How to remove a broken key from a lock

A key breaking in the core of a lock is an extremely unpleasant occurrence, especially if you want to keep the lock, and you also have spare keys. A stuck key fragment not only prevents you from opening the lock, but can also render it completely unusable. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this problem using available means. We bring to your attention seven ways to remove a broken key from the core of a lock.

Dismantling tools

• A set of locksmith picks for locks (pins, hooks);
  
• Eyebrow tweezers;
  
• Small furniture screw;
  
• Household knife with a short conical blade;
  
• Fishing hook;
  
• Drill 2-3 mm;
  
• Narrow blade for metal.

Metal scissors, a screwdriver or drill, and pliers will also come in handy.

Seven ways to remove a broken key from a lock

Before starting removal, be sure to spray the keyhole with WD-40 lubricating aerosol, especially if the lock has been idle for some time.

We use locksmith picks

We will combine a set of locksmith picks, even if they are represented by different types of devices, into one, the fastest and most reliable way.Manufacturers of this tool probably imagine a variety of locks, so this tool is available in a wide range of types and sizes. So in our case, we use an inexpensive set of metal brushed pins and hooks made of flat plates with handles.

First, we insert a hairpin between the key and the walls of the keyhole. With a short sharp movement we try to pull the piece out of the lock. It happens that you need to slightly rotate the cylindrical core of the lock to the desired position. In this case, a flat hook will help us out. Having placed it as deep as possible in the core, we turn it until the key is symmetrically positioned in relation to the walls of the lock, and, hooking it with the end of the hook, pull the key fragment out;

Using eyebrow tweezers

Eyebrow tweezers (micro tweezers) can also serve as a tool for such work. Most locks have a small cylindrical depression on the outside of the core. Sometimes it is enough to hook the edge of a broken key with tweezers, like tweezers, and pull it out of the lock;

The self-tapping screw comes into play

A more original way is using a self-tapping screw. We twist it with force between the fragment and the wall of the lock core with pliers or a screwdriver. The thread of the self-tapping screw may well serve as a brush for pulling out the fragment with pliers. But even if not, it will be possible to easily insert a thinner locksmith’s pick, for example, a hairpin, into the hole widened by it;

With a knife

Needless to say, an ordinary knife is the most versatile tool for any household work. So in our case, it can be useful if you use a sharp tip to pry off a fragment and use a lever to try to pull the edge of the plate out of the lock.There will be a greater chance of success if you use the second knife in the same way, only on the other side;

Fishing hook

A fishhook increases the chances of defeating a broken key stuck in a lock. We stretch it slightly with pliers and use it as a hook for the edge of the fragment;

We use a drill

You can try to solve this problem with a thin drill. It may well work out if you drill a little to a depth of about 0.5-1 cm and try to pull the fragment together with the drill from the core of the lock. An ambiguous method, since very often with such holes there is a high probability of the drill breaking and the fragment wedging inside the lock;

We use thin fabric

You can make a rough, flat pick from a narrow blade for a hacksaw for metal. Using metal scissors, cut the canvas lengthwise to the width of the free space in the core of the lock. Most often it is 3-4 mm, no more. We align the master key with pliers and try to hook the edge of the fragment with the teeth. If necessary, the plate can be sharpened.





Even in such a critical situation, it is important to remember that there are no hopeless situations. Of course, a professional tool helps, but often the most common devices made from scrap materials also help. Dare, try, and you will definitely succeed!

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