How to get a broken key out of a lock?

A broken key in the lock is a common situation that every person has encountered at least once. Especially often this happens in winter, when, under conditions of low temperature, the mechanisms begin to seize. It is not necessary to immediately call the master, you can try to deal with the problem yourself.

The main reasons for the situation when the key is stuck in the lock

Often, a key breakage is associated with its wear or deterioration in the consumer properties of the locking mechanism. Abrasion, accidental impacts and other mechanical loads reduce the strength of parts and their resistance to external influences. As a result, a small physical effort can cause the mechanism to jam and break off part of the key. Other probable causes of the situation when the key is broken in the lock:

• Clogging the secret mechanism.
• Entry into the keyhole of solid contaminants and foreign objects.

 

Mistake. An attempt to open the lock with the wrong key, or not fully immersing the groove into the keyhole.

Often the reason for the breakdown is associated with the use of low-quality materials and components in the manufacture of the lock, which impairs its operation, makes the structure fragile and vulnerable to mechanical damage. If the groove breaks, do not rush to throw away the segment of the key remaining in your hands. After removing the stuck element, you can take both parts to the master, who will make a full-fledged replacement according to the model.

 

Before performing any manipulation aimed at extracting the broken part of the key, it is recommended to introduce a few drops of lubricant into the keyhole, which will simplify the task. The use of brake fluid, machine oil or engine oil will ensure that the contacting elements slide smoothly, which contributes to better mobility of the stuck debris.

Way to get a broken key out of a lock

The easiest option when the key is broken in the lock is to find the tweezers, firmly hold the protruding chip and turn it to the neutral position, then pull it out. Instead of tweezers, you can use small pliers that you can borrow from a neighbor. The result largely depends on the size and mobility of the protruding fragment. If the stuck segment is jammed, it will not be possible to cope with the task of turning it around with the help of tweezers.