What to do if the key in the lock is broken - how to get it out, what methods of opening it are. The key in the lock is broken, what should I do, how can I get it out? The key broke off

While door lock systems are becoming more and more complex and reliable, the keys, unfortunately, are not becoming stronger. What to do if the key in the lock is broken? Many are in a hurry to remove the blocked element and install a new mechanism, but there are more humane ways to preserve the integrity of the lock.

Reasons for key failure:

  • gradual wear of the metal of the key and parts of the locking mechanism as a result of prolonged use;
  • improper operation of the door (inserting a key from another lock, excessive mechanical force, sudden slamming of the door);
  • low quality key blanks or poorly made duplicates.

If the key breaks in an intermediate position

The key can only be removed from the door when it is locked in its initial or final position. How to remove a broken key from a lock when it is stuck in an intermediate position?

  • First of all, you should spray WD-40 aerosol (in extreme cases, any lubricant will do) inside the core.
  • Try tightening the key using a piece of key or a screwdriver.
  • If this method does not work, you can remove the key only after removing the pins. Drilling out the pin holders is not very difficult, but not everyone can put everything back together - it’s easier to change the cylinder.

How to remove a broken core key from a mortise lock

In such locking mechanisms, you just need to carefully remove the side cover. After the fragment has been removed, the lock is installed back in the door and continues to function. However, to prevent the situation from recurring, it would not be superfluous to lubricate its internal mechanism.

How to remove a key if part of it is protruding from the keyhole

  • The most common way to remove a piece of debris that is stuck in a lock is to snag it with pliers. This is a very delicate work, which includes the process of securely grasping the key and further manipulating it: you should slightly swing the key and gradually pull it towards you. Considering that it is possible to hook only a minimal area of ​​the key, this is quite difficult to do. It also happens that it is not possible to hook a fragment with pliers due to its small size, then try to arm yourself with a thinner tool - tweezers.
  • You can get the key out of the door quite easily and quickly if you drill a hole in the end of the stuck piece and screw in a self-tapping screw. Then you need to spray WD-40 into the well and, carefully shaking it, use pliers to pull out the screw with the key that is stuck.
  • There is a way to remove a broken door key using a pair of well-sharpened awls. Each of them must be inserted into the keyhole on both sides of the fragment. After this, you should firmly grasp and squeeze the fragment, and then pull the awls towards you, dragging the fragment forward. Instead of an awl, you can use a regular long sewing needle.
  • Many craftsmen advise trying to remove a broken key using a file (blade) for a hand jigsaw. The file must be inserted with the teeth up into the keyhole, and then carefully move it until the teeth pry up the fragment. As soon as the tool securely adheres to the key, you need to smoothly, without jerking, pull it towards you along with the key.
  • The most accessible and quite effective method is the method of extracting the door key using a fishhook. If it is hardened, it must be heated and bent, and then the tip with a notch must be inserted into the hole. As soon as the fragment is caught, you need to pull it towards you. Repeated repetitions guarantee a successful outcome of this operation; moreover, a hook cannot disable the secret of the lock.
  • If the broken part of the key is not too deformed, you can buy superglue and try to connect the parts of the key. To do this, glue is applied to the accessible part of the key, then it is inserted into the lock and sharply pressed against the broken part. After waiting a little for the glue to harden, you need to smoothly remove the glued key. Be sure to keep in mind that doing this is very dangerous: the key may not “grab”, and the glue will smear the internal cavities of the well and ruin the secret mechanism of the lock. Naturally, even if the extraction operation is successful, this key should no longer be inserted into the lock.
  • You can use a powerful neodymium magnet to remove the broken key. Of course, this is only possible if the key is made of a material that interacts with magnetic fields.
  • The option of extracting the key using a steel wire is relevant only when there are no tools available. Thin steel wire is easiest to find in such conditions. It is also inserted into the hole in order to hook the fragment and remove it. It will take a long time to do this, and achieving results will not be easy.

Despite the numerous ways to remove a broken door key, it is very difficult to do, and the expected result is not always achieved. You should not repeat unsuccessful attempts many times, so as not to aggravate the situation. It is better to contact a lock repair service. In this case, the visible part of the broken key must be saved in order to show it to the master. An experienced employee will remove the key if possible, or carefully remove the door lock when nothing can be done.

Sometimes a problem arises when the key in the door lock breaks. This is a rather unpleasant situation, but if you follow simple recommendations, you can find a way out of it on your own. In this case, it is important not to panic, so as not to cause even more harm. How to remove a broken key from the cylinder?

