Having a key break inside a lock can be both annoying and frustrating. Hiring a locksmith to resolve this issue can also be quite expensive if you wish to save money.

So, what’s the best way out of this situation when the lock is stuck with the broken key piece?

Here’s our DIY guide with some tips on how to remove a broken key from the lock and avoid its occurrence again. You can use several methods, such as tweezers, glue, blades, or extractor kits.

And what’s right for one is not necessarily right for another. If you need to save a few bucks, you may be interested in trying one of the self-help techniques listed below before you call in a locksmith. You may just save yourself some dough!

How to Remove a Broken Key from the Lock – Easy and Practical Solutions

You might get stuck in an unfortunate situation, such as getting a broken key stuck in a door, losing a key, and not knowing how to unlock a door without a key.

Now, what can you do?

Well, for a broken key stuck in the lock, here are some of the ways how remove the broken key from the lock:

1. Lubricate the Lock

The first procedure for removing a broken key is to lubricate the lock. This reduces friction, making it easier to remove the key.

Dry lubricants like graphite for indoor locks are ideal, as they work under dry conditions.

You should usually not use oil-based lubricants, like typical WD-40. While oil-based lubricants can deteriorate a lock’s functionality over time, they can work in a pinch for this situation.

Remember to lubricate the lock with a more suitable lube now that you’ve gotten the key out.

By lubricating the lock, you’re making the extraction process smoother and ensuring the lock continues to function properly in the future.

Spray the lubricant directly into the keyway. After applying the lubricant, use a rag or paper towel to clean any excess residue from the key slide and lock exterior, ensuring a clean work area.

2. Needle Nose Pliers or Tweezers

Needle nose pliers are useful tools designed to grip small objects with their narrow, elongated tips. When it comes to removing a broken key, one of the best options is these pliers when the end of the key is protruding from the keyway.

Use needle nose pliers to extract the key. Carefully grip the protruding part of the broken key, rotate it so it is vertical, and gently wiggle it out of the lock. Make sure that enough of the key is accessible for the pliers to grip securely.

If enough of the key is exposed, you can try turning it with the pliers or your fingers. This can be all required to get the key out of the lock.

If the pliers are unsuccessful, you can also try tweezers, but their utility will depend on their thickness and the depth of the broken key in the lock.

Also, knowing how to clean rusty keys to prevent these situations in the first place is worth mentioning, as they’re more likely to get stuck in a lock.

3. Paperclips or Bobby Pins (Hair Pins)

In a common household solution, broken key extraction can be made much easier with paper clips or bobby pins for a key that is just flush or even further into the keyway.

To use this approach, straighten out the paperclip or bobby pin and bend it into the pick shape. Then, shove the pick into the keyway and move the pins aside to hook onto the broken key.

A second paperclip or bobby pin can create a tension wrench that provides torque to turn the lock with your broken key.

This method is not as effective as a professional key extractor tool, but it still works in some cases. One should be patient and gentle when using paper clips or bobby pins to avoid further damage to the lock or key.

Furthermore, you can check out some to repair the broken key if the condition is not much worse.

4. Key Extractor Tools

Key extractor tools, which include spiral hook extractors, single-hooked key extractors, and double-hooked key extractors, are specifically designed to remove broken keys from locks. It is probably the best method.

Speciality broken key extractors, such as the single and double-hooked key extractors shown above, work by inserting the tool at the top of the keyway with the barbs pointing down, lifting the handle upward, and leveraging it against the top of the keyway to dig the barbs into the key.

The barb must be correctly placed for it to firmly grasp the key. This will allow easy and rapid withdrawal from the lock.

Spiral key extractors have a thin, flexible bar with spiralled threads. To make use of a spiral key extractor, place it between the broken part of the key and keyway, push it in as deep as possible, and bend the tool into the part of the broken key so that the threads grasp it securely.

Latest Read: Unlocking Convenience: The Best Digital Locks for Your Main Door in 2025

5. Jigsaw Blade or Hacksaw Blade

A jigsaw or hacksaw blade is a thin metal blade with serrated edges. The broken key may be hooked and quickly removed from the lock by it.

To use a jigsaw or hacksaw blade for key extraction, snip the end of the blade so that the barbs are right at the end and cut off the bottom half of the blade so that it’ll fit into the keyway. Then, insert the blade inside the lock and press down on the barbs into the broken key.

Gently wiggle and pull out the blade from the keyway. Hopefully, the key will come out with the blade!

However, don’t you feel like this situation may keep repeating with the traditional lock and key set? Well, there is always an option to move to digital locks for enhanced safety and avoid such situations.

6. Glue Stick Method

The glue stick method involves inserting a heated glue stick into the lock and allowing it to cool before pulling the broken key out.

If it’s the end of a broken key in the lock causing the problem, heat one end of a glue stick so it’s soft. Insert that end of the glue stick into the visible end of the broken key and wait about 10 seconds for it to harden and stick to the key fragment.

Pull the glue stick away from the lock. Hopefully, the key fragments will come with it. Do not use too much glue so the key gets stuck permanently in the lock.

