Broken Key Stuck In Your Lock?

Broken Key Stuck In Your Lock?

Have you ever experienced that gut-wrenching feeling when you stick your key in your door, give it a twist, and SNAP, it breaks in half?

Unfortunately, this happens from time to time and often when you least expect it, but you shouldn’t panic. There are 9 easy ways to remove the broken key from the lock using various tools and common household items without ever having to call 24/7 car locksmith. However, Mr. Rekey is always available to help you with any problems you may have with your locks or keys.​

The method that will work best for you depends on the type of lock you’re dealing with, how far into the lock your key is wedged, what you have on hand, and how much time you have to devote to your key-extracting endeavor.

One thing that will simplify your job significantly, regardless of which approach you decide to take, is spray lubricant (like WD-40). Whatever brand you might already have should do the trick, though graphite or some other form of dry lubricant will be less likely to gum up the broke key. Just apply it directly around the portion of the key that is stuck in the lock to help it slide out more easily.

Another helpful tool to have is a pair of needle nose pliers. If you are able to work the key far enough out of the lock to get a good hold on it, you can grab the end and pull it the rest of the way out with the pliers. If there is already a remnant of the key sticking out when it breaks, you may be able to remove it with the pliers and forgo the time and energy of using one of the following methods.​

STOP! Before You Try to Remove the Key

​Before you unintentionally cause yourself additional trouble, there are a few things you need to know before attempting to remove a broken key from a lock.

Many people’s initial reaction is to try and use the remaining half of the key in conjunction with the broken half to try and open the lock even after the key breaks. DO NOT DO THIS. The further you push the broken piece into the lock, the more difficult it will be to remove, and some methods may not work at all if the key is lodged too deeply within the lock.

While you will not need the remaining half of the key to open the door, you do want to hang on to it. Once you extract the other half, you can take the two pieces to a locksmith or local hardware store to have a new key made.

Finally, remember that every scenario is slightly different, and this is not an exact science. You can use similar methods with different tools based on what is available to you, and you may have to use trial and error to figure out what will work best in your specific situation.