Reasons for a key breaking inside a lock

The following are the main reasons why breakdowns occur:

  • wear of the lock and key;
  • entry of dirt and foreign objects into;
  • incorrect opening of the lock;
  • attempts to turn the key in the lock using various tools;
  • use of low-quality keys.

Types and characteristics of locks

The following types of locks are distinguished:

1. By type of fastening:

  • . These are locks, the fastening of which is carried out by threading the bow into the eyes. are easy to install and replace. However, they have rather low burglary resistance. Scope of application: sheds, warehouses, basements, garages.
  • . These are the most commonly used locks, installed directly inside the door leaf. It is advisable to embed them into metal doors, where they are protected from drilling by a sheet of metal. The locking mechanism must have high resistance to tampering, secrecy, reliability and durability.
  • . Installed on the surface of the door leaf. Can be used for wooden and metal structures. They are characterized by ease of installation, repair and replacement, but they are not sufficiently resistant to hacking attempts.

2. By type of locking mechanism:

  • Crossbars (rack and pinion). Inside them there is a crossbar with teeth and machined grooves. These locks have low burglary resistance, so their use to protect valuable items is not recommended.
  • Level ones. This is the most reliable type of lock with a secret part in the form of plates (levers). The larger the lever, the more reliable (preferably 6-8). Often, lever locks can be combined with other security systems.
  • . The design of the lock includes a mechanism consisting of a cylinder, a cylinder and a lever mechanism. Cylinder locks are characterized by high reliability. They are single- or double-sided, single- or double-row.
  • . Used to protect gates, access doors and interior spaces. They do not require a key, but due to their low security level their use is limited.
  • Electromechanical. They are similar in design to traditional mechanical locks, but can be opened and closed remotely. They can be mortise or overhead.

Required Tools

How to get a broken key out of a door lock? The work is carried out using the following tools:

  1. screwdriver;
  2. hairpin;
  3. pliers;
  4. pliers;
  5. tweezers;
  6. jigsaw;
  7. hammer, etc.

As a rule, it is enough to use only 2-3 of these tools.

Debris recovery methods

To extract a broken key, different methods are used, which are grouped as follows:

  1. Gentle. You can try to remove the piece without destroying the lock. First, it is recommended to lubricate the lock with oil or grease. Next, the fragment can be pulled out with tweezers or pliers.
  2. With the lock removed/damaged. If gentle methods are not effective enough, it is necessary to disassemble the lock. Sometimes it can be restored, but usually it needs to be completely replaced.
  3. Rough. Sometimes traditional methods of removing debris are useless. We have to resort to brute force breaking the door. Instead of trying to break the door yourself, it is better to turn to professionals.

In some situations, they try to glue key fragments together with glue. However, this method is ineffective, since there is a possibility of the fragment becoming jammed, which further complicates the matter. Also, chemical elements may get inside the lock, which will require replacing the cylinder.

Gentle methods

How to remove a broken key from the cylinder? This can be done in the following ways:

  • Self-tapping screw. Applies only to thick keys. It involves drilling a hole at the break point and screwing a self-tapping screw into the lock. Then the self-tapping screw is grabbed with pliers and removed along with the fragment.
  • Jigsaw file. This is one of the most effective ways. The file must be inserted under the key and turned so that the teeth are located on top. The fragment is grabbed and removed.
  • Fishing hook. This is a rather difficult but effective method. To remove the remains of the key, unbend the hook by inserting the serrated tip into the hole. When the key is engaged, you must carefully pull it towards you.
  • Pliers. Pliers are in demand when there is a large piece of debris protruding from a keyhole. First you need to lubricate the lock, and then pull out the key. Everything must be done carefully, without using excessive force.
  • Vibration. This technique is recommended if the key inside the disc lock breaks. First, the pins are lubricated. Next, using a thin screwdriver, the code elements are installed in their original position. Then the lock is tapped with a hammer. Under the influence of vibration, the fragment is pulled out and removed using pliers.
  • Pulling out the fragment with a metal tube. Recommended for lever locks. You need to take a copper or brass tube that fits onto the protruding pin. Next, you should melt its end with a soldering iron and attach it to the fragment. After hardening, the tube must be pulled out along with the broken key.

