Posted on January 19, 2023 18:31 by Izzy in Tips

How to Remove a Broken Key Without Damaging Your Lock

If you've ever had the misfortune of breaking a key in your lock, you know how frustrating and stressful it can be. But there's no need to panic! With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can remove a broken key from a lock without damaging the lock. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps you need to take to assess the situation, gather the right tools, and remove the broken key from your lock. So next time you find yourself in this predicament, don't hesitate to reach out for this article for guidance!

Assess the situation: what type of lock do you have?


If you've ever had the misfortune of breaking a key in your lock, you know how frustrating and stressful it can be. But there's no need to panic! With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can remove a broken key from a lock without damaging the lock. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps you need to take to assess the situation, gather the right tools, and remove the broken key from your lock. So next time you find yourself in this predicament, don't hesitate to reach out for this article for guidance!

The first step is to take a close look at your lock and determine what type it is. Is it a night latch lock, a deadlock, a padlock, or something else entirely? If you're not sure, take a picture of the lock and consult a locksmith or someone who is familiar with locks. Different types of locks require different techniques to remove a broken key, so it's important to know what type of lock you have.

Once you've determined the type of lock, gather the appropriate tools. You'll need something to insert into the lock at a perpendicular angle and apply pressure while turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. The pins should line up when the tool is in the correct position. Finally, slowly and carefully remove the broken key from the lock.

With these steps in mind, you'll be able to remove a broken key from your lock without damaging it. So next time disaster strikes, don't hesitate to refer back to this article for guidance!

Gather the right tools: a broken key extractor or a lock pick set


Different types of locks require different tools to remove a broken key. The first step is to determine the type of lock you have. If you have a pin tumbler lock, you will need a broken key extractor. If you have a wafer tumbler lock, you will need a lock pick set.

Once you've determined the type of lock, gather the appropriate tools. If you have a pin tumbler lock, you will need a broken key extractor. This tool is specifically designed to remove broken keys from pin tumbler locks without damaging the lock. Insert the tool into the lock at a perpendicular angle and apply pressure while turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. The pins should line up when the tool is in the correct position. Slowly and carefully remove the broken key from the lock.

If you have a wafer tumbler lock, you will need a lock pick set. This set includes a variety of different tools that can be used to remove broken keys from wafer tumbler locks. Insert the hook pick into the bottom of the keyway and apply pressure while turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. The pins should line up when the tool is in the correct position. Slowly and carefully remove the broken key from the lock.

With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can remove a broken key from any type of lock without damaging it.

Insert the tool: gently insert the broken key extractor into the lock or use a lock pick to find the correct pins


If you are having difficulty removing the broken key, you may need to use a lock pick set. Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the lock and apply pressure while turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. Then, insert the hook pick into the top of the lock and attempt to remove the broken key.

No matter what type of lock you have, be careful not to damage it while attempting to remove the broken key. If you are having difficulty removing the broken key, it is best to call a locksmith for assistance.

Turn the tool: rotate the broken key extractor or the lock pick until you feel the pins line up


To remove a broken key from a lock, the first step is to determine the type of lock and gather the appropriate tools. Insert the tool into the lock at a perpendicular angle and apply pressure while turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. The goal is to line up the pins so they can be removed easily. Finally, the broken key can be extracted slowly and carefully.

If you are having difficulty removing the broken key, it is best to call a locksmith for assistance.

Remove the broken key: slowly and carefully remove the broken key from the lock


To remove a broken key from a lock, first gather a pair of needle-nose pliers. If the key is difficult to grab, you may need to use a lubricant to help loosen it. Once you have a firm grip on the key, carefully and slowly pull it out of the lock. Be careful not to damage the lock as you remove the key. If you are having difficulty removing the broken key, it is best to call a locksmith for assistance.