The key in the door lock is broken: how to get it out without resorting to extreme measures

If you find yourself in a situation where the key in the door lock is broken and you don’t know what to do, further recommendations will definitely be useful to you. Unfortunately, everyone is at risk of encountering such a problem. Day after day, the castle wears out, dust gets inside, and not every owner provides proper care. In addition, the key can also cause damage if it is inserted incorrectly and accidentally breaks when trying to turn it. It’s good if the key is just slightly stuck and can be removed from the lock without damaging the lock. What to do if a piece of debris is lodged deep inside the mechanism and blocks access to the apartment?

The key in the lock is broken - such a nuisance can happen to anyone

Types and characteristics of locks

Door locks are conventionally divided into 3 groups according to installation method:

mortise;
mounted;
invoices.

The first type is one of the most aesthetic, since it is inserted directly into the entrance door leaf and is not conspicuous by its massiveness. These devices are best suited for metal doors.

Mortise locks can be called safe, since they can be additionally protected from breaking by special metal inserts.

The hinged version is rarely used in residential premises, since it is the simplest in structure: it is threaded through ordinary eyes. However, such mechanisms can well protect warehouses, cellars, basements and other outbuildings.

Overhead mechanisms are often placed on the door indoors, so they can protect against thieves if the owners are at home. Such a lock cannot be seen from the outside, and accordingly, attackers have no opportunity to break it.

Basic methods for opening lock mechanisms yourself

In addition to opening locks with original keys, there are several alternative methods.

Key selection. Most often used for cylinder mechanisms.
Door push-up. Allows access to the latch. Press on it with a knife or screwdriver, trying to get it out of the counter.
Impact with a screwdriver. They insert it into the secret part and try to turn it around.
Picking the lock. Involves drilling the cylinder and knocking out the levers.
Using chemicals. Filling the keyhole with acid or liquid nitrogen and rolling up the mechanism.

Necessary tools to remove the lock from the door

In order to get the rest of the key from the door well you may need:

Tweezers or pliers.
Screwdriver.
Small diameter screws.
2 thin awls or pins.
File.
Drill.
Jigsaw.
Lubricants: machine oil, wd-40 or brake fluid.

It is by pouring lubricant into the lock field that you need to start working. Wait 10-20 minutes until the oil is distributed over the surface, this will greatly simplify the process of pulling out the broken remnant. Immediately after this, they begin to extract the key.

Ways to solve the problem

There are five main ways to help repair a broken lock with a key stuck in it.

If it breaks successfully

Sometimes keys in keyholes break successfully. In this case, part of the product sticks out 5-6 millimeters. This is enough to remove it with tweezers or small pliers.

To remove such a key, you need to pour any lubricating fluid into the well.

Experts recommend using WD-40, as it is the most suitable product. However, if it is not at hand, you can use solid oil, gasoline and or machine oil. The solution is left in the lock for half an hour so that it penetrates deep into the structure. Then you need to carefully pry the key with pliers and pull it towards you. This must be done very carefully so as not to break it.

Using superglue

There are other simple ways by which you can get a product that has broken in the lock. The easiest method is to use superglue. This method is considered effective because it can be used to remove a key that is stuck deep inside.

When using this technique, it is necessary to carefully treat both parts of the broken key with glue. In this case, you must follow the instructions for using the adhesive. When the parts stick together, you need to try turning the key. This must be done slowly and carefully so as not to break it again. If it breaks, you will have to repeat the procedure or use other methods of removing door keys.

We use a jigsaw

A jigsaw is a common tool in the construction industry, which consists of a frame and a saw. Many people believe that it is only used for sawing wood, but this is not true. This tool can also be used to remove a stuck key from a keyhole.

To work with lock structures, you only need a jigsaw blade and therefore it must be unscrewed from the frame in advance. The removed blade is installed in the key hole so that the teeth of the file are directed upward. Then the installed fork is turned so that it catches on the stuck key. After this, the file is carefully removed from the hole along with the object stuck in it.

Magnet

Sometimes people don't have a jigsaw or superglue on hand that could be used to restore the lock's functionality. In this case, you can use an ordinary magnet. However, before using it, you need to pry off the stuck part of the product using a thin needle. Then a magnet is applied to it, which pulls out the key. It must be remembered that it is not always possible to magnetize metal products. Experts recommend using neodymium-type magnets, which are capable of magnetizing all types of metals.

