A broken car key in a door lock can leave you stranded for hours, so you may need to find an immediate solution. Experts recommend finding emergency auto locksmith services to take care of your problem. Removing the key fragment on your own risks damaging the car lock. Brock's Lock & Key outlines a step-by-step process of gently removing a broken key from a car lock:
Step 1: Assess the Problem and Gather the Right Equipment
Broken key problems are all unique so evaluating the key’s position can help determine the method you will use. Professional locksmiths assess the situation first, and so should you.
It would help to find proper equipment for the job done before you start removing the key. Some of the must-have items for a key extraction include;
- A pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers
- Oil-based spray lubricant
- Narrow key extractor tool or paper clip
Using proper equipment minimizes the risk of damaging the car lock while making the extraction easier.
Step 2: Align the Cylinders
Keys often break while someone is turning the lock. If they are broken in the lock, they can be difficult to remove. Your broken key presses the pin tumblers down, allowing the cylinders to turn for the lock to open. A key fragment stuck in the lock may misalign the cylinders.
