How to Remove a Broken Key from a Lock: 5 Tips to Avoid Having to Take Everything Apart
Small accidents can happen every day, everywhere. Sometimes due to poor maintenance, manufacturing defects or being in too much of a hurry. One of the most common accidents is keys breaking and getting stuck in the lock.
The bad thing is that if this happens with your house keys, you can’t postpone the repair. Before calling a locksmith, try practicing these tricks to remove a broken key in the lock without having to disassemble everything.
First tip
All you need is a very strong magnet. If the key is stuck in a vertical position, it will be very easy to remove it.
First, put some lubricant on it. Then, take the magnet and place it on the key to let it take effect. The key should stick to the magnet and come off easily.
Second tip
Prepare a pair of needle-nose pliers or scissors with a very fine tip. Lubricate the area around the key, then grasp the end of the key that is sticking out of the lock with the pliers or scissors.
Try to pull the key out, being very careful. Do this movement little by little, without pulling hard: you risk inserting the key further into the lock.
If the key broke in the lock, but the door remained open, you can try one of the following tricks.
First tip
In case your key is stuck with the door open, look for scissors with a very thin tip and from the opposite side (that is, inside the house) insert one of the tips of the scissors until it touches the key.
Push inward to encourage the key to come out completely. If you can’t get it all the way out, you can use pliers to help pull them out completely.
Second tip
Instead of using scissors, we will use another key. This trick is similar to the previous one.
By inserting it into the interior lock, it will push the stuck key outwards.
Third tip
It has been very popular on social media precisely because it is so effective. The key must be in a vertical position. Heat a piece of silicone with a lighter until it melts. Immediately place the melted silicone on the lock, at the level of the stuck key.
Apply firm pressure for one minute until the silicone cools. Then pull the silicone back to help the key come out. Do not pull hard to avoid breaking the silicone.