When your vehicle key breaks off in the lock, it can be incredibly frustrating. The best thing to do is to contact an locksmith asap. With the proper tools and expertise a professional locksmith would be able to remove the broken key without causing more damage to your car door lock or ignition.
However, if you insist to extract the broken key part by yourself, here are some methods that make use of household items to get the job done.
Line Up the Cylinders
If you broke your key while attempting to twist it in the lock, it may be difficult to remove it from its halfway-in position. The simplest solution is to reach into your cylinder with needle nose pliers and gently turn it until it aligns with either the locked or unlocked position. Be sure not to jam the key deeper into the lock or twist it any further, as this could cause further shattering. If you manage to get a good grip on one end of the broken key with your pliers once they’re lined up, you can then attempt pushing it out at a direct angle.
Apply Oil
Using an oil-based lubricant like WD-40 in the keyhole before removing a damaged key from an automobile door can make things easier. Professional locksmiths prefer using dry lubricants that won’t accumulate dirt over time, but if time is of essence then an oil-based product will suffice too. When finished spraying, wipe away any excess lubricant around your lock so that nothing gets stuck in there later on. If you plan on using glue or sticky putty before anything else, however, skip this step for now and move straight onto tweezers instead.
Tweezers Are Recommended
If you don’t have needle nose pliers handy, tweezers are also useful for opening automobile doors in such cases. Consider both their thickness and how deep down inside your latch remains of your broken key may be located before proceeding further – make sure that they open wide enough so as not to push said pieces even further down! After getting a good grip on them with your tweezers, move onto pulling them out at an even angle until they come free.
Probe and Pull Method
You can utilize two thin metal pieces in order to probe around inside your slot and carefully take out any fragments of broken keys stuck within them too. Position these metal components along both flat sides of whatever is left of said keys first before pushing them firmly enough so as not to lose hold afterwards – slowly draw out whatever has been captured by them afterwards via pulling motion until everything comes free again! Keep objects which aren’t valuable close since bending might occur during extraction process; for example hair clips made out of metal, bobby pins, paperclips or safety pins work well here too!
Paperclip Extraction
Straighten out a paperclip first before placing it directly above any existing remnants of broken keys inside such locks; then use same type of twisting action downwards so as gain better hold onto object itself beforehand – after which point simply pull straight forwards in order direction until same finally comes free again!
Sticky Putty Is Recommended
Using extra sticky putty or similar types adhesive material is always great option when attempting extract remaining parts from car door locks; allow same rest few minutes first before going ahead trying take what’s left behind – should luck be on side some instance those completely shattered might even come free too! When all else fails don’t hesitate contacting professional auto locksmith soonest possible – trying fix problem own accord through usage harsh procedures superglue often results more expensive repairs latter stage anyways!
In conclusion, you can try to take out the broken key fragment from your car lock yourself using common household items. However, it’s always best to contact an experienced auto locksmith if your attempts fail. Performing harsh procedures on the lock can cause further damage and end up costing more money in repairs. Remember: safety first!
