How to Handle a Broken Key in Your Lock

Can a locksmith fix a broken key? Absolutely. Broken keys are common, and locksmiths are well-equipped to handle locksmith emergencies like a fractured key.

If you’ve been using your keys to open Amazon boxes or slide a door toward you with the key in the lock, stop doing this, or you’ll end up with a broken key. Keys, being brass pieces, are susceptible to snapping or breaking in two due to metal fatigue and wear and tear from constant use or misuse.

When you’re locked out of your home after a long day at work, the last thing you want to deal with is a broken key. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how Locksmith United’s emergency locksmith services can help you prevent or manage broken keys in locks.

We’ll also provide tips on what to do if your lock breaks and how to avoid key-related issues. With Locksmith United’s extensive expertise and reliable services, you can trust that your security is in good hands.

Common Causes of Broken Keys in Locks

Do you sometimes pry things open with your key? Or even cut through plastic packaging using your key as part of a tool collection to open things?

Keys break from metal fatigue, excessive force, or misalignment during insertion or turning. Weather factors and wear and tear also affect the key structure, making it susceptible to snapping under pressure. Poorly lubricated or malfunctioning locks can also increase resistance, leading to key breakage.

If you have a key that won’t turn in a lock, don’t try to force it. Several factors can contribute to this issue, each requiring emergency locksmith services.

• Worn-Out Key or Lock: Over time, keys and locks can wear down, leading to misalignment and difficulty turning the key. Look at all your keys and check for signs of wear and tear or damage. If your key looks worn, locksmiths say, you should get a new key cut by a professional locksmith.
• Debris Inside the Lock: Dirt, dust, or other debris can accumulate inside the lock mechanism, preventing the key from turning. The best way to clean this is with WD-40.
• Incorrect Key Insertion: One of the most common causes of key breakage is improperly using or inserting the wrong key. If the key doesn’t insert smoothly, don’t force it, as this can cause damage.
• Lock Misalignment: If the lock is misaligned, the lock may bind, making it hard to turn the key. Inspect the door and frame for alignment issues. Call in a locksmith to make any adjustments.
• Frozen Lock: In freezing weather, moisture inside the lock can freeze, preventing the key from turning. In this case, you should pour warm water or use a hairdryer over the key and insert it into the lock to melt the ice. Don’t use excessive force to turn the key, as this can break it.
• Broken Key Inside the Lock: If a portion of the key has broken off, it will prevent the key from unlocking. You can try to extract the broken key fragment using needle-nose pliers or a key extraction tool. However, locksmiths are usually the best professionals to call. They will remove the broken key piece and check for any lock damage.

How To Remove a Broken Key in a Lock?

If a key breaks in a lock, you can usually push the broken piece into the lock with the other part of the key. Sometimes, broken keys will work. But the bigger problem is getting the broken key out of the lock. 

Pushing the fractured piece of key further into the lock to open it only makes it harder to reach. Even if the lock works with the broken key, you should call emergency locksmith services to remove it. 

Broken keys compromise your home or business security, and using a broken key can further damage your lock, making it inoperable. This could leave your property vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access.

• .Using Tweezers or Needle-Nose Pliers: If a part of the key is visible, gently grip it with tweezers or pliers and pull it out carefully to avoid pushing it more profoundly.
• Use a Broken Key Extractor Tool: This specialized tool is designed to slide into the lock and hook onto the broken key fragment for extraction. Insert the tool along the key’s groove, twist it to latch onto the key, and pull it out slowly.
• Using a Jigsaw Blade: A small blade can be an improvised extractor. Insert the serrated edge into the lock above the broken key, ensuring the teeth face backward. Gently maneuver the blade to hook the key and pull it out.

What To Do if the Key Won’t Turn in the Lock?

Dealing with a broken or snapped key in a lock won’t happen often, but when it does, you should be prepared with the assurance of emergency locksmith services always being available to support you. This knowledge can bring a sense of relief and peace of mind, knowing that help is just a call away.

A broken key can damage your lock. If your key breaks after you use your lock, you may be unable to reopen the door until the lock is fixed. But if your key breaks in the lock before the door is shut, you’ll be unable to lock it. This could put your home, car, or office at a greater risk of theft.

Locksmith United, a reputable and reliable locksmith service, offers emergency locksmith services 24/7 to extract broken keys from locks. Our team of experienced locksmiths can extract broken keys without causing more damage to the lock, ensuring your security is not compromised.

We understand the urgency of such situations and are always ready to assist. Remember, it’s always best to call a professional locksmith like Locksmith United to avoid an emergency lockout due to a broken key.

That said, always replace your keys with new keys when moving into a new home. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to gain access to your home or apartment without having to deal with broken keys or keys stuck in locks. 

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Key Breakages

• Coat your keys: By using lubricants like WD-40, you can ensure that they work correctly and prevent unexpected key breakages. Rustiness is a sign that your key is not in good shape.
• .Avoid Excessive Force: Gently insert and turn keys to reduce stress on the key and lock.

Replace Worn-Out Keys: Inspect keys for signs of wear, such as cracks or bends, and replace them immediately to prevent breakage. By taking this proactive step, you can ensure the safety and security of your home or business.

Upgrade Locks if Necessary: Consider replacing old or faulty locks to enhance security and reduce the risk of key breakage. By making this upgrade, you’ll be protecting your property and family.

Final Thoughts

Let’s say no one wants to deal with a broken key in a lock. This is one of the top reasons to call a locksmith. A reputable locksmith will help you return to your home in no time. 

Contact us at Locksmith United to replace your locks, fix your keys, and even remove a broken key from your lock. Emergency locksmith services help you with lock repairs 24/7 and are just a call away.

Broken locks in a home, business, or car usually require emergency locksmith services. Just remember you don’t need to fix a broken key yourself—a locksmith can help you get back inside much faster than trying to handle a broken key in your lock.