What to Do If Your Key Breaks Inside the Lock?

Few things are more aggravating than turning the key in your lock and hearing that little snap. You look down and see the key is broken and there is part of it left in the lock.

It's a frustrating predicament, particularly when it occurs late at night, in bad weather or when you are already running late. Initial response is usually a panic response and attempting anything that may remove the broken piece. Unfortunately, when one tries to pull, twist or poke around with some random object, it can make a relatively simple problem a damaged lock.

If the key is loose, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the lock must be replaced. In many instances, the broken piece may be carefully removed and the lock will then function normally. But the best way to proceed will depend on the reason for the key's failure, the depth of embedding into the lock and the condition of the lock.

Why Do Keys Break Inside Locks?

Keys are tiny, yet mighty metal pieces. Each time you open or close a door the key is subjected to pressure, friction and repeated movement. A good key can over time become weak.

• There are several of the most common reasons for keys breaking in locks:

• The key may be old or worn, and has become thinner or weaker.

• The key has been bent a little from previous use.

• The lock cylinder is firm or broken.

• The keyway is clogged with dirt or debris.

• Inaccurate key forced into the lock.

• The key is turned aggressively when the lock is resisting.

• Mech problems are caused by cold and damp.

• The lock has become out of alignment with the door.

The problem isn't always the actual problem. The key could be under too much pressure when fitted to a stiff cylinder, making it much easier for the metal to snap.

What Should You Do Immediately?

The first thing to do is stop turning the lock.

When the key breaks, do not keep pushing the other piece around! Repeated attempts to turn may push the broken part further into the cylinder if the broken area is still visible. Sit back and evaluate the situation.

Ask yourself:

• Does the key have part of its head protruding?

• Does the broken part of the lock completely lie within the lock area?

• Is the door now open or closed?

• Is the lock in any way damaged?

• Have another working key on hand?

If the door is already open, it will likely be less of an emergency. It is possible to take your time, arrange proper key extraction or lock repair. If you are unable to open the door and enter the property, it might be best to call professional services.

Do Not Push the Broken Key Further Inside

A frequent error made is to force another key into the lock to remove the broken one. This can exacerbate the situation.

The second key can be used to push the fractured area further into the cylinder, complicating the extraction process. It can also lead to damage of the internal pins or parts of the lock. Also, do not put needles, knives, paper clips or other makeshift tools into the keyway without knowing what you're doing. A lock cylinder is a precision mechanism. Something that appears to be harmless may be scratching or damaging internal parts.

Can You Remove the Broken Key Yourself?

Sometimes, yes.

If the broken key has a big portion outside of the lock, you might be able to carefully extract it using appropriate tools. The goal is to not over power the situation. When making any attempt, be sure the lock is not under tension. This can make things easier, if the door is open and accessible.

Sometimes a key fragment is visible, and can be carefully gripped and pulled straight out. If the fragment is already set very deep in the cylinder, tilted or completely in the cylinder, however, it is much more difficult to extract it on its own.

What If the Broken Key Is Completely Inside?

This is when it gets a bit tricky. Once the key piece is completely in the cylinder, conventional pliers won't work. An attempt to improvise with household items can help the fragment to be pushed deeper into the mechanism. An urgence serrurier locksmith will have specialized tools for such a problem.

Depending on the kind of lock, and how the broken key has been positioned, a locksmith can sometimes get to the broken key piece without replacing the cylinder. This is one of the reasons why it's beneficial to find a locksmith near me when the key breaks unexpectedly. A nearby professional can evaluate the lock, not based on guesswork.

Avoid Using Superglue

There are lots of DIY tips online about supergluing and another important key or object. What sounds like a good idea: glue something on to it, glue it on to the broken key, wait, and pull. In fact, this is a method that can go wrong.

Excessive amount of glue in the cylinder can permanently affect the locking mechanism. Rather than discarding a broken key, you might find you're required to swap the entire lock.

It's the same with the keyway when you push sharp objects into the keyway or put too much lubricant in a lock, without knowing what the lock needs. If the problem inside a lock is a problem, it is normally not the best answer to increase the force.

Choosing a Locksmith When You Need Help

Not all locksmiths offer the same services, especially in emergency situations.

Before hiring a professional, do some basic research and see if they have the information you need.

Look for:

• Clear pricing information.

