How to take a broken key out of a lock?
If enough of the key sticks out to grip, fine pliers can sometimes draw it straight out, as long as you pull without turning. If it has broken flush or deeper, stop, because probing and turning tend to push it further in. A locksmith can usually get it out, often without replacing the lock.
Can a magnet remove a broken key?
Usually not. Most house keys are made of brass or nickel silver, and a magnet does not pull on either metal. Even a steel key tends to be held in place by the pins inside the lock, so a magnet on its own is unlikely to draw the piece out.
Is there a tool to get a broken key out of a lock?
Yes: locksmiths use broken key extractors, thin steel blades with a small hook or teeth that slide in beside the piece and catch its cuts. If part of the key sticks out, fine needle nose pliers sometimes work. Improvised tools such as paperclips and screws tend to push it deeper.
How do you get a broken key out of a lock with a paperclip?
Usually you cannot. A paperclip is soft, round wire with no hook or teeth, so it tends to slip off the key or push it further into the lock. If part of the key sticks out, fine pliers are a better bet; if not, leave it for a locksmith with an extractor.
Why do keys break in locks?
Keys usually snap under force. The Master Locksmiths Association lists turning a key that is not fully in, using the wrong key, forcing a jammed lock, holding the key while pushing the door, and earlier damage. It also finds that cheaper keys tend to have thinner blades, which break more easily.
How to remove a key that's stuck in a lock?
Stop pulling hard. Turn the key back to exactly where it was when it went in, ease the strain on the lock by pushing or pulling the door firmly into the frame, then wiggle the key gently while drawing it straight out. If it still will not move, get help before it snaps.
Can I get a key cut from a snapped key?
Usually, yes, if you have both pieces and the break is clean, because the halves can be fitted together and copied. If a piece is missing or bent, a locksmith can often cut a key from the lock itself instead. If the tip is still in the lock, it needs to come out first.
