Few things are more frustrating than turning your key and having it snap inside the lock. Whether the key is old, damaged, or the lock is difficult to operate, a broken key stuck in a lock can quickly leave you unable to enter your home, business, or vehicle.
Knowing what to do—and what to avoid—can help prevent additional damage.
Don’t Force the Broken Key
If part of the key is still visible, your first instinct may be to pull it out with whatever tool is nearby. However, forcing the key or inserting another object into the lock can push the broken piece farther inside or damage the lock cylinder.
Avoid excessive force, and don’t continue turning the lock with another key while the broken piece is inside.
Check Whether the Key Is Accessible
If the broken portion is sticking out far enough, it may sometimes be possible to carefully remove it. However, if the key has broken deep inside the cylinder, attempting to extract it yourself can make the situation worse.
The right approach depends on the type of lock, the position of the key, and whether the lock itself has already been damaged.
When to Call for Professional Key Extraction
A professional locksmith has specialized tools designed for broken key extraction. Professional removal can help retrieve the broken piece while minimizing the risk of damaging the lock.
This can be especially important when dealing with high-security locks, vehicle locks, or locks that are already difficult to operate. Learn more about Smith’s Lock & Safe’s locksmith services.
What If the Lock Is Damaged?
Sometimes a broken key is a symptom of an underlying problem. A worn key, damaged cylinder, or malfunctioning lock can increase the likelihood of a key breaking.
After the key is removed, a locksmith can determine whether the existing lock can continue to be used or if lock repair or replacement is appropriate.
Need Help With a Broken Key?
Don’t risk turning a simple broken key into a damaged lock. If your key has snapped inside a lock, professional broken key extraction can help resolve the problem safely and efficiently.
Contact Smith’s Lock & Safe for assistance with broken keys, locks, and other locksmith needs.