Having a broken key stuck in a lock can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, with the right supplies and a bit of patience, it is possible to remove the broken key and get the lock open. This article explains the steps necessary to get a broken key out of a lock.
Removing a Broken Key
The first step in removing a broken key is to determine the type of lock it is. This is important, as it will determine the type of tools and supplies needed to remove the key. Once the type of lock is determined, the appropriate supplies can be gathered.
If the lock is a pin tumbler lock, the supplies needed will likely include a tension wrench and a pick. The tension wrench is used to apply pressure to the pins in the lock while the pick is used to move the pins into the correct positions. It may also be necessary to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the broken key and pull it out of the lock.
If the lock is a wafer lock, it will likely require a different set of supplies. These locks are designed to be more secure than pin tumbler locks, so it will likely be necessary to use a specialized tool, such as a broken key extractor, to remove the broken key.
Extracting the Key Fragments
Once the appropriate supplies have been gathered, the next step is to extract the broken key fragments from the lock. If the lock is a pin tumbler lock, the tension wrench should be inserted into the keyhole and turned to apply pressure to the pins. The pick should then be inserted into the keyhole and used to manipulate the pins until the broken key can be extracted.
If the lock is a wafer lock, the broken key extractor should be inserted into the keyhole and used to grip the broken key. Once the broken key extractor has a firm grip on the key, it should be slowly and gently pulled out of the lock.
Removing a broken key from a lock can be a difficult and time-consuming process. However, with the right supplies and a bit of patience, it is possible to get the broken key out of the lock and get the lock open. By following the steps outlined in this article, anyone can safely remove a broken key from a lock.