Self-tapping screw

Some wrenches have a wide cross-section, which allows for unusual methods of removing stuck parts. For example, for this you can use ordinary self-tapping screws, which will have to be screwed into the broken part of the key. However, before screwing it in, you need to drill a special hole. Then a metal screw is inserted into it. When it is securely fixed inside, it is carefully removed from the well using pliers.

How to get a broken key out of a keyhole

First, you should try to disassemble the lock to the maximum possible level if the door is already open. To do this, unscrew all the bolts with a screwdriver, use pliers or ordinary tweezers to pull out the fragment, and then the mechanism is cleaned and generously lubricated. Immediately after this, the castle is reassembled.

In cases where it is not possible to get into the house in any other way, the problem can be solved using one of the simple methods:

Using awls or pins

Two thin awls (or pins) are inserted into the gaps between the key and the lock at the top and bottom.
With light rocking movements, the fragment is gradually pulled out.

Using small screws

A hole with a diameter suitable for the existing screws is drilled in the middle of the fragment.
One self-tapping screw is carefully screwed into the hole, and then slowly pulled out along with the rest.

Using a jigsaw file

Using pliers or metal scissors, cut off the fasteners from the jigsaw file.
The tool is placed under the lower edge of the fragment, with the teeth facing towards you.
Turn the teeth towards the key post and try to push it outwards with a pulling motion until this is not possible.

Preventive actions

It’s easier not to think about what to do if the key is stuck in the lock, but simply to avoid stalemate situations. To do this, follow simple recommendations:

Don't let children play with locks. It seems funny, but the “lion’s share” of such situations arise precisely because of this. Most often, children insert foreign objects into the well, such as paper, cocktail straws, and other things.
Watch the level of the loops. Yes, misaligned hinges can cause the key to be positioned incorrectly. If you see that the gap in the box is uneven, call an installer for adjustment.
No need to slam the door! This may cause the pins to become deformed.
Lubricate the well regularly with penetrating lubricants. A regular WD or Valera will do.
In case of the first jamming, call a lock repairman. Perhaps it's time to change it.
If you duplicate keys, contact large companies; they are not responsible for quality, so you definitely shouldn’t trust them!
Check the key itself periodically. It should not be crooked or figure eight. It is also recommended to inspect it for cracks. They can be small and tend to appear in the most delicate areas.

What to do if the rest of the key is not retrieved

If all methods have been tried, but the fragment stubbornly refuses to leave the keyhole, you can try one of the following methods:

Pulling out the lock cylinder

If you remove the cylinder - one of the key elements of the locking mechanism - the debris can be easily cleaned out and the door can be opened with a screwdriver:

if the cylinder is in a protruding position.

Its end is clamped with a gas or other round key and rolled up, and then the lock is opened with a flat screwdriver;

if the cylinder does not protrude.

Any type of nail puller will help: first remove the top cover, and then, according to the previous algorithm, use a gas wrench.

Drilling a cylinder

You can drill out the central part of the lock with a drill:

use a drill with a diameter of 6-10 mm to pull out the cylinder;
the damaged cam of the mechanism is pulled out;
Use a bent screwdriver or thick wire to move the lock bolt and open the door.

Pulling out the fragment with a metal tube

You will need a brass or copper tube:

the diameter must correspond to the remaining outside part of the key;
pressing strongly, the tube is put on the protruding pin;
using a soldering iron, melt the end of the tube;
the tube is attached to the fragment in the lock, waiting for it to completely harden;
With a sharp movement, the auxiliary part is pulled out along with the rest of the key.

But the video will tell you how to open interior doors without a key.

What additional services can a door opening specialist provide?

Specialists not only open locks and leave the customer with an open door, but also solve the problem comprehensively. If a certain element of the locking mechanism fails, the technician can replace it. In addition, the service specialist, having found out the cause of the malfunction, may advise replacing the lock with a more complex and reliable one. Craftsmen always have new locking mechanisms and door hinges in their arsenal, which may be required for the normal opening and closing of the door.

In addition to door locks, the service, represented by its specialists, provides services such as opening safes and cars - this is also considered an emergency situation that requires a quick solution.

Who should I contact for help?

If there is a piece of key left in the lock and it is impossible to open the door without outside help, you should call special services:

Housing office, house management company.

Specialists should come to you within 1 hour and try to solve the problem in a gentle way. At the same time, they have the right to demand that you present documents proving your residence in the apartment.

