Key Broke Off in Lock? 4 Best Tips and Tricks to Fix It

We’ve all been there! Those situations are when we’re late for work or an important event and we try to lock the door in a hurry, but we end up breaking the key inside the lock. This can be very frustrating, but there’s no need to panic.

There are several things you can do when your key breaks off inside the lock. This post explores some of the most effective DIY tricks that you can use to remove a broken key from your lock and the best ways to avoid it in the future.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Why Would a Key Break in a Lock?

Part 2: What Are the Next Steps to Take After a Key Breaks in a Lock?

Part 3: How to Fix Broken Keys in Locks?

Part 4: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Broken Key Out of a Door Lock?

Part 5: When Should You Seek Help from a Professional Locksmith?

Part 6: Important Tips to Prevent Broken Keys in The Future

Bonus: Best Way to Avoid a Broken Key in a Door Lock

Conclusion

FAQs

Part 1: Why Would a Key Break in a Lock?

A key might break in a lock due to different reasons. We’ve outlined some of them below;

Your key might have weakened over time. This is because most metal keys are designed using soft metals (like brass and nickel).
Applying too much pressure while turning the key can cause it to snap in a lock.
Dirt, grime, or rust inside a lock can also obstruct smooth key movement, causing the key to break.
If your key is designed with poor-quality metal alloys, they are more prone to breaking.

Part 2: What Are the Next Steps to Take After a Key Breaks in a Lock?

There’s no need to panic when your key breaks in a lock. Here are immediate actions you can take in such a situation;

Stay Calm: Panicking when your key breaks inside your lock can lead to hasty decisions that may worsen the situation.

Assess the Situation: Check if any part of the key is sticking from the lock. If the key broke inside your lock before shutting the door, do not lock the door to avoid getting locked out of your home.

Do Not Use the Remaining Key Piece: Inserting the broken part of the key may push it further inside, and this will make the removal process more difficult.

Determine Your Next Step: If the key is visible, you may try extracting it yourself using the tips we recommend. If not, seek professional assistance.

Part 3: How to Fix Broken Keys in Locks?

There are four ultimate DIY techniques that you can use to fix a broken lock using the tools mentioned below.

Tools Required to Remove Broken Keys From Locks

You need several tools to remove a broken key from your lock. So, before you attempt the removal proceeds, gather the following tools;

Needle-nose Pliers: they have long, thin tips that allow you to grip the broken key from inside the lock.
Tweezers: they are more effective for gripping small key pieces that have just tiny part accessible.
Paperclip: it can act as a makeshift extractor by sliding into the keyway alongside the broken key.
Broken Key Extractor Tool: they are often used by professional locksmiths.
Jigsaw Blade: It’s very effective for removing deep-seated key fragments.
Super Glue: a small drop of super glue can bond the broken key and pull it out.
WD-40 or Graphite Powder Lubricant: they make the extraction of a broken key easy by loosening the key inside the lock.

Method 1: Using Tweezers or Pliers

use nose plier to fix key broke in a lock

Using a tweezer or a needle nose plier is a go-to solution if the broken key is sticking out of the lock. To do this, you must first apply lubricant inside the lock to loosen the broken key. Then, use the tweezer or needle-nose plier to grip the broken key fragment and gently pull it out without twisting.

Method 2: Paperclip or Jigsaw Blade

use paperclip to fix key snap off in a key

If the broken key is deep inside the lock or flush with the keyway, using a paperclip (or bobby pin) might be the perfect solution.

Insert the paperclip (or bobby pin) into the lock alongside the broken key.
Once done, Hook onto the broken key piece and pull it out of the lock.

Method 3: Super Glue

The super glue method is quite tricky, but can be a remedy if done accordingly. To do this, dab a small amount of super glue on the end of a matchstick or thin wire. Then, press it against the broken key for at least 10 seconds.

Once you notice the matchstick (or thin wire) is bond to the tip of the broken key, slowly pull the glue stick away from the lock.

Important note: Do not use too much glue, as it might cause the key to be permanently stuck.

Method 4: Using a Broken Key Extractor

In the case where the broken key cannot be pulled out using any of the methods above, you can resort to using a broken key extractor. However, this technique requires patience and skill. A slight mistake can push the broken key further into the lock.

Here is how it works;

Insert the extractor tool along the key’s ridges.
Twist and pull gently to remove the broken key.

Part 4: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Broken Key Out of a Door Lock?

The cost of professional key extraction varies depending on location and complexity: However, here is an estimate;

DIY Methods: Free to minimal cost (under $10 for lubricant and tools)
Locksmith Service: $50 - $160, depending on emergency call fees

While a locksmith might seem a bit expensive, it’s important to assess the situation properly before using any DIY method.

Part 5: When Should You Seek Help from a Professional Locksmith?

While DIY methods work in many cases, professional help is needed when:

The key is too deep inside the lock.
DIY removal attempts have damaged the lock.
The lock is old, rusted, or misaligned.
You need a new key cut or lock rekeying.

A professional locksmith has access to better tools that will remove the broken key without compromising your lock itself. You can find a reliable locksmith online by searching “professional locksmith within my area.”

Part 6: Important Tips to Prevent Broken Keys in The Future

Here are several tips you can implement to prevent your keys from breaking inside the lock in the future.

Use High-Quality Keys: Invest in durable keys made from sturdy materials.
Avoid Excessive Force: If a key doesn’t turn easily, do not force it.
Lubricate Locks Regularly: Apply graphite powder or WD-40 periodically to keep locks smooth.
Replace Old Keys: Worn-out keys should be replaced before they weaken and break.
Keep a Spare Key: Having a backup key reduces the need to use a single key excessively.

Bonus: Best Way to Avoid a Broken Key in a Door Lock

Traditional keys are prone to wear and tear and susceptible to breakage. The best way to prevent key-related issues is to switch to a keyless smart lock.

The eufy FamiLock S3 Max is one of the most reliable keyless locks that offers a highly secure and convenient alternative to traditional locks.

Unlike regular keyless locks, this smart lock uses palm vein technology, allowing you to unlock your door with your palm vein. It works with the Matter smart home standard, which enables you to integrate it with any smart home ecosystem without complications.

Key Features:

Palm Vein Unlocking: It uses palm vein unlocking for faster and more accurate unlock, making it impossible to forge.
3-in-1 Lock, Camera, and Doorbell: Boasts a 5MP 2K camera that allows you to get a full-body view of visitors, along with a built-in 4" screen for enhanced monitoring.
Power Duo™ Technology: It’s equipped with a 15,000mAh rechargeable lithium battery with 4 AAA backup batteries for extended usage.
Advanced Smart Home Integration: Supports the Matter protocol, which allows for seamless connectivity with Apple Home, Google Home, SmartThings, and other platforms.
Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity: It’s the first eufy smart lock with Wi-Fi 6. It allows you to enjoy faster and more secure wireless connections.

Conclusion

There you have it! By following the steps and using preventive measures, you can avoid the hassle of broken keys and ensure your locks remain in good working condition. If you’re tired of dealing with traditional keys, consider upgrading to a eufy Smart Door Lock for a hassle-free and secure solution.

FAQs

Can you get a broken key out of a lock with a paperclip?

Yes. However, this depends on the part of the key that snapped into the lock and how it’s positioned. If a paperclip can be used, you can use it as a makeshift extractor by inserting it alongside the broken key and pulling it out.