What to Do When Your Key Breaks Inside the Lock

What to Do When Your Key Breaks Inside the Lock

A key breaking inside a lock can turn an ordinary day into a stressful situation. You may be trying to enter your home, open your business or lock the door before leaving when the key suddenly snaps. Part of the key remains in your hand while the other part becomes trapped inside the lock.

Although the situation is frustrating, taking the right steps can prevent additional damage. If you need professional assistance, A Lenny Locksmith West Palm Beach can remove the broken key, inspect the lock and help restore access without causing unnecessary damage to the door.

Stop Turning or Pushing the Broken Key

Your first reaction may be to push the remaining piece farther into the lock or attempt to turn it with another object. This usually makes the problem worse. The deeper the broken section travels into the keyway, the more difficult it becomes to remove.

Do not insert the other half of the key into the lock. The two pieces are unlikely to reconnect securely, and pushing the broken portion deeper may damage the lock’s internal pins.

Before trying anything, look closely at the lock. If part of the broken key is sticking out, removal may be possible. If the key is completely hidden inside the cylinder, professional tools will probably be needed.

Safe Steps You Can Try

If the broken key is visible and easy to reach, you can carefully attempt to remove it. Work slowly and avoid applying excessive pressure.

You may try the following:

• Make sure the lock is in its normal position. A key can be much harder to remove when the cylinder is partially turned.
• Apply a small amount of lock lubricant around the broken key. Use a lubricant designed for locks rather than cooking oil or heavy grease.
• Use narrow needle-nose pliers or strong tweezers to grip the exposed end of the key.
• Pull the key straight outward without twisting it from side to side.
• Stop immediately if the key begins moving deeper into the lock.

These methods should only be attempted when enough of the key is exposed to obtain a firm grip. Repeatedly scraping around inside the lock can bend internal components and turn a simple extraction into a complete lock replacement.

What You Should Not Use

Many online videos recommend improvised extraction methods, but some can permanently damage the lock. Avoid forcing household objects into the keyway.

Do not use:

• Super glue on the remaining half of the key
• Knives, scissors or oversized screwdrivers
• Magnets that can leave debris inside the lock
• Drill bits or power tools
• Heavy oils that attract dirt and clog the cylinder

Super glue is especially risky. It can spread onto the pins inside the cylinder and permanently seize the lock. Drilling should also be avoided unless performed by someone who understands the lock and has determined that replacement is necessary.

Why Keys Break Inside Locks

Keys often provide warning signs before they break. A key that feels difficult to turn should never be forced. The resistance may be caused by a worn key, a dirty cylinder, internal lock damage or a door that is no longer aligned properly.

Common causes include:

• An old, cracked or bent key
• A poorly made duplicate key
• Rust or corrosion inside the lock
• Florida humidity and exposure to coastal salt air
• A misaligned door or strike plate
• Loose hinges that cause pressure against the deadbolt
• Turning the key while pulling or pushing heavily on the door

West Palm Beach weather can be especially hard on exterior locks. Heat, moisture and salt in the air may cause metal components to corrode or become difficult to operate. Regular inspection and appropriate lubrication can help prevent a lockout.