Are you unable to enter your home because your key has unfortunately broken in the lock? This situation occurs most often in winter. In fact, it’s the season most prone to lock issues. The freezing cold leads to the formation of ice within the lock, preventing the key from entering and turning easily.
At this point, is it better to immediately contact a locksmith? Or to try and handle it yourself? It depends on several factors and the way the key broke in the lock. Here are some tips on how to get a broken key out of a lock before reaching out to a locksmith.
What to Do if the Broken Key Protrudes from the Lock?
First, start by spraying a lubricant into the lock. These lubricants are easily found in hardware stores and are very effective. Then, take a pair of needle-nose pliers and attempt to remove the broken key from the lock. Since the key is slightly protruding, it will be easier to grasp. If you don’t have needle-nose pliers, use a pair of tweezers or any other pointed pliers.
Extracting the broken key from your lock requires a lot of patience. Indeed, it’s possible that you might have to try several times before succeeding. If you don’t have much time, consider using the services of a locksmith. They can remove the broken key from your lock quickly with key extractors! Remember, knowing how to get a broken key out of a lock is a valuable skill, but sometimes professional help is the quickest solution.
What to Do if the Broken Key is Stuck Deep in the Lock?
Gather a few tools to attempt to remove the broken key from your lock. You’ll need a screwdriver as well as a piece of wire or a large metal paperclip. Inject a small amount of lubricant into the lock. Then, unscrew the faceplate and the inner knob. This way, you have access to the back side of the cylinder, which is the lock cylinder. Next, slide the wire into the cylinder and push the key. However, there’s no guarantee that this method will work because you’re not using specialized tools.
Have your attempts failed? You can also try to dislodge the broken key from the lock using a very small jigsaw blade or a coping saw blade. Gently push and grip the key with the blade. Slowly pull it out towards the outside of the lock hole. Remember, while attempting these methods, knowing how to get a broken key out of a lock with minimal damage is crucial, but these DIY approaches may vary in success.
Broken Keys in the Lock: Call a Locksmith in Montreal
Haven’t managed to extract the broken key from your lock? Opt for the services of a professional locksmith to solve your problem quickly. For residential or commercial interventions, the experts at Serrupro are at your disposal!
Serrupro boasts a team of over 10 locksmiths who provide emergency services in the Montreal metropolitan area. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These experienced locksmiths will know how to get the broken key out of your lock with care and efficiency. Working with a locksmith can save you a tremendous amount of time! Contact Serrupro without delay!