Keys, those small but very important tools that let us in and keep us safe every day, can get worn out. Imagine this: you put your key in a lock, twist it a little, and all of a sudden, it breaks. And now you have a broken key stuck in door lock, and the door will not open. What should you do to fix this problem? Do not worry—this complete guide will help you handle broken key extraction and keep them from happening again.
Why Do Keys Break?
Keys damage easily, especially when they are old or used roughly. Also, exposure to water or very high or low temperatures can weaken the metal over time, making it more likely to break. Softer metal keys are also more likely to bend or break under pressure.
Risks that Come with Broken Keys
A broken key causes more problems than just inconvenience. It can be frustrating and take a lot of time to access a lock with a broken key in it. Also, be careful when handling broken keys because the sharp edges can hurt you. Additionally, if a piece of a broken key gets stuck inside the lock, it can make the lock less effective and possibly cause more damage. As a result, fixing or replacing the broken lock could cost more than thought, making the broken key problem even worse.
Things You Should Do if Your Key Breaks
Evaluate the Situation
If your key breaks inside the lock, you must figure out what kind of key it is and how badly it broke. The best thing to do will depend on what the important information is and how deep the break is.
Take Safety Measures
You need caution when handling a broken key. Forcing the broken part out of the way can make things worse. As important as fixing the lock is taking steps to keep the problem from getting worse.
DIY Broken Key Extraction Methods
You can get the broken key out of the lock with the help of easy tools like needle-nose pliers, a small screwdriver, or a key extractor tool kit. First, use the tool to slowly try to grab the part of the key that sticks out and carefully pull it out. Use WD-40 or graphite powder as a lubricant to help get the key out of locks where it is stuck deep inside. But do not use too much force; that will only make things worse.
Using a Broken Key Extraction Kit
If you have a broken key stuck in a lock, a broken key extraction tool can come in handy. Most of the time, these kits come with special tools for carefully taking out the broken key part from the lock. During the process, use tweezers, hooks, or other small tools to grab the stuck piece and pull it out without damaging the lock mechanism any further. It is important to follow the kit’s instructions and move carefully to keep things from getting worse. With these tools, you can get back your broken key without having to call a locksmith. It can save you time and money.
Getting Professional Help for Broken Key Extraction
When to Think About Hiring a Pro for Broken Key Extraction
If the broken key is stuck deep in the lock or if you try to fix it yourself and fail, you should get professional help right away. If you try to force the key out without the right skills, the problem could get worse, and the damage might become permanent.
Choosing a Locksmith or Professional Service
Check the qualifications, experience, and reliability of any locksmith or professional service you are considering hiring. Reading reviews or asking for tips can help you find a reliable professional who can fix the problem quickly and without doing more harm.
Preventing the Need for Broken Key Extraction
Maintenance Tips for Keys and Locks
Regular Cleaning
You should clean your keys and locks on a regular basis to get rid of dust, dirt, and buildup that might stop them from working properly. Brush or wipe the keys and the lock mechanism with a soft brush or cloth.
Lubrication
Put a little graphite powder or silicone-based lubricant on the key and gently push it into the lock a few times to spread the lubricant around. By doing this, you can guarantee smooth operation and avoid sticking or stiffness.
Do Not Use Too Much Force
Be gentle with keys and locks, and do not use too much force when turning the key. If the key will not turn, avoid forcing it to turn. Instead, look into why it will not turn.
Key Inspection
Look over your keys often for signs of wear, like cracks, breakages, or bending. If you see any problems, you might want to get a new key to keep the old one from breaking.
Weather Protection
Make sure that your locks and keys are safe from bad weather. To stop rust or rusting, you might want to use key covers or keep your locks in good shape.
Adjusting the Lock
If you notice any problems with the lock, like having trouble turning the key or a system that is not tight, you might want to have a professional locksmith look at it. Dealing with small problems right away can keep bigger ones from happening later.
It can be stressful to have a broken key, but it does not have to be if you know what to do and take the right measures. What causes keys to break, what to do when a key does break, when to get professional lock picker help, and how to avoid this problem are all important things to know in order to handle this problem easily.
Keep in mind that routine treatment and maintenance can greatly lower the chance of a key breaking. When you take care of your keys, they will do the same for you. With these tips and safety measures in mind, you will be more ready to deal with any broken key situation that comes up. It will go from being scary to being doable.
Locksmith Near Me
Looking for a reliable locksmith service? Sherman Oaks Lock & Safe is the only place you need to go! Broken key extraction, lock repairs, and door lock installation are only a few of the many services we offer. We put your safety and comfort first, so we offer 24/7 locksmith emergency assistance to fix any lock-related problem quickly. Our skilled locksmith on standby commits to giving you the best service possible, giving you peace of mind with every lock and key solution. Call us today to request pricing.
