You use your keys to unlock your car, house, office and safes. The key will be used hundreds of times without any complications but there could be a moment that the metal will be worn down a bit and the key will break off. It can be due to a worn out key or a lock that starts to stick and you put too much push behind it. Whatever the case may be when the key breaks off you need to get the key out. The lock is no longer safe and will not function. There is no way to use the lock and engage it so that the area you are locking up is secured. If a key breaks off it can leave you in a panic and you probably have no idea where to even start to remove the piece that is broken off. The biggest thing you want to refrain from doing is trying to put the rest of the key in the lock. That will simply push the broken piece further in and possibly make it harder to get out. There are some techniques that you can use to get the key out but you want to be patient and use some kind of lubricant such as WD-40.
Texan Lock and Key Lists a Few Ways You Can Remove a Broken Off Key.
Get a Broken Key Out With Tweezers: If you have a pair of tweezers nearby they can be used to get the broken piece of key out of the lock. This is also why you do not want to use the handle part of the key. If the broken piece is close enough to the end of the lock you may be able to get a grip on it. Use a thin pair of tweezers to try and get a grip in the end of the key and pull it straight back out. Most keyholes are fairly thin so the thinner the tweezers the better your chances will be.
Try To Super Glue the Key To Another Object: If you can see the end of the metal part of the key this trick may work. The best way to be sure that this works is to take your time and keep the work area clean. Do not overuse the super glue and be ready to wait for a little bit. The glue should be added to an object such as a match that will be attached to the excess metal from the broken key. Be sure to clean up any extra glue so that you do not ruin the lock as well. Then let the glue dry and give it a pull! If it pulls out great if not you may be calling a locksmith.
Tapping The Lock: This will work if you are confident enough to remove the entire lock from the door. This can be an intimidating task so if you are not skilled in removing locks do NOT try this. Call a locksmith to remove the key and fix the lock for you. If you try this method you will take the lock off and tip it so that the part of the key that is stuck can use gravity to fall out. Tap it on a hard surface to coax the key out. If the key comes out you now need to re-install the lock back in the door.
Call A Locksmith: This is the best way to take care of a broken key. The key may have done some damage to the lock or the lock could have been the reason the key broke. Either way you need to have the lock inspected and possibly replaced. Call a locksmith that offers emergency services in case you break a key after hours. A locksmith has the tools that will allow them to remove the piece and make you a new key!
