Keys get worn, weak, and broken with time. But how can you pull a key out of a lock cylinder when it breaks inside? Step 1: Before attempting to remove the key, grease the lock using a silicon-based lubricant spray.
Disassemble the lock
Taking apart the lock to reveal the rear of the cylinder is often the simplest solution. There will be holes on the backside of the cylinder that you may poke into to get the key out.
Remove the c-clip (or nut) on the rear of the lock with the cylinder open. After removing the damaged key, push it out with a paper clip or other tiny rods inserted into the back of the lock. Reassemble the cylinder and the lock after that.
Because Kwikset locks have no holes through which to access the inside of the cylinder to push out the key, this method will not work.
If you don’t want to take the lock apart and the other methods listed below don’t work, just remove the door lock and take it to your local locksmith. They will obtain the key for you at a reasonable cost.
To remove a key, use a key extractor.
If attempting a hacking approach all day doesn’t work, go with what the pros do. The key extractor is the most effective tool for removing a jammed key from a lock. This tool was particularly created for that purpose.
Spiral Key extractors are made up of very thin metal strips with grooves in them. These grooves are designed to hold a broken key and allow it to be extracted.
To use, run the key extractor along the cut side of the key’s edge. Make sure you don’t force the key any farther into the lock. You’ll be attempting to slip the extractor in by pushing the pins up and out of the way along the very top portion. Gently twist the extractor and take it out. As you try to produce enough friction to pull the damaged key component out, this may take numerous attempts.
The hook extractor is another form of key extractor. With the hook extractor, you’re attempting to hook the broken key’s first cut and draw it out. Push the hook extractor back down the cut side of the key until it reaches just past the initial cut. After that, pull.
How do you extract a broken key from a lock? Remove the key with Needle Nose Pliers.
In certain circumstances, the key may not be put all the way into the lock, leaving just enough hanging out for you to grip it with needlenose pliers. Tweezers can also be used, and because they are so thin, they may even be better. Simply use whatever you have on hand.
Make sure you don’t press the key in any farther. Either you have enough key hanging out to grip the broken edge or you don’t, but you’ll know which is the case immediately.
Using a Paper Clip or a Small Jigsaw Blade
This approach for removing a key is quite similar to the method described above for using a key extraction tool. But what if you don’t have access to key extraction tools? This is the “try anything” method, where you use any tiny, grooved, spherical object you have on hand.
If there’s enough room in the lock cylinder, some paper clips with grooved edges can be used as a spiral extractor in a pinch. A hook extractor can also be made out of a number of extremely small jigsaw blades. At Halloween, I purchased a pumpkin carving set that included an excellent little jigsaw, which I now keep in my toolbox.
What if you’re still unable to extract the broken key?
Remove the lock from the door and take it to your local locksmith if you’ve tried everything but the adhesive. They’ll be able to extract the key for a fraction of the cost of a new lock. Now, if you disobeyed my advise and glued the key in, dispose of the lock and replace it with a new one. Purchase a new lock from your neighborhood locksmith. Not only will they find you a decent deal, but most locksmiths will also key in your new lock to your old home key at no extra expense.