Methods involving removing/damaging the lock

If it is impossible to remove the fragment, the following basic methods are used:

  • Pulling out. The following algorithm of actions is provided: the end of the cylinder is clamped with a gas key and rolled up, and then the locking mechanism is opened with a screwdriver. If the larva cannot be removed, you must first remove the decorative trims and return them after replacing the larva.
  • Prying the core. Using an awl or pin, you can pry off the lock cylinder. The tool is inserted into the keyhole, then the bolts of the secret mechanism are raised. You need to work more carefully, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the lock.
  • Drilling the cylinder. It is possible to drill out the cylinder mechanism using a drill. Then it turns a little and is removed from the door.
  • Knocking out the lock. The cylinder can be knocked out with a hammer after first removing the armor plate. However, in this case the lock will need to be replaced.
  • Dismantling the lock. You can disassemble the lock into parts after removing it from the door leaf. This method is highly reliable. However, it can only be realized if the door is open.

Rough Methods

Breaking the door is required when other methods are ineffective, there are children in a locked house, or there is heavy smoke in the room. It is highly advisable not to bring it to this point, but to invite highly qualified specialists with extensive experience and specialized tools.

The main methods of breaking a door include cutting off the lock bolts with a grinder. It is possible to cut out the lock, but this may damage the door. You can also consider the option of cutting off the hinges, but this is not always feasible due to the presence of special protection on many doors.

You should periodically inspect the mechanism and lubricate the lock. It is recommended to immediately repair the secret mechanism if jamming is detected. It is advisable to avoid using a bent or broken key.

Who should I contact for help?

If you are unable to solve the problem on your own, it is recommended to seek help from highly qualified professionals:

  • Housing office. Specialists usually arrive no later than 1 hour. They try to open the door through gentle techniques. Masters have the right to demand an identity card from the owner of the apartment. If the living space is rented, it is necessary to agree with the owners so that they arrive with documents.
  • Commercial services. Before contacting employees of commercial companies, you need to make sure that they have special work permits and a service agreement. In turn, they may demand from the owner of the apartment a passport confirming registration in the living space. If companies do not have the necessary documents, fees for services may increase significantly.

How to prevent the key from breaking in a door lock?

  • You need to insert the key into the hole as carefully as possible.
  • It is recommended to periodically clean and lubricate the lock.
  • It is necessary to use the keys that are suitable for the specific type of lock.
  • It is advisable to regularly check the lock for dirt.
  • You should purchase special tools that will allow you to solve the problem in a timely manner.

In general, you can solve the problem of a broken key in a lock on your own, but in particularly difficult situations you should seek the help of professionals. To prevent such situations in the future, try to install high-quality locks and keys, and also follow all the basic rules for preventing malfunctions.

Locks are becoming very difficult to open these days. Lock systems have become more complex, but the keys have not become stronger. Consequently, no one is immune from such a nuisance as a key breaking in a lock.

You will need

  • Thin jigsaw file
  • Pliers
  • A piece of iron wire
  • Super glue

Instructions

1. In order to get a broken key in a lock, you need to take a thin file from a jigsaw, and then insert it into the lock so that the teeth of the file are located upward. After this, you need to turn the file so that it catches on the key. Next, you need to carefully, without jerking, pull out the file together with the key fragment.

2. If a piece of the key is sticking out of the hole, you can use ordinary pliers. The main thing is to firmly grasp the fragment in such a way as to pull out the key.

3. If the key fragment is not visible from the outside, then pliers will not help. You need to try to remove the key using a piece of iron wire.

4. If there is a possibility of dismantling the palace, then this would be the best solution. In this case, the tea can be kept in working order and there is less chance of damaging it.

5. You can also try to remove the key fragment using superglue. To do this, you need to purchase superglue, apply it to the rest of the key and carefully insert it into the palace. After this, you should slightly press the parts of the key, wait, and carefully remove the whole key. Later, it’s better not to use this key.

One of the most common problems encountered during operation cars, – jamming of the front door lock. To find out the cause of the breakdown, you need to pull out lock from cars. You can do this operation yourself, without resorting to car service.

You will need

  • – Phillips screwdriver;
  • – slotted screwdriver;
  • – pliers;
  • – wrenches number 8 and 10;
  • – marker.

Instructions

1. In order to pull lock from the front door cars, lift the window and remove the trim. To do this, take a Phillips screwdriver and pry it off the part that is the armrest plug. Remove the plug by hand. Unscrew the three fastening screws located in the armrest recesses using a Phillips screwdriver. Insert the end of a slotted screwdriver between the trim of the handle located on the window regulator and the socket. Separate the handle trim from the socket by pressing them apart. Remove the handle cover material. Pull out the socket and the handle itself from the door. Remove the trim material from the small lock lever by prying it off with a slotted screwdriver. Using a slotted screwdriver, press out the seven plastic clips that secure the upholstery, located on the side of the door. Pull the trim down and remove it from the inside door handle.

