If your key has broken off in your lock and has snapped, we understand the feelings of worry and dread that you will experience. When it comes to your key breaking off in the lock, there are a number of ways you will be able to remove the broken key, the best way for you will depend on your exact situation. Where are you, what tools do you have, how deeply has the broken key been inserted? Once you have considered the method that you should use, you may need to try it a couple of times before it works.
The first thing to remember is when your key gets stuck, try not to panic, there are a number of ways that will allow you to remove the broken key, this is without having to call an approved and professional independent locksmith. Depending on the type of lock or break you are dealing with, as well as how far the key is stuck in the lock and how much time you have will determine the right option for you.
Getting a Broken Key Out of a Lock
Broken keys that are stuck in locks can feel like emergencies, you may think that your only choice is to call out a locksmith, this will cost you, especially if it is a locksmith emergency, call out. In the majority of situations, you should be able to fix the issue yourself.
If your key is stuck in the door lock, there are a number of items that you may find around your household that you’ll be able to use to release the key that is stuck. If the key seems to be very stuck and you don’t have access to any of the following items, we advise that you call a professional locksmith.
Tips For Removing a Broken Key
Maybe you’re running late for work or are trying to get sorted and leave quickly, have you got your handsful with bags etc, you put your key in the lock quickly, then twist it, but it doesn’t seem to move as seamlessly as usual. Next you hear a snapping inside of the lock, don’t worry, we take a look at ways how we can get you back into your property quickly.
How to Get a Broken Key Out of a Lock Yourself?
You could spray the lock with a solvent, for example WD-40 works well. It will act as a coating and make the inside of the lock slippery, you can also use a tool like a jigsaw or hacksaw inside the lock to help loosen the key. If you don’t have a jigsaw, you can also use items like tweezers, a swiss army knife, paper clips, safety pins or hair grips. If the key can be seen and is protruding out of the lock, you could also try using superglue, stick it back on to the protruding part and pull it out.Why Do Keys Break in Locks?
A key may break in a lock for many reasons, first, the key may have weakened over time, this will make it more likely to snap in the lock, especially if it’s used with force. It could also be that the lock is faulty or the mechanism has been clogged up with dirt or debris, here we take a look at some of the reasons keys break in locks, as well as ways on how to prevent this from happening.
A Weakened Key
Keys tend to be made from brass or soft metal, they aren’t as strong as you may think, producing keys from soft metal means that key cutting will stay cheap and they can be changed if the original cut doesn’t fit as well as it should.
Why Do Keys Weaken?
Being made from soft metal means that they are likely to get damaged, think about times when you may use your key to open up a parcel or package, or even a tin of paint, all of these things can wear down a key. Even having your keys loose in your pocket or bag can cause them to break and bend. When the key is damaged like this, it will be more likely to get stuck or break off inside the lock.
You should only use keys for what they are meant to be used for, it’s also important to remember to not leave them in direct sunlight as this can cause damage too.
What Causes a Door Lock to Weaken?
Locks tend to weaken, this can be due to poor installations as well as temperature changes, a build up of dirt and debris in the mechanism or rough handling of the keys. You should keep locks working smoothly by lubricating them. If you think that your lock isn’t working, we advise that you replace it sooner rather than later, this will make sure that you don’t break the key in the lock.
Too Forceful
If you’re busy and in a rush, maybe you’re carrying lots of bags or you have a stiff door, you are likely to apply more force than usual to the key whilst trying to open the door. You should use your key properly without force and minimising the risk of your key getting stuck in the lock.
Why is My Key Stuck?
How Far Have You Turned the Key Before it Has Become Stuck?
Key Won’t Turn in the Lock – If the key hasn’t turned at all then this could be because you’re using the wrong key, or a badly cut or broken key. You should try a different key and if you’re sure you’ve got the right one, try lubricating it. If it is still stuck, you can take it back to a key cutting service who will redo it for you.
Key is Stuck Half Turned – If the key isn’t turned inside the lock, but it has partially turned before becoming stuck, then this may show a lock failure or the incorrect operation of the lock, this could be a sign that you need to replace the lock.
What Not To Do When Your Key Breaks Inside a Lock
If the key has broken inside the lock when you have inserted it, whilst it can be tempting to push it and force the door lock open, this will likely cause more damage than good, and also leave your key stuck even deeper in the door lock, this can also make it harder to remove, even if you are a professional locksmith.
Do Not Use Your Key Again
Some people think that even if your key is broken in the lock, the lock should still open if you insert the rest of the key, we advise that you do not try this. By reinserting the key, you’ll push the broken part of the key further down into the lock, and the few ways you can fix this problem will be made much more difficult the shallower the key is inserted. Put the part of the broken key to the side somewhere, there is no need to use this part of the key, it will only make the problem much worse.
Clean the Lock
If any of the home methods have worked and you’ve managed to clean your lock – locks are full of dirt and debris that will have gathered over time. If they’re not cleaned properly this can stop the lock from working properly. You can also use WD-40 to clean your lock, apply it to the key and keyhole to give it a good clean.
How to Prevent Broken Keys
There a few things that you can do that will prevent a key from breaking off inside a lock, this includes lock lubrication. Keys tend to snap inside of locks, this is because the lock won’t have received any proper maintenance, silicone based lubricants should be sprayed into the keyhole every so often or when you notice grinding or any excess friction when it comes to locking the door.Replacement Keys
Keys will be subject to abuse and are used often, if you notice that they are starting to wear then you should have a copy made so you can throw away the old one.
DSB Locksmiths Can Remove a Broken Key from a Lock
At DSB Locksmith we offer emergency locksmith services across Red Lodge, Mildenhall, Newmarket and Suffolk and the surrounding areas. Sometimes, there are things that happen which can’t wait until the morning, including a broken key stuck in your door lock, at DSB Locksmith, we make our services available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so no matter what your issue is, we are confident that we can get out in a timely manner and help you in the best way possible. We offer a second to none boarding up service and we always ensure your property or work premises are as secure as possible. Call today, no matter the time and we will be happy to help.
We have years of experience in the area so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts today. Our services also include lock changes, security cylinders, UPVC lock repairs and intruder alarms. Red Lodge, Mildenhall, Newmarket and Suffolk