• A genuine business name and information.

• Reviews from genuine customers.

• Explanation of proposed work in a clear manner.

• Explanation of need for extraction or replacement.

• Professional communication.

• Availability available to you.

If a locksmith is going to suggest that the door or lock needs to be replaced, he should not do so without first investigating the issue.

The goal in many cases is to fix the problem with the least invasive solution.

Does a Broken Key Mean You Need a New Lock?

Not necessarily.

If this is the case, the lock is working normally, but the key is old or broken, then key replacement might be the only remedy necessary. However, if the following applies to the cylinder, replacement/repair might be warranted:

• Lock is tight even with the working key.

• The key sticks in the lock and is hard to turn.

• The cylinder is “loose.”

• Some damage to the lock is visible.

• The broken key was caused by an internal mechanical problem.

• The lock is outdated and security needs have changed.

• What matters is finding out what's causing the issue.

Changing the key but not the cylinder may only result in another broken key in the future.

How to Prevent Your Key From Breaking

It's easier to prevent than to fix at the last minute when you have a broken key.

Here’re some good tips on how to get started:

1. Replace Worn Keys

Examine frequently-used keys closely. If the edges are worn away, the blade is getting thin or if the key has bends or cracks have a replacement made. Never put off the cleaning process until it breaks inside the lock.

2. Never Force a Key

Stop if it will NOT turn normally. If forced, it will harm the key and lock. Rather, see if the doorway is applying force on the locking mechanism. If the issue persists, then you may want to get the lock checked.

3. Keep Keys Away From Excessive Bending.

Loose pockets or bags may cause keys to bend over time. Do not use a key as a tool, nor apply unnecessary pressure on a key. A small bend may not appear alarming, but it can cause the metal to be weak.

4. Pay Attention to Changes

Your lock might give you some hints before the key breaks.

Watch for:

• Grinding sounds.

• Increased resistance.

• A key which will not fit the cylinder.

• Difficulty removing the key.

• A cylinder which feels loose.

A key that requires repeated twisting and turning to be used.

These signs are indications that should be explored.

5. Maintain the Lock Properly

Different locks have different maintenance requirements. Apply manufacturer recommended or appropriate lock care products and do not use any products that may attract dirt or affect the locking mechanism. Properly maintaining the keyway and cylinder can help ensure smooth operation.

What About Car Keys?

Broken keys don't only happen to house keys.

Car keys can jam in ignition locks, car doors, mechanical locks and other locks. Today's cars may also include electronic transponders and key-fob functions, creating an even greater danger of a substandard repair.

Never use too much force to remove a car key that is stuck in a car lock or ignition.

The professional  urgence serrurier locksmith would be able to find out if the broken blade itself can be dislodged or if the key or ignition requires additional care.

As with any of them, the method is to address the root cause rather than to force the other piece.

Final Thoughts

When a key is broken in a lock, it can seem like a big disaster, however it doesn't always indicate that your lock is compromised.

It is crucial to remain calm and to not make the situation worse. Never force another key into the cylinder, use no tools you did not intend, and be careful not to use any of the DIY methods you might find online, using glue or too much force.

When looking for a locksmith near me or a locksmith you can urgence serrurier, the objective should always be to find a professional who can communicate easily, explain the options they have and make an effort to resolve the problem without causing any unnecessary damage.

A broken key can occur in just a few seconds but if you are able to respond in the proper way, it doesn't have to be a major headache.

FAQs

Can I pull a broken key out with pliers?

When too much of the key is protruding, skilled removal might be achievable. Do not pull hard as you may push or twist the fragment further into the lock.

Should I use superglue to remove a broken key?

It is generally better to avoid this DIY method. The glue can get into the cylinder and wreck the lock, which might result in a more costly repair.

Can a locksmith remove a broken key without replacing the lock?

Often, yes. This depends on the type of the lock, the location of the broken piece and if the cylinder is damaged. A professional will be able to check it out before determining that it needs to be replaced.

Why did my key break inside the lock?

The most frequent reasons include an old or weak key, a bent key, a stiff or damaged cylinder, misalignment, dirt or the application of too much force when turning the key.

Should I replace the lock after a key break?

Not automatically. If the lock works after the extraction, it may just be a replacement key that is needed. In cases a cylinder is damaged or was hard to operate in the past, it may be necessary to replace it.