Residential Locksmith: What to do With Broken Keys
On a busy weekday, it may happen that you are running late for an appointment and trying to get there on time. With your hands full, you hurriedly insert your key into your door's lock and twist it, just then you hear a snapping sound instead of fluid movement. Your key just broke inside of the lock. So, what do you do next? Well, lucky for you, a locksmith can help you with
your broken key troubles.
Why Do Keys Break?
- The lock is jammed or inadequately lubricated.
- Your key has been damaged by wear and tear over time.
- Standard keys are usually made using soft metals like brass.
- Mishandling of the key when hurriedly opening/closing the lock.
Simple Ways To Get a Key Out of a Lock
No matter the circumstances that led to the key breaking inside the lock, it should be attended to immediately. You are probably wondering why! For starters, broken keys can cause damage to your lock. You can also be left stranded given that you won't be able to enter your
house
or vehicle. That said, how can you get a broken key out of a lock?
- Tweezers : Removing a broken key out of a lock using tweezers works best when there is a bit of the key protruding from the keyhole. Make sure not to squeeze too hard with the tweezers lest you aggravate the problem.
- Broken key extractor : Once placed along with the biting turn and pulls, this tool should grab and remove the key.
- Hacksaw blade : If you can't buy a broken key extractor, you can make one yourself using a hacksaw blade. Nonetheless, you shouldn't force the blade into the keyway but instead, make adjustments to it so it fits into the keyhole smoothly.
What if Part of the Key Is Not Protruding From the Lock?
- Swiss army knife
- Paper clips
- Safety pins
When Should You Hire a Professional?
Your car or house key breaking when you are in a hurry can be frustrating. In the heat of the moment, you may be tempted to pull out the key but doing that may just aggravate the problem. An expert locksmith can help you come out of that fix. At Prolocksmith, we offer emergency locksmith services including car key replacement and broken key extraction that will ensure that you get back to your schedule in no time. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