If the living space is rented, you should call the owners in advance and ask them to come with documents.

Commercial services.

Having found the phone number of such a company on the Internet or on leaflets next to mailboxes, you should make sure that their employees are ready to provide their work permits and a service agreement.

For their part, they have the right to demand a passport confirming registration in an apartment or house with a jammed lock. Some companies do without presenting documents, but you will have to pay several times more for their services.

If, while solving a problem, it is necessary to break the door, for an additional fee some services can restore the integrity of the entrance to the apartment or house and install a new lock.

How to ensure the safety of your home when opening doors

Calling such a master does not threaten the owner in the future. The service guarantees the safety and integrity of the home and enters into an agreement with the owner, where he undertakes to pay for the work, and the master agrees to non-disclose information about the lock mechanism in the apartment.

The master’s task is not only to open the door without a key, but also to ensure the safety of the customer’s home

How to quickly open a lock

Before carrying out all work, the lock is generously lubricated, and only after 20 minutes do they begin to remove the broken key.
The fragments should not be thrown away: if there are no additional keys, you can quickly make new ones in the nearest workshop - a specialist will restore the shape from the remains.
It is worth involving your neighbors in the process, since they will provide all possible physical assistance, allow you to call the customer service and prove your residence in the apartment if you do not have documents with you.

If a piece of the key remains in the lock and prevents the door from opening, you can use several gentle methods. They will not damage the mechanism and will protect you from the need to purchase new equipment. If these methods do not help, you will have to use additional tools, but then the integrity of the lock will be compromised.

Sometimes you cannot do without additional services from specialists, which can be obtained from a management company or a commercial company. To avoid such problems, the easiest way is to regularly monitor the condition of the lock, lubricate and clean it.

Extreme measures

Extreme measures to open a door lock if the key accidentally breaks are unlikely to suit any owner. However, sometimes you cannot do without them. If all of the above methods have brought absolutely no results, and you need to get into the house very urgently, then grit your teeth and break down the entrance.

One way is to cut off the lock bolts. To do this, they must be visible in the gap between the canvas and the box. A hacksaw or grinder is suitable for the job. You can also cut out the lock, but in this case the door will become unusable. True, the metal can be welded in the form of an insert and bring everything back to normal. Another option is to cut off the loops. This is not always possible, since modern designs have special protection and anti-removal bolts.

To avoid getting into such a situation, you should regularly inspect the mechanism and lubricate the lock. If jamming is detected, the lock must be repaired immediately. Also pay attention to the condition of the key: if it is bent or broken, trouble is not far off and it is better to throw it away.

Possible causes of the malfunction

Manufacturing defects.
As a rule, these are the consequences of its illiterate installation, and problems with the lock appear quite quickly.
Increased wear of parts. By the way, this often happens if “not native” keys are used, but duplicates. Moreover, they are made according to the sample without removing and disassembling the locking device.
Keyhole clogged.
Neglecting the requirements for periodic lubrication of the mechanism.
Gradual deformation (distortion) of the door block or leaf. This is the case when thinking about how to open a jammed lock is a waste of time. Most likely, you will have to either remove the canvas or cut off the loops (depending on their type).
The defects are in the key itself. Many people use it not only for its intended purpose, but also as an improvised screwdriver, bottle opener, and the like. Naturally, over time, such a key in the lock becomes more and more difficult to turn, and at a certain moment (usually the most inopportune one) it jams.
Hacking attempt.

Next, you should evaluate the complexity of the malfunction and your capabilities.
For example, if a metal door is jammed, then you obviously cannot do without a special tool. And you will definitely need outside help. If it is wooden and fairly new, then solving the problem by knocking out the canvas is also inappropriate. And only after analyzing all the factors can you make a rational decision on what to do in the event that the door is deformed or the lock is broken.

Bad advice

Some “craftsmen” advise using super glue when opening it, supposedly capable of gluing torn pieces of metal together. Of course, the “method” is flawed. Even the best glue is not able to bind two fragments together enough to pull the piece out. Often the fragment becomes jammed, which makes removal more difficult. The situation can be worsened if chemical elements of the glue get inside the lock. Then it will not be possible to remove the fragment “painlessly”, and the larva will have to be replaced.

Another unfortunate example is the proposal to remove the key using a steel wire. In some cases, this can actually work, but it will require considerable skill.