How to Get a Broken Key Out of a Lock

Navigating the inconvenience of a snapped key lodged in a lock is never ideal and can feel daunting. But fret not; before you enlist the help of a potentially pricey locksmith, our handy guide might just serve as your roadmap to resolution.Â

Understanding the correct approach is paramount if you are in a predicament at home, work or elsewhere. This comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to swiftly and effectively extract a broken key from the grasp of your door lock.Â

Our guide is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Weâ€™ll delve into various methods, each tailored for different lock types, ensuring youâ€™re equipped with the right tools and knowledge to tackle this challenge head-on, no matter the lock youâ€™re dealing with. With clear instructions and practical advice, youâ€™ll be ready to handle this common inconvenience easily.Â Â

Table of contents:

How to prepare the lock for extraction
Common household tools for broken key removal
Advanced tools for broken key extraction

How to prepare the lock for extraction

Before you begin the actual removal process, itâ€™s essential that you make the initial preparations, assess the situation, and determine the best course of action to increase your chances of success.Â

Lubricate the lock

The first step when removing a broken key from a door is lubricating the lock, which reduces friction and makes the key easier to move. For internal doors, where conditions are dry, itâ€™s recommended that you use a dry lubricant, such as a dry lubricant spray. A Teflon or silicone-based lubricant would be a better option for external locks, which are more likely to be exposed to damp conditions.Â Â

Avoid using oil-based lubricants, such as your standard WD-40, where possible, as they can affect the lockâ€™s performance. But if this is all you have to hand, it is fine to use in this instance. Make a note to re-lubricate the lock with a more suitable lubricant after removing the broken key.Â

Spray the lubricant directly into the keyhole, then, using a rag or a teatowel, wipe away any excess residue from the key side and the rest of the locked exterior to ensure a clean working space.Â

Assess the broken key situation.

Once the lock is lubricated, itâ€™s time to assess the situation. Begin by assessing how much of the broken key protrudes from the lock. If the key has broken so a sharp edge emerges from the lock, it will be much easier to extract, as it will be easier to grab and pull out.Â

Alternatively, removing the key will likely be more challenging if it has broken plush to the lock or is even further inside.Â

Common tools for broken key removal

Several tools can be used to extract a broken key from a lock, and the one you choose depends on the type of lock youâ€™re working with and your preference. Some of the most commonÂ are:Â

Tweezers or needle nose pliers
Paperclips or hairpins
Superglue

Tweezers or Needle Nose Pliers

Tweezers or needle nose pliers can be handy for gripping and extracting a broken key that is still partially protruding from the lock. However, you should pay extra attention to the thickness of the tweezers or pliers you use. They could push the broken key in the lock further if theyâ€™re the wrong thickness. Ideally, your tweezers should be open wide enough to fit around the key but not so thick that they canâ€™t fit along the sides.

If you can see part of the key protruding from the lock, youâ€™ll have the best success retrieving it with tweezers. They can provide just the right amount of precision to remove it quickly. Weâ€™d advise not squeezing too hard on the tweezers, as when they shut, they will slightly push the key back. Each failed attempt to grip the key will make removing it more difficult.

Paperclips or hairpins

Another common household belonging handy for broken key extraction is paperclips or hairpins, especially if the key is stuck flush with the keyway or has snapped deeper into the lock.Â

To use this method, unfurl two paper clips until they are two thin metal lines and line a piece up on both sides of the broken key. They donâ€™t have to go too far into the lock, just enough so you can apply pressure. Then, slowly pull the broken key towards you. It may only move a bit at a time, so patience is required.

Keep repeating the process until the key is fully out. If youâ€™re not having much luck, you can try turning your wrists inward while the paper clips are still in the keyway to twist and jiggle the broken key slightly, making it easier to retrieve.

Superglue

If you consider yourself a pro at the game Operation, then the super glue method could work for you. Ideally, this method should be a last attempt as the glue makes it extremely risky and could potentially damage your lock. It also only works if the broken key is somewhat accessible. The idea is to find a small piece of wire, a matchstick, or something small and thin that can fit in the keyhole. Then, apply a single drop of superglue on the end of the object and carefully insert it into the lock, making sure not to touch the sides at all.

Hold the wire/matchstick against the key, being careful not to push it and wait a few minutes for the glue to dry and bind to the key. You should then be able to remove the object and pull out the key with it.

Advanced tools for broken key extraction

If youâ€™re finding that common household objects arenâ€™t quite doing the trick, but youâ€™re also not ready to call in the locksmiths, there are some more advanced tools and techniques you can employ if youâ€™re feeling confident enough.Â

Speciality tools such as key extractor tools and hacksaw or jigsaw blades can be much more effective options, greatly increasing your chances of success.Â

Hacksaw or jigsaw blade method

Small jigsaw or hacksaw blades can work as key extractors. If the serrations on the blade are angled, you can often push them into the top part of the keyhole, ensuring the serrations are pointing back toward you. Push the blade far back into the lock and put it in a position where the serrations can hook onto the broken part of the key. When you feel the blades latch onto the key, give it a slight twist and a pull, and the broken key should slide smoothly out.

One thing to remember with this method is not to force the blade into the keyhole; it should fit smoothly. If you need to force it, adjust the blade to make it thin enough to fit.

Key extraction tools

It may surprise you that such a thing as a broken key extractor tool exists. This tool is what professional locksmiths use in these types of situations. While it may not be something youâ€™ll have to use often, it can certainly come in handy at the most unexpected times. If you live close to a hardware store and have time, weâ€™d recommend running out to get one, as itâ€™s the easiest and safest way to remove a key.

This tool works similarly to the hacksaw blade method. Simply place it inside the keyhole alongside the keyâ€™s biting (serrated) edge. Youâ€™ll then be able to try to hook the teeth on the key with the hooks of the extractor. When you feel it catch, turn and pull the key out smoothly. It might take several attempts, but it is the best method.

Discover door locks and hardware at Leader Doors.

If, after all your efforts, you discover that your lock is beyond recovery and repair and you require a new one, we have a vast range of replacement door locks and latches for you to browse. From modern styles to more traditional lock designs and various door security options, youâ€™ll find what youâ€™re looking for at Leader Doors.

Or if you feel itâ€™s time to upgrade your doorâ€™s hardware completely, why not check out our wide range of door hardware?Â Discover everything you need to refresh your internal and external doors, from top-quality door handles and hinges to frames and linings.Â