How to Remove A Broken Key From a Lock?

This is one of the best ways to remove the broken key from the lock. A key extractor is a professional tool that is used to remove the broken piece of the key. This extractor tool comes in various sizes and shapes.

Select extractor tool according to lock type. To pull out a broken key, dig the sharp end of the extractor tool inside it and twist it, and take out the broken piece.

Using pliers and tweezers is another method to remove the broken key. If you find the broken key is seen. Then, hold the key with the pliers and pull it out. When you pull the key with the pliers, do it very slowly, otherwise, it could break further.

If the key is wedged inside the lock and not moving then slowly wiggle it. Then, again use pliers to remove it. If required use tweezers to hold the key.

Paperclip is an incredible tool to remove the broken key. This tool works really well. When the broken piece of the key is not too small and not inserted too deep in the keyway. Paperclip can be used in two different ways to pull out the broken key.

The thinner paperclip will work better here. In the first process, insert a paperclip at the bottom of the key. And then slightly push it down to grip the key piece. Else, if there is space, then insert the paperclip from the top of the keyway and try to grip the first cut on the key.

It might take a few attempts. However, if you do it rightly. It will gradually extract the broken key piece. However, in the second process, you will require two paper clips.

With the help of the paperclip try to grip the key from both sides and then slowly takeout the broken piece. In both processes, applying lubricant works better and it will become easier to pull it out with pliers.

If the above method doesn’t work then you may need something with a sharper tip to slide off the key. Generally, the metal used for the keys is quite soft. With the tip of the sharp knife penetrate the side of the key to it out.

This method works really well when the key is near the keyway. If the broken piece is too far then it will be difficult to reach. In this method, insert the knife in the key and apply force to penetrate the key. Now carefully try to retract the key and apply leverage to pull it out.

If done accurately, the broken key will come out from the lock. If this method doesn’t work you may use two knives and follow the process similar to the paperclip method.

Using a fishing hook is another way to remove the broken key from the lock. If the key piece is deeper inside the lock, then this method works really well. To remove the broken section, use a fishing hook and straighten it fully with the pliers.

Now, shove the fishing hook in the keyway with the barb facing at a 90-degree angle and rotate it towards the key. It will dip deep inside the key and try to grip it slowly to pull it out.

In this method, use the screw tip to place it in the large gap area of the keyway. Then apply force in the inward direction to remove the key piece with the screw. Now slowly turn the screw. Try to twist it between the plug and the key.

Continue doing this, you will slowly dig the thread of the screw inside the key. Then the key will follow the spiral thread of the screw and slowly extract the keyway.

The drill bit is another best tool to remove the broken key from the lock. However, it only works, when the broken key is approachable from the keyway. For this process take the small drill bit. Now create a hole at the side of the key piece with the help of a drill bit.

Creating the divot at the exposed key will create a gap to enter something inside, to grip and take out the key. Pliers, paperclips, or knives can be used to remove it.

You might not believe that you can use a hack saw and jigsaw blades for this process. But, these tools can definitely help to pull out the broken piece from the lock. For this process, you will require a wire cutter and a blade thin.

Insert it between the key piece and the keyway. Now let’s construct the hacksaw as a key extractor, cut it off from the bottom so that barbs at the tip. The height of the blade should be according to the keyway.

Now, insert this blade in the keyway and try to push the saw’s teeth in the broken key. After this, slightly wrench the blade out to remove the key. It might take a few attempts. However, will little patience you can easily remove it.

This is an amazing technique to remove the broken key. If the broken key is near to the keyway, then you can use the hot gluestick to remove the broken key. In this process, lit the end of the gluestick from the lighter.

Now, push the soft end of the gluestick in the keyway. Wait for a few minutes to cool it. Next, slowly pull out the glue stick from the lock and it will extract the broken key. It might take a few attempts.

If the broken key piece is deep inside the lock using the superglue for removing it might be risky. This method requires extra precautions. Be careful when you are using superglue, otherwise, it may ruin your lock. Blob the glue around it and mop the excess.

Take a very small chunk of superglue, put it in the broken key section. Now insert the key piece directly into the lock. And apply the force in the inward direction so the two parts can smash together. Wait for a few minutes for the glue to set, slowly pull out the key.

Removing the broken key is not that easy, if not done correctly then you will be in trouble. It may worsen the situation if you accidentally push it in the keyway. If you do not want to take any risks, then you should consider calling a locksmith.

If your lock is corroded or jammed, then it is imperative to apply penetrating lubricant. Penetrating oil is a good lubricant. WD-40 penetrating lubricant can be utilized. Lubricants should have characteristics of water displacing oil.

If you do not have penetrating lubricant, then you can make it at home. Combine vegetable oil and 10 percentage of acetone. Add the right amount of mixture to prevent any destruction.

Step 1: Apply a penetrating lubricant to the keyhole

Apply penetrating lubricant in the keyhole to loosen the locking mechanism. You must apply, penetrating oil if your lock is jammed. When the keyhole is lubricated then it becomes easy to pull out the broken key from the keyhole.

Step 2: Turn the lock cylinder into its original position

To remove the key from the keyhole. Check your lock cylinder it should be aligned either vertically or horizontally. Use a flat head screwdriver to turn the lock cylinder. rotate the lock slowly to bring it to its original position. By turning the lock cylinder, easily remove a broken key from the lock.

Step 3: Reach for the part of the broken key in the lock using a pair of needle-nose pliers

Remove the key piece out of the lock. When the lock cylinder is placed correctly by inserting the needle nose pliers inside the keyhole. Gently grip the tip of the key piece, hold it and pull it out of the lock. After removing the broken key successfully out of the lock. Purchase a new replacement key for your future use.