When your car key breaks off inside the lock it can be incredibly frustrating and our best recommendation is to do is to call an automotive locksmith ASAP but if you insist to extract the broken key part by yourself here are 5 methods to try.
Apply Oil
Using an oil based lubricant like WD-40 in the keyhole before trying any other technique to remove a broken key out can make things much easier and in some cases it can lead to the sliding out off the broken piece.
Professional locksmiths prefer using dry lubricants that won’t build up dirt but if you don’t posses any WD-40 will be sufficient.
When finished spraying wipe away any excess lubricant and wait couple of minutes to see if the fragment is getting out.
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 push the key deeper into the lock as it can cause further shattering of the key fragment. If you manage to get a good grip on one end of the broken key part with your pliers once try to pull it out at a direct angle.
Use Tweezers
If you don’t have needle nose pliers tweezers are very useful tool for extracting broken keys. First assess the situation to determine the right approach then carefully grip the broken piece with the tweezers and apply gentle pressure then slowly pull the key fragment out the lock.
Probe and Pull Method
You can use two thin metal rods in order to probe around inside the key slot and carefully take out any fragments of the broken key. Slowly draw out whatever has been captured between them afterwards via pulling motion until everything comes out.
Paperclip Extraction
Straighten out a paperclip first before insert it it directly above any existing remains of the broken key then use same type of twisting action to gain better hold onto the broken and easily drag it out. Repeat this action till you get it out completely.
Sticky Putty
Sticky Putty can be a life savior in a situation when your car key snaps inside the ignition. Small amount of these material around the broken piece will do the job. Pull out gently the broken key remains as they stick together.