The glue stick method may not always be practical, but it can be useful if other techniques fail. Always note that it best works if the broken key has a sharp metal edge, which can hold onto some amount of glue to extract the piece.

Also Read: Top 5 Cupboard Lock Types for Enhanced Security

How to Remove a Broken Key From a Car Door

Here are some of the steps to remove a broken key from your car door:

Step 1: View the lock to see the surface of the key that protrudes out. The technique you will use to pull out the broken key depends on how much the key is visible. If the key sticks out the lock a little, consider yourself lucky! You might be able to pull it out with a pair of needle nose pliers.

If the key is not sticking out of the lock, use a professional locksmith tool to extract it. The rest of this article will explain how to do it.

Step 2. Rotate the lock back to the insert position if necessary. If the lock is rotated out of position, use your thumb or a small stiff object to rotate the lock to the insert position. The “insert” position is the position the lock is normally in when you insert your car key.

Step 3. Hold the protruding key with tweezers or pliers and pull it out. Use the pliers to hold the key and pull it straight out. Avoid turning the key with the pliers while pulling it out.

Also Read: How to Open a Cylindrical Lock: A Step-by-Step Guide

When to Seek Professional Help from a Locksmith

At times, no DIY approach to removing a broken key seems to work. At such a time, it is essential to know when to seek the help of a professional locksmith to avoid further damaging the lock or the key.

Professional locksmiths are skilled at removing broken keys from locks, whether it’s a door lock in your home or your car. They even know how to create spare keys after removing the damaged key, solving more problems than one.

They know what they’re doing and how to navigate the professional tools, lowering the risk of damaging the lock or the door. This risk is always present during DIY attempts, especially if you’re inexperienced.

Furthermore, if all the above DIY techniques have been applied and you still can’t pull out the broken key, then it is time to call a professional locksmith. A locksmith can help you pull out the broken key, make you a new key, and ensure the lock remains intact.

Sometimes, the lock is too complex to handle using DIY methods, and a locksmith will be needed. For example, when the locking mechanism is damaged, or the key is broken inside a car ignition or a bike lock, it is advisable to call a locksmith.

Recommended Read: Top 9 Brands that Offer Sliding Centre Locks: A Comprehensive Comparison

How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Broken Key That’s Stuck in a Lock?

The cost of extracting a broken key from a lock depends on the lock type and the issue’s complexity.

The price will depend on the tools you use to extract the jammed piece of a key and if you call in a professional locksmith to help you.

The general price when you seek help from a locksmith usually includes:

• Call-out fee: Some locksmiths charge a call-out fee.
  
• Labour: locksmiths usually charge a labour fee covering the time and expertise required to remove the broken key from the lock, ranging from  ₹500-₹2000. 
• Materials and tools: The price may increase if special tools or additional parts are required to help extract the broken key.
• Replacement costs: it might cost them to have to replace the lock or key if they get damaged at the time of removal.

Does Your Insurance Cover a Repair for Your Lock?

The cost of having a lock repaired may depend on your home or car insurance. It depends on your insurance provider and the terms of the policy. You can always secure your locks and even smart car keys  by getting key protect in a car insurance.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, sometimes keys get stuck in locks, and you need to figure out how to remove a broken key from the lock.

Pulling out a broken key from the lock is quite tricky and requires the right tools and techniques to do it yourself.

It could be as simple as using common household tools such as tweezers, needle nose pliers, and paper clips or as complex as advanced techniques like key extractors and jigsaw blades.

Always grease the lock, examine your broken key condition, and understand when it is about time to call a professional locksmith.

But with patience, persistence, and the knowledge gained from this article, you’re now well-equipped to conquer the broken key challenge!

For expert locksmith services, Keyenzy is here to help.

Whether it’s key replacement, key duplication, or smart lock installation, we ensure fast, professional locks and key-related solutions to meet your needs.

All you have to do is fill out this quick form, mentioning your problem and the nature of services required, and our skilled locksmith will be at your doorstep within.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What should I do first when my key breaks inside the lock?

Ans: Start by checking how much the key is visible in the lock. Apply a lubricant to lessen the frictional moves and make the extraction process easier. Also, don’t use excessive force while handling this process to avoid damaging the lock.

Q. Can I use household items to remove a broken key?

Ans: Yes, tools like needle nose pliers, tweezers, paper clips, bobby pins, or even a heated glue stick can help remove a broken key. These items can often serve as DIY tools for simple key extractions.

Q. When should I call a locksmith instead of trying DIY methods?

Ans: If the key is deeply lodged, the lock mechanism is damaged, or you’re dealing with complex locks (like a car ignition or high-security lock), it’s best to contact a professional locksmith.

Q. How much does hiring a locksmith for broken key removal cost?

Ans: The cost varies depending on the complexity of the lock and the tools required. Factors include call-out fees, labour costs, and potential lock or key replacement.

Q. How much does a locksmith charge to extract the keys from the lock?

Ans: It depends on various factors, such as the labour timing, the location, the usual fees, and more. However, to give you an estimate, it may cost you between ₹500 to ₹2,000.