using a wire coat hanger.
Another way to remove a broken key is by using a metal needle. Take the needle and straighten it out as much as possible. Then, place the needle in the keyhole and try to wiggle the key out. If neither of those methods work, you can try using a paper clip. Bend the paper clip into a “U” shape and then place it in the keyhole. Try to wiggle the key out with the paper clip. If none of these methods work, you may have to call a locksmith. He or she will be able to remove the key without damaging the lock.
Learning how to get broken keys out of locks is something worth understanding when it happens in everyday life. Some home improvement stores sell the tools needed for this job, so if an individual has them in their household, they may be able to use this method. Through the process of elimination, individuals can discover which tool is right for them. Once the correct instrument has been selected, people should be able to get their broken key out of a lock quickly and easily.
If a person’s keys break off in a door or drawer, there are a few things that they may attempt to take the broken key piece out using household items. Picking one of these items to try is a process of elimination. One option is to use a straightened paperclip if the key is still in the lock. If it is not, a metal hanger can be used. For broken keys that are lodged deep in the lock, a wire brush may be able to help remove them. It is important that when using any of these household items, safety comes first. If a person is uncomfortable or unsure about how to use a particular tool, they should seek professional help. Lock picking professionals can be found in the yellow pages or online.
When a key breaks off in a lock, there are a few different ways that it can be removed. One way is to use a tool that is specifically designed for this job, such as the “Broken Key Extractor Set”. This set includes several different tools, each with a specific use. The wire brush tool can be used to remove any dirt or rust that is stuck inside the lock. It may require some vigorous turning, but this should work if the key piece remains in the lock. If it doesn’t, there are two other options for removing an inserted key.
The tension wrench option can be used to get a key out of a lock if the piece is still inside. This small hook can be inserted into the top of the lock where it meets with the cylinder. It should fit in easily and pull up on the old broken key which will cause it to rise until it’s visible enough for another tool to be used to extract it. The last option for removing a key that is still in the lock is the “Jiggler Key”. This is a small, metal piece that has a hole in the middle. When it’s inserted into the lock, it will move the broken key piece until it’s visible. At that point, another tool can be used to remove it.
If the piece of the key is not still in the lock, then there are two tools that can be used to remove it. The first is a “spudger”. This tool is like a mixture between a screwdriver and pliers. One end will be flat with ridges on it while the other is curved and serrated. The spudger can be inserted into the keyhole to pry the key out. If this doesn’t work, a “hanger” can be used. This is a metal coat hanger that has been straightened out. One end should have a small hook on it while the other is bent into a “u” shape. The key piece should be slid into the hook which will cause it to rise up until it’s can be seen through the lock. Once this happens, a person should take the bent end of the hanger and use it to pull out whatever is left of the key.