2. Proceed to remove the lock. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two rear groove screws located on the end of the door. Lower it a little lock and remove the tongue from the groove. Move lock to the side. Disconnect the button rod that closes lock. Disconnect the switch rod located on the outside of the door.

3. Unscrew the nut securing the front channel using a number 8 wrench. Move the plastic plug, lower the channel down and disconnect it from the rotary glass frame. Remove the front channel from the door. Remove the two screws located on the front door handle using a Phillips screwdriver. Push the handle into the door. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the three screws located at the end of the door that secure lock. Take out lock from the door together with the handle and pull. Remove the three lock retaining bolts using a number 10 wrench. Remove the lock retainer.

Video on the topic

Note!
It is best to carry out all types of work while wearing protective gloves, because virtually all manipulations are performed in very inconvenient places, and there is a high probability of injuring your hands on the metal edges of the door partitions.

Helpful advice
In order to improve the operation of the lock, unscrew the lock screws halfway and move the palace to the desired location at which it will open and close easily.

Broken key, say, from an apartment or from a garage, represents a lot of trouble. But it brings great trouble key then when it is broken at ease in the castle. To remove a fragment from a lock, you can use different methods, but it is not a fact that they will always be effective. In such a matter, in addition to skill, you also need to have a little luck. Each individual case requires a separate approach.

You will need

  • Pliers, rust remover, brass tube, blowtorch, screwdriver, magnet.

Instructions

1. If key broke in the garage lock and part of the fragment is sticking out, try using pliers to turn it back and pull it out. If there is not enough effort to turn the broken key Well, spray some anti-rust liquid into the keyhole in advance and wait a little while until the liquid does its job.

2. If key does not turn, carefully tap the fragment and try to turn again key. Do not bend the fragment in order to make it more comfortable to grab onto it, unless you are completely sure that it will not break.

3. If key broke and the fragment remained inside the well, select a brass tube of such a diameter that when attached to the fragment it fits with tension. Heat one end of the tube with a blowtorch and press it onto the shard.

4. Wait for the tube to cool completely, spray liquid into the well in spite of rust. After this, carefully bending the tube, try to turn key and pull it out.

5. If the flat one breaks key in the door lock, then try to turn it with a screwdriver to a position where it should come out freely. After this, use two needles to hook the fragment on both sides and, leaning on the edges of the hole, pull it out. If key turned out to be iron, try using a powerful magnet.

Video on the topic

Imagine the situation for a moment: after a hard day of work, you returned home, pushed the key into the keyhole, but instead of the click of the lock opening, you hear the crunch of the key. Accident! How to get to the apartment? Don't panic: the situation is fixable.

You will need

  • – a jigsaw file;
  • – pliers;
  • – drill with drill bit;
  • – Bulgarian;
  • – screwdriver;
  • - crowbar.

Instructions

1. First, pull out the broken key stuck in the keyhole. Ask your neighbor for a jigsaw file. Take it and insert it into the keyhole so that the teeth of the file are directed upward. After this, slowly turning the nail file, try to hook the key. After this, slowly pull the nail file with the key out of the keyhole.

2. If a piece of the key is peeking out of the door, then you can open the front door and pull out the key with the help of pliers. Hook the tool on the protruding edge of the broken key and carefully turn it in the direction in which you turned the key to open the door. After the door opens, carry the key on yourself.

3. If you managed to pull out the key, but the palace still did not open, it is possible that the problem lies in the fact that the palace itself was broken. Try to get to the internal mechanism of the lock. This is not at all difficult to accomplish if an “English” palace is installed on the front door. To get to the internal mechanism, drill out the cylinder, then remove the lock “cylinders”, and later, using metal hooks, hook the drive mechanism, as a result of which the bolts will be in the lock body.

4. If the lock bolts are visible between the door leaf and the frame, cut them using a grinder.

5. If the front door has even small gaps, try to pry it open with a strong screwdriver and a crowbar: this manipulation will allow you to determine the weak spot of the door, so that it can be opened without damaging the door leaf.

Note!
If you decide to go extreme, climb from your neighbor’s balcony to your own, weigh your probabilities. Acceptable, the risk is not justified! It's too unsafe to do this at high altitude without a safety net!

