If you own a car or a home, you may at some point have had a key snap off in a lock. It happens more often than you might think.
Before You Start
There are a few things to consider before trying to remove a broken key, such as how far into the lock the broken piece is, and you may need some specific tools. Take care not to push the key further in.
1. Pull It Out with Pliers or Tweezers
If part of the key is sticking out of the lock, you may be able to grip it with needle-nose pliers and pull it straight out. Tweezers can work too, but they need to be thin enough to fit either side of the key without pushing it further into the lock.
2. Call a Locksmith
If the key has broken off flush with the lock or deeper, it is best to call a locksmith, who has the right tools to remove it without damaging the lock. For an Auto locksmith Southend, visit a site like Bright’s, a specialist Auto locksmith Southend.
3. Superglue, as a Last Resort
Some people try putting a tiny amount of superglue on the end of a matchstick, pressing it against the broken key, letting it set and then pulling. This is only worth trying when everything else has failed, as locksmiths dislike it: if glue gets into the lock, it can cause even more damage.