What Should You Do If Your Key Breaks Inside the Lock?
When your key breaks inside the lock, you have that sinking feeling. You might be standing just in front of the door, disappointed and unsure what to do next. However, there is no need to panic. There are different things you can do if the key breaks off inside the lock.
To ensure a broken key inside the lock doesn’t become a security problem, here is what you can do.
- Assess the Situation
- Don’t Push the Broken Key Further Inside
- Check If You Can See the Key
- Avoid Using Excessive Lubricant
- Consider the Lock’s Condition
When the key breaks inside lock, stop forcing the remaining part into the lock, as it can only jam the broken key piece into the cylinder. Hence, removal becomes much harder. Check the keyhole. In case the key broke off in the lock and the silver can be seen, the possibility of DIY extraction goes up considerably. Even a small silver fragment is sufficient for grabbing onto the right tool. Decide on the removal method based on the visibility of the fragment.
One of the most common mistakes people make when you have a broken key stuck in lock is trying to push the broken key through the lock. This makes extraction more difficult and might damage the lock cylinder. Don’t insert another key or sharp object into the lock. Also, in an attempt of broken key removal, you must avoid turning the broken piece repeatedly. These actions might move the key deeper inside and boost the chances of damaging the locking mechanism.
In case when you remove broken key from lock, you find the broken section is sticking out of the lock, you might have a better chance of removing it. But this doesn’t mean you must immediately pull it with whatever tool is close. The broken key may be lodged tightly inside the cylinder. Pulling it at the wrong angle could cause it to break again or damage the lock. If the key doesn’t come out easily, stop and consider seeking help from same day locksmith.
You might come across suggestions to use oil or other household products to loosen the broken key. But using the wrong lubricant can create added problems or leave residue inside the lock. In case lubrication is necessary, a locksmith can use a product suitable for the particular lock. The goal must be to make extraction without affecting the internal components of the lock.
A broken key doesn’t always mean the key itself was the issue. Damaged or worn locks can place added pressure on the keys that makes them harder to turn. Over time, this stress can contribute to bending or cracking. Once the broken key has been removed, inspect the lock of signs of trouble.
If the broken key stuck inside door lock firmly, contacting a locksmith near you is often the safest option.