Helpful advice
Use the services of the service, whose experts, if you have a passport or other document proving that you truly live in this apartment, will open the front door for you.

Mazda 3 owners are faced with the problem of rapid consumption of antifreeze fluid. This happens due to its continuous loss through washers headlights, which the manufacturer did not provide for manual shutdown in this car.

You will need

  • – Mazda3 car
  • – access to the engine compartment fuse box
  • – diagram of the engine compartment of the car
  • – fuse puller
  • - flashlight

Instructions

1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the lock. Get out of the car, take a flashlight and fuse puller, and lift the hood.

2. Locate the engine compartment fuse box. This is a black box located in the engine compartment. Open it.

3. Observe the contents. The fuse you need should be yellow. The inscriptions on it may vary, say, 20A No. 23 or with the addition: H.cleaner. In the manual it is listed under No. 7–20A. Correctly identify it in your car, focusing on the color.

4. Use a puller to remove it from the box. Save the washer fuse headlights! It can come in handy at any moment.

5. If you don’t want to get rid of the washers at all and are not afraid of getting stuck in the standard wiring, you can install a special button for the washers. Don't try to do this independently. Contact the service center.

6. Another option is to purchase washer control headlights in Mazda 3: switch to dimensions all the time before turning on washer glass so that the “sprinklers” do not work.

Video on the topic

Note!
Do not attempt to pull out the fuse with your bare hands without a puller. Such actions may result in both your personal injury and vehicle injury. Cancellation of the washer fuse can only be done if you do not have a diesel engine. In a diesel car, this fuse is also responsible for heating the fuel.

Helpful advice
In winter, it is better not to remove the washers completely. A snowy mess of dirt, dust and sand will continuously haunt you. Thanks to the washers, the headlights will always be clean and will be able to clearly illuminate the situation on the road.

Helpful advice
If you order duplicate keys, make sure that the blanks for them are made of strong metal.

All sorts of pleasant and unpleasant surprises happen in our lives. While pleasant events bring joy and satisfaction, unpleasant ones can lead to confusion, anger, irritation or despair. Probably, many people have experienced events related to door locks, or more precisely, their breakdown. So, not everyone can answer the question: “How to remove the key from the lock if it is broken.”

Difficult situations can cause panic, which can disrupt the thought process, lead to stress and the inability to find a way out of the situation. To prevent this from happening, you need to prepare in advance for a situation that can happen to anyone. You can get the key, but subject to complete calm and prudence.

Some careless actions and unsuccessful attempts can lead to the fact that the fragment not only remains in the castle, but also completely ruins it.

It is almost impossible to open a door with a key stuck in the lock. It is important to know the reason why the key broke, and it would also be good to know the structure of the lock mechanism. The reasons why keys break can be very different.

Why the key may break:

  • If the key is of poor quality, it can easily bend and then break. When purchasing keys, it is important to pay attention to the material from which they are made, as well as the composition of this material.
  • The lock and key may simply wear out. This means that the locking device in the lock may fail. The inside of the lock can become dusty and dirty. If the mechanism has not been cleaned in time, the key in the lock will move slowly and may even break.

Sometimes a key breaks due to a simple human factor, when the key is inserted halfway into the lock and pressed. Of course, when a breakdown has already occurred, you should not immediately find out its causes, you need to start solving the problem. Today you can find a solution on the Internet, but sometimes situations turn out to be so stressful that you only need to act according to a pre-planned plan.

Key stuck in door lock: what to do

On the Internet you can find many articles about how to easily, quickly and easily remove a broken key. However, in practice everything turns out to be much more complicated. When the key becomes sharp, it gets stuck in the lock - it is not so easy to get it out.

For example, there is an opinion online that the key can be easily pulled out of the lock using glue - in fact, this is a myth.

This method not only will not help remove a key stuck in the door lock, but may also result in the second part of the key also remaining in the keyhole. When choosing a key removal method, it is also important to remember the likelihood of breaking the lock. Today, locks are expensive, so it is better to choose a neat and safe method for removing the key.

Key extraction options:

  1. Disassemble the lock. Careful handling of the lock will prevent it from being damaged while removing the key.
  2. Use a self-tapping screw. A thin drill or self-tapping screw can carefully remove the key from the hole. It is important to accurately hit the stuck key with the drill.
  3. Use pliers. If the key protrudes from the hole, you can grab it with pliers, but under no circumstances should you pull the key too hard.

