![]() Each failed attempt to grip the key will make the key more difficult to remove. When the tweezers shut after gripping the key fragment, the fragment will be pushed further into the keyway. Only attempt this method if you are extremely confident in your ability, and your tweezers.ĭo not squeeze too hard on the tweezers. We all love the game “Operation”, but sometimes life is more than just a game. When the key is too far back, the chances of you pushing it deeper increase exponentially. ![]() Getting a broken key out of a lock with tweezers will work best if there is a bit of the key protruding from the keyhole. Make sure that your tweezers can open wide enough to fit around the key, but not so thick that they cannot fit along the sides of the key.ĭue to the warding on most keyways, your average tweezers are not going to fit. Most tweezers are inappropriately sized for this task and will just end up pushing the key farther into the keyway. Your main concerns should be the thickness of your tweezers and how far the broken key is in the lock. When a key breaks off in the lock, most people go right for the tweezers. So here are some things you may have on your person, or around you, that will help to get your key out of the lock. When you are reading about thin metal or matches, it is understandable that extrapolation of similar materials may be difficult. In a high-stress situation, it can be difficult to take inventory of the things we have on our person. Once enough of the key is accessible, you can just pull it free with your pliers. Also, grab a pair of needle-nose pliers, because even though these methods will remove the broken key, pliers will help to get it out that much faster. You will also need a rag or paper towel to remove any of the excess lube that spills out of the keyway. Make sure that you have lined up the nozzle of the lubricant so that it is inside the keyway before you spray. ![]() The only issue with a graphite spray is that it will stain things very easily. After a short bit of time, there may be some trouble with the smoothness of the plug rotation. Oil-based lubricants, such as standard WD-40 will work, but they can gum up the internals of the lock. The lubricant should ideally use graphite or some other form of dry lubrication. Begin by applying a lubricant to the keyway. This preparation is optional, but it will make the process easier. ![]() With both pieces of your key, a locksmith can cut a new key. Hold on to your half so that you can give both parts to your locksmith or your local hardware store. Put the part of the broken key that you have, down, or in your pocket. The farther back the key is, the more struggle you are going to have.ĭepending on how deep you force the key into the lock, some of these methods might not work. All of these methods will work much easier and faster, the shallower the key is inserted. By trying to reinsert your key, you will push the broken part of the blade further into the lock. Many people think that even if their key is broken in the lock, the lock should still open by inserting the rest of the key. But how fitting is it that it should be so easy to break something, and so much harder to fix it? I would recommend basking in the poetic irony of life at any time that you feel stressed or pressured. Most of these methods require a bit of repetition. Where are you? What tools do you have? How deeply is the broken key inserted? Once you have found the method that you can use, do not be stressed by your inability to get the broken key out of the lock on your first try. To get a sense of which solution will work best for you, ask yourself a few questions. The best way will depend on your exact situation. Out of all six of these steps, there will be the one best way to remove your broken key. “I can still open this door at least.” STOP! Before you do anything, make sure you have read this entire post. When your key breaks off in your lock with that stomach-curdling snap, feelings of dread and helplessness descend over the scene.
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