Removing a Key Stuck in Lock

There’s nothing more annoying than trying to open your front door and finding your house keys broke as you turn the lock and it gets stuck inside. This problem typically happens because the key is either worn-out or the lock was already too old. The key can get hooked on the lock pins and ruin the barrel of the lock. Situations like these can get quite frustrating, especially if it happens when you’re in a hurry.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to remove the key. Here are some tried and tested methods of removing a key stuck in lock:

Apply Some Spray Lubricant on the Lock Mechanism
Applying a small amount of spray lubricant on newer locks is effective in removing the stuck key. But you mustn’t use solvent-based lubricants like WD-40.

Although it’s a good multi-use product that is great for lubrication, its prolonged use on your locks can make the inside mechanism more susceptible to sticking. That’s because WD-40 can remove the already present lubricants inside the lock.

Instead, use dry graphite-based or Teflon-based lubricants on locks. These two won’t accumulate dirt and grime inside the lock as much and they are recommended by expert locksmiths.

Once you’ve applied the lubricant on the lock, you may be able to pull out the broken key using pliers. Slowly pull it out and try wiggling it a little bit. If the broken section is not sticking out far enough for the pliers, you can use tweezers to get it.

Use a Glue Stick
This method works better if the broken key still has some of its portion sticking out of the key hole. Do not attempt this if there’s not enough section of the key available. If you have a glue stick available, simply soften its tip and press it into the keyhole. Once it’s soft enough to mold to the key, let it cool off to harden before pulling out the key section.

Some would recommend that you use super glue to extract the broken key section out of the lock. But this is unadvisable as the super glue can stick to the other mechanisms of the lock and it can ruin it even more if done incorrectly. Should that ever happen, the only thing that you can do is to replace the lock altogether.

Contact a Professional Locksmith
If the earlier methods don’t work, it’s time to call in a professional locksmith to help you out with your problem. Professional locksmiths have the right skills and tools needed to easily pry out the key without damaging the internal mechanism.

Here at Oliphant Lock & Safe, we offer 24/7 locksmith services so that you won’t get stuck outside of your home because of a stubborn key. To learn more about our locksmithing services, contact us today!