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One of the most horrific things and breaking a key in a lock!
How do you get it out? In this article, Locksmith Los Angeles will give you different tips on how to remove a broken key from a lock.
How can the key break in a lock and why?
When a key breaks inside a lock, it’s not an ideal situation. It should be treated quickly, especially if your broken key is stuck in a business door, home door, or vehicle door. The major causes of broken keys include wearing on the key itself and normal wear on the lock cylinder itself. As both components wear down over time, it becomes more difficult for them to catch each other.
What are the different tricks that exist to remove a broken key from a lock?
- If you have a small flathead screwdriver, try inserting it into the keyhole and exerting pressure to lever or loosen the positioning of the key until part of it extrudes from the lock. At that point, you should be able to extract the broken piece with needle nose pliers or a strong magnet.
- The professional locksmith commonly uses a broken key extractor tool which can be purchased, but this defeats the purpose of keeping the device affordable and less time-consuming. Instead of using a purchased tool, why not fashion your own homespun key extractor using jigsaw blades? Take thin pairs of jigsaw blades and insert them into the keyway on opposite sides of the broken key facing downwards so they can hook the key’s teeth. Use the blades to hook gently turning and catching the broken part of the key, and pulling outwards.
- If you have a broken key in a lock and have tried all other methods to remove it, one recommendation is to use super glue. This method is frowned upon by locksmiths because it damages the lock. However, if part of the key is exposed, such as a metal end or visible teeth, using superglue can be effective. First, affix a piece of wood to the key with super glue and then pull on the remaining broken end until it is removed from the lock.
Preventing broken keys
Put lubricant in the lock
If you want the key in your lock to last, then you need to spray a silicone lubricant into your keyhole whenever you notice excessive grating or friction while locking your door.
Use your spare keys
If you notice that your keys are becoming worn out, make a copy and throw away the old one.
Call Locksmith Los Angeles!
Locksmith Los Angeles offers 24-hour emergency service and is proud to have an elite team of technicians with a full range of locksmithing experience. All employees have been extensively screened for criminal records and hired only if they passed our rigorous hiring process. We provide a wide range of services including 24-hour emergency lockouts, car door lock repair, digital lock installation, home lock repair and replacement, window lock repair and replacement, and padlock repair and replacement.
How can the key break in a lock and why?
When a key breaks inside a lock, it’s not an ideal situation. Most locksmiths will advise that you act quickly to remove the broken key from the lock. If your key is stuck in a business door, home door, or vehicle door, you should call a locksmith immediately. The major causes of broken keys include wearing on the key itself and normal wear on the lock cylinder itself. As both components wear down over time, it becomes more difficult for them to catch each other.