When trying to get the key, it is important to remember not to damage the secret mechanism of the lock. It is important to understand how deep the key is and use methods that will actually help solve the problem, and not make it worse. Removal methods may be different, but the essence is the same - you should not pull the key with force, as this will only damage the lock mechanism.

How to open a door if the key is broken

On many Internet sites, users ask the question: “What should I do if I can’t get a broken key out of the lock?” This situation is familiar to many, when it becomes impossible to get into or out of an apartment. There are ways in which the key can be easily removed, and the door can be opened within ten minutes.

If the key is left in the front door, the first rule is not to panic, do not start acting rudely and aggressively.

I tell many stories that the key turns before it breaks. Many people try to press it harder in the hope that it will help. But such actions often lead to the key breaking.

Key extraction options:

  1. Using an awl. They take two tools, try to hook the key with them and gently swing it from side to side. Before the operation, it is better to lubricate the keyhole with machine oil or an anti-corrosion compound.
  2. A jigsaw file. It will help you cut off a piece of the key so that it is convenient to grab its tooth. If this is possible, you need to drag it slowly, slightly rocking the fragment from side to side.
  3. Using a blowtorch and brass tube. A brass tube is placed on the fragment, it is heated and the key is removed.
  4. Fishing hook. This tool allows you to remove the key without damaging the lock core. They are trying to hook the fragment with a hook. This method requires patience.

The success of all key extraction operations is also influenced by the type of keyhole. If you cannot get the key yourself, it is better to seek help from specialists - they have extensive experience in this matter. Removing the key and being nervous is not the best option.

Options: how to knock a lock out of a door

Sometimes it happens that no methods help open the lock. Then the most important way to quickly open the door is to knock the lock out of the door. This will not be easy to do if you don’t know how to act. This method will help those who are in a hurry and cannot wait for a specialist to come to the rescue.

Usually men knock down doors with their shoulders - this is a good way, but only for those who have sufficient strength. After three attempts, you shouldn’t hope that the lock will give in.

You can knock out the lock with a strong kick. But here it should be noted that it is necessary to hit exactly in the place where the keyhole is located. The impact force must be maximum, otherwise the lock may remain in place.

How to knock out a lock:

  • Use a “roll up”;
  • Master key;
  • Bumping.

Opening a door without a key is very difficult. If you have time, it is better to seek help from a specialist who, using special and professional tools, will open the door so as not to damage either the lock or the door structure. If a key is stuck in the lock, you must first try to remove the lock cylinder. If this fails, then the lock on the door of the apartment or house will have to be broken.

If the key in the lock is broken, how to get it out (video)

Many people have found themselves in a situation where the key in the lock breaks. Part of the key remained in the hole, which did not allow opening the door and entering the room. When a person has time, he can call a door opening specialist. But if there is no time, you need to act yourself. It's important not to be nervous. Knowledge acquired before such a situation occurs will allow you to cope with a stressful situation. If the key breaks, first of all there is no need to remove it from the well aggressively. You need to try to grab it and, swinging it slightly, pull it out.

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Can't get into your own home because the key is broken? This situation can seriously upset anyone. However, knowing a few life hacks and using the advice of professionals, you can easily solve the problem.

Even if your neighbors are not at home, your phone is dead, and there is no one to turn to for help, you can solve the situation yourself.

Among the main reasons leading to the breakage of a lock key are:

  • wear of the internal lock mechanism;
  • getting dirt or small foreign objects into the well;
  • using the wrong key, inserting it incorrectly (not completely or at an angle);
  • short-lived material from which the mechanism and key are made.

There are only two solutions to the problem - removing broken remains from the lock or breaking the entire mechanism.

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.

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:

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.

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

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

Using small screws

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

Using a jigsaw file

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.

When will you need to break the door itself?

  1. All gentle methods have been tried, but there is no result.
  2. There is a small child in a locked house.
  3. There is a burning smell or smoke coming from behind the door.

In other cases, it is better to contact specialists who will be able to open the entrance to the house with minimal losses.

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, a door needs to be broken, for an additional fee some services can restore the integrity of the entrance to an apartment or house and install a new lock.

How to prevent the key from breaking in a door lock?

To avoid an unpleasant situation, experts recommend following simple rules:

  1. Lubricate the keyhole from time to time.
  2. Use only keys suitable for the mechanism.
  3. Regularly inspect the lock for dirt and foreign objects.
  4. Near the entrance, it is advisable to keep an “alarm” bag with tools that will help deal with the problem that has arisen.

How to quickly open a lock

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.