Key stuck in lock - advice please

[cambsno]

Seeing if there is a cheaper way than getting a locksmith out!!

Door slammed and the non door keys obviously got wedged and snapped the door key. Part of the key is stuck in the lock. I managed to put the remainder of the key and managed to lock door but not a long term solution. So any way I can get the remainder of key out? Need a certain way as don't want to do something like take lock off and then be unable to lock door.You should be able to see remains of key in there!

photo 3 by snowens, on Flickr

 

[Keith W]

Some needle nosed pliers

 

[ChasG]

If you are prepared to sacrifice the barrel you could try a) using a large pair of mole type grips to grasp barrel and crack it to one side or b) drill out just below key way or if time is not too important get onto a locksmith supply site and buy key extractor which is often part of a lock picking set - looks a bit line a junior hacksaw blade with teeth set to pull.

 

[mrgubby]

quite often putting a key in the outside lock moves the inside key in a smidge, maybe just enough to get a grip on the broken stub

 

[Delta Skies]

It might be worth checking if your house insurance covers this or even your bank account. I had a similar problem earlier this year and I got it done same day through my Halifax Ultimate Reward current account.

 

[mattyg]

quite often putting a key in the outside lock moves the inside key in a smidge, maybe just enough to get a grip on the broken stub

This.

My mrs often leaves her keys in the lock. Locked luckily she also leaves it in the vertical position so putting a key in the other side I can push her key out and unlock the door

 

[Nod]

The pushing the key through trick doesn't work with Euro type locks (as shown in the photo). The replacement cylinders (locking bit where the keys go) are fairly easy to change once the door's open - there's a screw that holds the mechanism in while in use, remove that screw and the cylinder should slip out. Take the cylinder to most DIY type shops (so you get the right length replacement) and Robert's a parent's sibling.

 

[Mr Bump]

Honest truth if i were you get that lock replaced its an old one that is very easy to open with the BUMP technique
, also looking at the view its your back garden so nice and quiet round there.

http://www.locksonline.co.uk/acatalog/LocksOnline-EPS-High-Security-Cylinders.html

 

[Mr Bump]

These are about as good as it gets, we had all our 3 entrance door locks replaced, you can easilly do it yourself.

http://www.locksonline.co.uk/acatalog/Cisa-Astral-Double-Euro-Profile.html

 

[mark richards]

replace it...only one screw that holds it in place, but you do need to open the door first...

 

[Steep]

Some over the top solutions here, do as Keith says, use needle nose pliers to get the broken bit out and get a new key cut.

 

[John Young]

If pliers don't work you could try some superglue (or similar) on the remainder of the key and insert it back in and pull broken part out.

Doesn't always work and any glue in lock might bust it but it could be worth a try

Also seen this on Youtube hacksaw blade looks promising

 

[cambsno]

Can't even get the key out with thin tweezers let alone pliers. Think I may try superglue, it no joy then replace lock.

 

[Steve Smith]

Try pushing out from the other side with something thin and rigid such as a junior hacksaw blade with the pin at the end removed.


Steve.

 

[dean messenger]

you could probably drill it out without causing damage but replacing the lock is a fairly cheap and easy solution and should only be a 10 minute job

 

[Keith W]

Can't even get the key out with thin tweezers let alone pliers. Think I may try superglue, it no joy then replace lock.

Really?

Have you actually tried, with a proper set of needle nose pliers?

Looking at your picture a proper pair of needle nosed pliers would get that out

 

[cambsno]

Really?

Have you actually tried, with a proper set of needle nose pliers?

Looking at your picture a proper pair of needle nosed pliers would get that out

I have tried using tweezers with pointy ends and also the tweezers in my Swiss army knife. Neither will get in, there is next to no gap either side of key - if needle nose pliers are the width of a piece of paper then it could work, but any thicker - no chance.

Tried pushing key out but wont budge.

 

[WelshNoob]

Maybe screw a little screw into the side and pull the head out with pliars?

 

[SarahLee]

I have tried using tweezers with pointy ends and also the tweezers in my Swiss army knife. Neither will get in, there is next to no gap either side of key - if needle nose pliers are the width of a piece of paper then it could work, but any thicker - no chance.

Tried pushing key out but wont budge.

Have you tried a thin bit of wire?
An unfolded paperclip or something to push down the side and try to lever it out.

I did think about the superglue option, but I think there's a massive risk there of you totally destroying the lock.