The most frustrating thing about a key breaking inside your lock is that it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient of times. Just when you are running behind time, you have to decide what to do if your key breaks inside the lock. Usually, the only feasible solution is to call a professional locksmith to rescue you.
Why Do Keys Break in Locks?
Knowing why keys break inside locks in the first place can help you minimize the chances of it happening in the future. In most cases, a key will break because:
- The lock is not adequately lubricated, causing it to jam.
- Wear and tear have caused significant damage to the key.
- The key is made of soft metal, such as nickel or brass.
What to Do If Your Key Breaks Inside the Lock
No matter the reason behind your broken key, the most important thing is that you address the problem as soon as possible before a simple inconvenience turns into a security risk.
In this regard, you have two options. You can either attempt to remove the broken key from the lock yourself, or you can call a professional locksmith.
Try Removing It Yourself
If you are confident in your DIY skills, and you have the time to spare, you can try removing the key yourself. This is easier to do if a piece of the broken key is still sticking out of the lock. This would allow you to get hold of the broken key and extract it.
Tools for Removing Broken Keys From Locks
Usually, you can use some basic tools that you have lying around the house to extract a broken key, such as screwdrivers, pliers, penetrating oil, tweezers, or even a strong magnet. Try the following simple method to remove the broken key:
- Spray the lock with some penetrating oil, such as WD-40
- Use the screwdriver to return the key to its upright or default position
- Use your tweezers or pliers to grab hold of the key and try to pull it out
Time to Call a Locksmith!
However, try as you might, there are times when you just cannot get the key out on your own. This is especially true in cases where you have no protruding end to grab hold of. If this is the situation, you will have to call a professional locksmith rather than spend many fruitless hours fiddling with your lock, and, perhaps, doing a lot more damage.
How to Prevent Broken Keys
Usually, it will be in your best interest to prevent the key from breaking in the first place. While it is not always possible to anticipate when a key might break, you could reduce the chances of it happening by:
- Keeping your lock lubricated to prevent jamming the key
- Having a replacement key readily available for use whenever you notice the first signs of wear and tear
Trouble With a Broken Key? Locksmith for NYC Can Help
There is no telling when you might find yourself in need of top-tier locksmith services. You can call Locksmith NYC whenever you require emergency locksmith services, and a technician will be sent to your location as quickly as possible.
