Broken keys in locks are a common problem and can be frustrating to deal with.
There are several ways to get around the problem of a broken key inside your lock. The best way depends on what type of lock you have and how much time you want to spend fixing it.
The easiest solution is just leaving the broken key in place while using another set of keys or picking the lock open with a few tools that any homeowner should already have on hand.
This method will work for most standard locks, but if this doesn’t work for your particular model or if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, there are other solutions available as well. We’ll go over them all here so that no matter what kind of lock you have, you’ll know exactly how to fix it when something goes wrong!
If you have to remove a broken key from a lock follow these steps:
- Insert the wire into where the key broke off
- Gently pull the wire out
- The broken key should be stuck on the end of your wire
- Use needlenose pliers to grip the broken piece of key
- Carefully pull the broken key out.
Fixing Broken Key Inside FAQs
What to do if a key broke off in the lock?
1) Take your keys out of the broken part of the lock and try to turn the lock without them inside. This might be difficult, but it could help you get a better feel for how deep the broken part is and where you should look for it.
2) Insert a wire into the place where the key has broken off. The wire shouldn’t be too thick, but it shouldn’t be too thin either.
3) Gently pull out the wire and try not to push the broken part of your key any deeper into the lock cylinder. If you have a pair of pliers, grip the end of the wire with them, then carefully pull the broken key out.
How to remove a broken house key from inside a lock cylinder?
If your home or car keys break inside the hole of the lock cylinder, don’t panic. You can fix them using simple tools you probably already have around the house.
Bolt cutters work well for this purpose, but if you don’t have any handy, try using wire or needle-nose pliers to grip the broken key.
How to remove a broken key from a lock cylinder with a chemical method
If you don’t have any handy tools to help you remove your broken key, this simple chemical method will do the trick. Pour some acetone nail polish remover inside the lock cylinder and wait for it to start bubbling.
This will soften the broken key so that you can pull out both pieces together. You might need to repeat this step a couple of times before the broken key piece is completely removed.
Can a locksmith get a broken key out of a lock cylinder?
A locksmith can get a broken key out of a lock cylinder by using:
1) Wire: Insert wire into the place where the key has broken off. The wire shouldn’t be too thick, but it shouldn’t be too thin either.
Gently pull out the wire and try not to push the broken part of your key any deeper into the lock cylinder. If you have a pair of pliers, grip the end of the wire with them, then carefully pull the broken key out.
2) Bump Keys: These are the most common tools for opening locks with broken keys. One end of the bump key is shaped like a normal key, while the other end resembles an attempt to cut down the length of the shank.
If you plan on using this method, it is important that you never use your fingers to hold or handle these bump keys as they are incredibly sharp and will leave behind cuts.
The process behind bumping a lock is quite simple. First, insert the bump key into the lock with the teeth pointing up.
3) Pliers: Insert your pliers into where you think that part of your broken key is located. If it’s too hard to tell where the broken part is, you can insert the pliers into the ignition, then use a flashlight to see inside.
Press down on your pliers with some force to get them in far enough.
Once you have a steady grip on it, carefully pull out slowly while turning the key and lock cylinder to release it from its spot inside the lock cylinder.
If you’re having issues removing the broken key part, try inserting a paper clip into where the key has broken off.
4) Bolts: A pair of bolt cutters is yet another great option for cutting out a broken key. While most bolt cutters work in the same way, they tend to come in different sizes and strengths based on what you intend to use them for.
You can either choose a cheap and no-frills tool or splurge on a more expensive, durable pair that will not break under pressure.
Insert your bolt cutters into where the key has broken off and lock the cylinder as far as possible. Be careful! You don’t want to damage anything else inside your car. Once it’s in as far as it will go, close your bolt cutters and pull out the broken key part with them.
5) Coping Saw: A coping saw is one of the best ways to remove a broken key that has been stuck inside of your lock. These types of saws are great because they can cut through just about any material even through steel.
However, you should only use the most high-quality coping saws for this process as cheaper ones will likely break under pressure or are too flimsy to do their job properly.
6) Chemical: You can use any chemical solution that will break down the material of the key to make it easier for you to remove.
We recommend using acetone nail polish remover or WD-40 lubricant. Pour some of your solution inside the lock cylinder, then wait for it to start bubbling. Pour in more acetone or WD-40 if needed.
You can also try using rubbing alcohol in this case instead of nail polish remover.
How long does it take to repair or replace a broken door lock?
It will depend on how busy the specific locksmith is and which type of lock you have. If you need your lock to be replaced, there’s no way around it: You’ll have to wait for a while.
Be patient! It’s much worse when you break your key in a doorknob than when you do it to a deadbolt lock. Locksmiths are used to having to wait for their customers, so don’t feel bad about it.
Have you ever locked yourself out of your house?
If so, then you know how frustrating it can be. You’re locked out and need to get back in as soon as possible. In this article, we’ll go over the best methods for fixing a broken key inside of a lock. We’ll also cover some common causes that lead to keys breaking inside locks and what you can do about them.
The most important thing is to remain calm and not panic when something like this happens. You’re not alone. It happens to the best of us. And don’t worry, we can help! We have a team of highly trained locksmiths who will get you back inside in no time at all.
Call Twenty-Four Hours Locksmith at (240)-744-4689 and we’ll be there within minutes! To fix your broken key!
