A locked door becomes a source of stress when your locked key is broken somewhere inside it. This can occur in the case of the front door, car ignition or any other lock. All of these are time-wasters and loss of security. However, before claiming to throw the entire lock away, there are a number of ways to go about removing the broken key easily. If this should show to be lots greater than what you anticipated, you should ask for professional help. For extra huge lock troubles, which include replacing an HDB door lock, check out https://www.locksmithsingapore.net/hdb-door-lock-replacement/ for professional help.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
The first step in safely removing a broken key is the assessment of the situation. If the portion of the key is still outside the lock, simple mechanical means may help to extract it. On the other hand, if the broken key is fully depressed inside the lock, then you have to take more care while undertaking the task. The idea here is not to drive the key in more or tamper with the lock mechanism. For all locksmith services, visit at https://www.locksmithsingapore.net/ .
Step 2: Preparation of the Tools
To safely extract the broken key, you’ll need the right tools. Common items that can help include:
- Needle-nose pliers (if the key is sticking out slightly)
- Tweezers (for gripping the broken key)
- A small flathead screwdriver (to gently maneuver the key)
- Key extraction tools (specifically designed for this purpose)
If you don’t have key extraction tools, you can try using a jigsaw blade or a thin piece of wire with a hooked end.
Step 3: Apply Lubricant
You must apply a lubricant such as WD-40 on the lock cylinder, before you attempt to extract the key. This helps to slip the key out without causing internal damage to the lock. It is also better to use a lock lubricant to avoid unnecessary sticky residues.
Step 4: Use Extraction Tools
If the key is partly extruded from the lock, use your fingers with needle-nosed pliers, or tweezers to pull the key out. If any part of the key is in the lock, insert a key extraction tool, or a flat shaped thin object like a jigsaw blade with the teeth up. This is then edged inside the broken key part and pulled out, the teeth on the tool at times get a hold of the key which is several inches long. A catch is formed at the terminating point and this fiction solves that issue.
Step 5: Do Not Apply any Force
In case, if the key is stuck and needs a lot of extra energy to remove, let go. Attempting to pull out the key using the above gave pulling the barrel of the lock is the fastest way to make the locks worse. Instead of this, try pulling out and at the same time shaking the tool the way it may get out or try a different angle of the extraction tool. Most of the time less is more, and most situations don’t quite require hasty long visits to the repair shops.
Step 6: Seek the Assistance of Professionals
If your attempts to extract the broken key are unsuccessful, this is where you need to reach out to a locksmith. Further lock manipulation may lead to damage that cannot be remedied by rekeying and will require full lock replacement. An expert locksmith will help in removing the broken key from the keyway without causing any more problems and will advise whether any repairs are required for the lock itself.
Final Thoughts
A broken key can be very annoying, however, in some cases, there is no need to completely replace the lock. By doing all these steps, you can expect to extract that broken piece of brittle steel from the lock without compromising it completely. For more complex complications, such as a broken lock or simply the need to replace a lock, augmentation may be necessary. Singapore locksmiths are available to replace HDB door locks. Such measures are aimed at replenishing security measures so that all locks can function properly at all times.