6 Easy Methods To Get a Broken Key Out of A Lock: A Locksmith in Dubai Guide

Aug-11-2023 | By Admin

Sometimes a key can break inside the lock cylinder when you are trying the open the lock. This experience can be very frustrating, especially if you were trying to gain access to your house or car. Fortunately, it is possible to get a broken key out of a lock. In this article, we will discuss 6 easy methods to get a broken key out of a lock. Make sure you read until the end so that you don’t miss out on any point.

What you should not do when your key breaks in the lock

Before we share tips on how to get a broken key out of a lock, let us first tell you what you should not do when your key is broken inside a lock. Do not try to insert the rest of the key in the lock thinking that it will open the lock. If you insert the rest of the key, you will push the broken key further into the lock, making it even more difficult to retrieve the part of the key that is stuck inside.

The broken key removal techniques shared below will work much easier and quicker if the broken key is not inserted deep. In fact, some of the key removal techniques may not work if the broken key is pushed further back. So, don’t push the broken key further down by inserting the remaining part of the key because it will make things more difficult for you.

Use tweezers

One of the most used techniques to get a broken key out of a lock is the use of tweezers. A tweezer is a small instrument used for picking up small objects. However, the thickness of the tweezers and how far the broken key has sunk into the lock will determine whether this technique will work or not. If the tweezers are too thick, then they will not pick the broken key from the lock; instead, it will push it further down.

So before you use tweezers to remove a broken key from a lock, make sure it is thin but wide enough to pick the key. Tweezers usually work best if there is a bit of key protruding from the keyhole. This means that if the key has been pushed down the keyhole, then the chances of retrieving it using this method are very small. When using tweezers to remove a broken key from a lock, each failed attempt will push the key further into the keyway, making it even more difficult to remove it. So, if you plan to use this technique to retrieve your broken key, make sure you get the job done on the first attempt.

Use a broken key extractor

A broken key extractor is a professional tool designed to remove a broken key from a lock. If you own this tool, you can use it to remove the broken key from the lock. However, you need to know how to use the broken key extractor to remove your broken key from the lock successfully.

Place the broken key extractor on the keyway then click the turn and pull button. The machine will grab and remove the key from the lock. A broken key extractor will remove your broken key from the lock quicker and safely compared to other broken key removal techniques that we have discussed. Unfortunately, most people don’t have this tool. They are mostly owned by professional locksmiths.

Use super glue

Of course, you may be wondering how super glue can remove a broken key from a lock. Relax because we will tell you how this method works. However, before we discuss how this technique works, it is important to note that this method is only effective for removing a broken key that is protruding from the keyhole.

To remove your broken key from the lock using this technique, glue the protruding key to something like a matchbox or needle then wait for the glue to bind. Gently push the matchbox or need up to remove the broken key from the lock.

Use a hacksaw blade

You can also remove a broken key from the lock using a hacksaw blade. All you need is a thin piece of hacksaw blade that fits on the lock’s keyway along with the broken key. You need to ensure that the hacksaw blade is super thin for it to fit in the keyway. When inserting the hacksaw blade, make sure the serrations are pointing towards you. This will not only allow the blade to slide in the keyhole easily but will also grip the broken key better, making it easy to remove it from the keyhole.

You can make the grip even tighter by lining the serration with key threads. Make sure the blade is thin enough to fit in the keyhole alongside the broken key. Also don’t force the blade into the keyhole because it will make the broken key move down further. If the hacksaw does not fit, make necessary adjustments on the hacksaw blade until it fits.

Tap the cylinder

This technique is more effective if the key is broken on the padlock or if you can remove the cylinder from the key. Hold the lock tightly in place with the keyhole facing down then strike it hard with a hammer. To remove the broken key from the lock quickly using this method, don’t strike the hammer on the back of the lock; instead, strike the sides of the lock. The trick when using this method is to hold the lock tight so that gravity can pull the broken key loose when you strike it with a hammer. you can also avail services of lock repair dubai.

Use a probe and pull method

The probe and pull method is simple yet effective if done correctly. This technique involves using two very thin pieces of metal to probe the keyway and remove the broken key. The pieces of metal used should be thin enough to fit on both sides of the key on the keyhole. Apply pressure on both sides then gently pull the broken key out.

Category: Residential Locksmith