Broken Key in Lock? Here's What to Do Next

The Snap You Didn't Want to Hear

You turn the key, and instead of the lock clicking open, you hear a snap. The key breaks off inside the lock. Now you're standing at your door with half a key in your hand and the other half inside the cylinder.

Don't panic. This is a common problem, and it's fixable. Here's what to do.

Step 1: Don't Make It Worse

Whatever you do, don't:

• Don't try to push the broken piece further in. You'll jam it deeper and make extraction harder.
• Don't try to turn the lock with the broken piece inside. You could damage the pins.
• Don't try to pick it out with a paperclip or toothpick. You could push it further in or break the tool inside too.
• Don't try to superglue the key back together. Glue in the lock cylinder is a disaster.
• Don't force the other half of the key in. Two broken pieces in the lock doubles the problem.

Step 2: Assess the Situation

Look at the lock. Where did the key break?

• If the break is flush with the keyway — The broken piece is just barely inside. This is the best case — extraction tools can grab it.
• If the broken piece is visible sticking out — Even better. You may be able to pull it out with pliers.
• If the key broke deep inside — This is harder to extract. You'll likely need a locksmith.
• If the lock still turns — Sometimes a key breaks while the lock is partially turned. If you can still open the door, do so, then deal with the broken piece from the inside.

Step 3: Try DIY Extraction (If the Piece Is Visible)

If the broken piece is sticking out or flush with the keyway, you may be able to extract it yourself:

• Needle-nose pliers: If any part of the key is sticking out, grab it with pliers and pull straight out — don't twist.
• A broken key extractor tool ($5-$10): A thin, barbed tool that slides into the keyway alongside the broken piece and hooks it. Insert it, turn slightly to catch the key's teeth, and pull out. You can buy these online or at a hardware store.
• A jigsaw blade: If you don't have an extractor tool, a thin jigsaw blade (teeth facing in) can sometimes catch the key's teeth and pull it out.
• Tweezers: If the piece is close to the opening, fine-point tweezers might grab it — but don't push it deeper.

Key technique: Apply a tiny amount of superglue to the end of a thin stick or toothpick, touch it to the broken key, hold for 30 seconds, then pull. This works only if the break is clean and the glue doesn't get on the lock. It's risky — if glue gets inside the cylinder, you'll need a full lock replacement.

Step 4: If DIY Fails, Call a Locksmith

If the broken piece is deep in the lock, or your extraction attempts push it further in, stop and call a locksmith. A professional has specialized extraction tools that can remove broken keys quickly.

A locksmith can typically extract a broken key in 5-15 minutes. The cost is usually $50-$125 for the extraction, plus the cost of a new key ($5-$20) if the lock is undamaged.

Step 5: Assess the Lock After Extraction

Once the broken piece is out, test the lock:

• Try a spare key. If it turns smoothly, the lock is fine. You just need a new key cut.
• If the spare key sticks or won't turn, the broken key may have damaged the pins. The lock needs repair or replacement.
• If the lock was already old or stiff (which may be why the key broke), consider replacing the lock entirely rather than just cutting a new key.

Why Do Keys Break?

• Worn-out keys. Keys bend and weaken over years of use. If your key is bent or has visible cracks, get a new one cut before it breaks in the lock.
• Stiff locks. If the lock is hard to turn, you apply more force, which stresses the key. Fix the lock before the key breaks.
• Cold weather. Metal becomes brittle in extreme cold. Keys are more likely to break in winter.
• Cheap key copies. Low-quality key blanks from hardware stores break more easily than original keys.
• Wrong key in the wrong lock. Forcing a key that doesn't fit is the quickest way to break it.

How to Prevent Broken Keys

• Replace worn keys before they break. If your key is bent, cracked, or more than 5 years old, get a new one.
• Fix stiff locks. A stiff lock stresses your key. Clean and lubricate with graphite powder.
• Don't force it. If the key doesn't turn smoothly, don't crank it harder. Fix the lock.
• Use quality key blanks. When getting copies made, ask for brass key blanks — they're more durable than cheap steel ones.
• Keep spare keys. If you have spares, you won't be tempted to keep using a worn key.

FAQ

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