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How to Remove a Broken Key from a Lock: 5 Tips to Avoid Having to Take Everything Apart

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Small accidents can happen every day, everywhere. Sometimes due to poor maintenance, manufacturing defects or being in too much of a hurry. One of the most common accidents is keys breaking and getting stuck in the lock.

The bad thing is that if this happens with your house keys, you can’t postpone the repair. Before calling a locksmith, try practicing these tricks to remove a broken key in the lock without having to disassemble everything.

First tip

All you need is a very strong magnet. If the key is stuck in a vertical position, it will be very easy to remove it.

First, put some lubricant on it. Then, take the magnet and place it on the key to let it take effect. The key should stick to the magnet and come off easily.

Second tip

Prepare a pair of needle-nose pliers or scissors with a very fine tip. Lubricate the area around the key, then grasp the end of the key that is sticking out of the lock with the pliers or scissors.

Try to pull the key out, being very careful. Do this movement little by little, without pulling hard: you risk inserting the key further into the lock.

If the key broke in the lock, but the door remained open, you can try one of the following tricks.

Continued on next page

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