If your key breaks off in the lock of your front, you will start panicking. However, there is no need to worry, as you can rely on a reputable locksmith in Bartlesville, OK, to come to your rescue. Thankfully, there are few ways to remove the broken key without destroying your door or the lock.
The best method to remove the broken bit stuck in the lock depends on several parameters – how deep is the broken piece of key inserted inside the lock and the tools that you have at your disposal. Remember, even when a professional locksmith comes to you, they will have to repeat the (broken) key removal process before they can get the piece out.
A Word of Caution
If you believe that inserting the remaining part of the key and then trying to juggle open the door will be a successful endeavor, you are mistaken. If you do this, you will push the broken bit lodged in the lock further in. The farther back the blade of the key goes in, the more difficult it is to remove it out.
Hold on to the broken piece of the key; you can give it and the part stuck in the lock to your local locksmith in Bartlesville, who will be more than happy to cut a new key.
Preparing to Remove the Broken Key
While it is not necessary to prep up to remove the broken bit of the blade from the lock, it will make the entire process a little easier. Apply a little lubricant on to the keyhole. You can use WD-40, but be prepared for the lubricant to cause the internal system of the lock to jam. That is why it is best to use a graphite-based lubricant rather than an oil-based one.
Now you can begin the removal process using one of the following methods.
1. Tweezers
You will need tweezers that are slim enough get into the keyhole, wide enough to clasp the key and at the same time it should be able to fit along the sides of the key. Finding such tweezers will be a tall order. Also, if the blade of the key is inside, with no part protruding out, tweezers will not be of any assistance. So, use your tweezers only if a part of the key is protruding out of the keyhole. Otherwise, try another method to extract the broken bit.
2. Broken Key Extractor
Most locksmiths use this tool to get the broken bit out of the keyhole. Position the broken key extractor along the bitting of your key and then use it to hook the key’s teeth and then pull it out. Once you place the extractor along the bitting, just turn and pull and the broken key part should come out with relative ease.
3. Jigsaw Blade
Use a small jigsaw blade, one that is slim enough to fit into the keyhole along with the broken key. Here, smaller is better! Position the blade with the serrations pointing towards you. This will not only allow you to insert the blade more easily, but it will also help to hook the broken key bit. Using the key extractor method, just turn the jigsaw blade and pull, and the broken key should come out.
Remember, when your key breaks inside the lock. Stay calm, as no matter the type of lock, you will be able to extract the broken bit if you have the right tools and patience to do the job.