What not to do when your key breaks inside a lock In both cases, do not keep forcing the key otherwise you run the very high risk of breaking the key inside the lock.
Again, this may be a sign you need to replace the lock. If the key isn’t turning in the lock, but has partially turned prior becoming stuck then this may indicate lock failure or incorrect operation of the lock. If it is not a recently cut key, this could be a sign you need to replace the lock. If the key still won’t turn, and it’s been recently cut, take it back to the key cutters to redo. Firstly, try a different key and, if you’re certain it is the correct one, lubricate the lock using a Teflon, silicone or graphite based lubricant as discussed above (not WD-40). If the key has not turned at all then this is likely to be because you have tried to use the incorrect key or a badly cut, worn or broken key. How far the key has turned before becoming stuck can give you some insight into the problem: Use your key correctly without too much force, and minimise risk of your key getting stuck in the lock half turned. If you’re in a rush, you’re carrying other items like shopping bags, or you have a stiff door lock (which you should be replacing), you are likely to apply excessive force to your key whilst trying to open your door. If you know which lock you need, check out our quality range of locks here. If you aren’t sure which lock you need, check out our article on the most common types of lock and which doors to use them with. If you suspect your lock isn’t working as smoothly as it should, we recommend replacing it sooner rather than later to ensure you don’t run the risk of breaking your key in the lock or, worse, a break-in occuring. You should instead use a lubricant that is Teflon, silicone or graphite based such as Du Pont Multi-Use. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant, and may remove any lubricant already in the lock cylinder. Contrary to popular belief, do not use something like WD-40 for doing this. To keep locks working smoothly we’d recommend lubricating them at least once a year. Locks will typically weaken due to a poor installation, extreme temperature changes, a buildup of debris in the internal mechanisms and/or rough key handling. If it’s hot, don’t leave them in direct sunlight and try to prevent sitting on them by not putting them in your back pocket. Only use keys for what they are intended for and try to keep them locked in smaller compartments within your bag so that they don’t travel and “bounce around” too much.
When your key is damaged, it’s much more likely to break off or get stuck inside your lock. For example, using your key to open parcels or tins of paint is likely to wear the teeth down and leaving the key in your back pocket or loosely “knocking around” in your bag can cause stress to the body making the key bend. What causes the key to weaken?Īs keys are made from soft metals they are prone to damage for seemingly innocuous uses beyond their intended purpose. Most importantly, manufacturing keys using soft metals makes them much less likely to damage the door lock as you insert it. Being made from a soft metal allows key cutting to remain cheap as well as much easier to alter if the first cut didn’t quite fit the lock it was made for. Keys are usually made from brass, soft metal and aren’t as strong as we might assume.
Lock kit with broken key extractor how to#
We’ll take a look at some of the common issues for keys breaking into locks and how to prevent these from happening. Alternatively, it may be that the lock is faulty or it’s mechanism has become clogged up with debris. Firstly, the key itself might have weakened over time making it more likely to snap when being turned, especially if done so with excessive force. Why do keys break in locks?Ī key might break in a lock for a number of reasons. In most cases, however, you should be able to resolve the problem yourself, quickly and cheaply, with a few household items.
Lock kit with broken key extractor plus#
You may think your only choice is to call out a locksmith which is likely to cost you upwards of £70 plus any new hardware that you need. A broken key in a lock can feel like an emergency.
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