Broken Key Extraction – How to Get a Broken Key Out of a Lock Without Calling a Locksmith

There are a few different ways to get a Broken Key Extraction out of a lock. The most professional way is to use a tool made specifically for this purpose. These tools are available online and at hardware stores.

Another way is to use a screw. Insert the tip of a screw into the keyway and leverage it against the plug.

Pliers

When a key breaks in your lock, that stomach curdling snap is sure to cause feelings of panic and despair. However, if you have the right tools and know how to use them, there are ways to get your broken key out without calling a locksmith.

The first thing you should do is lubricate the lock with WD-40 or another spray lubricant. This will make it much easier to pull out the broken piece of metal.

If you have a pair of pliers around, try using them to pull out the broken piece of metal. Be careful not to twist the pliers, as this can cause the broken metal to break further into the lock cylinder. A pair of tweezers can also be used to remove the broken piece. However, you will want to be careful, as most tweezers are not appropriate for the job and may push the broken key deeper into the lock.

Key Extractor

Professional locksmiths deal with broken keys all the time so they keep a set of key extractor tools on hand. You can get the same kind of tool from a hardware store or online for around PS5.

These tools are similar to hook extractors and saw tooth extractors, but they have smaller tips that can grip in tighter spaces. Place the tip against the side of the key where the teeth are jagged and twist. This will grab the teeth and pull them out of the lock.

Thicker paperclips work decently, too, but only if the broken piece of the key isn’t too deep in the lock. You can also use a very thin jigsaw blade, but make sure the teeth are pointing back toward you. If they’re pointing forward, the blade will push the broken key further into the lock.

Ignition Tool

Whether you’re a locksmith, work in law enforcement, or are simply an amateur lock picker, a broken key in the ignition can be very frustrating. Luckily, there’s an easy way to solve this problem with the right tools.

First, use long, thin needle nose pliers to spread the opening of the keyhole as wide as possible. Then, slide them as far as they can go into the opening and try to grasp the broken key fragment with them.

Next, a hook extractor tool can be used to dig something sharp into the broken key fragment and give you leverage to pull it out. Peterson’s hook extractors look a lot like a lock pick with a straightened hook on one end. Slide them into the cylinder and rotate the hook towards the teeth of the broken key to catch it. Then, slowly pull it out. A bit of lubrication can help make this easier to do.

Lock Pick

Sometimes a key breaks inside a lock due to normal wear and tear. In other cases, it may be due to a faulty key or using excessive force. Either way, it’s a major inconvenience and can ruin your day.

A key extractor tool can help you remove that broken piece of a key stuck in the lock. They are available in many different shapes and sizes. Some have small hooks that grip the keys and others are long, thin metal rods with a spiraled thread similar to a screw.

Insert the extractor and slowly rotate it between the plug and the broken section of the key. This will dig the screw-like barb into the broken piece and allow you to pull it. You might need to do this several times before the break is removed. Stress to your customer that they shouldn’t touch the lock until you arrive! Too much action on their part can turn a simple job into an expensive one.