How to Remove a Broken Key from a Lock: 5 Tricks to Avoid Dismantling Everything

How to Remove a Broken Key from a Lock: 5 Tricks to Avoid Dismantling Everything

There are few things more frustrating than a key snapping off in a lock. Whether it’s your front door, car, or a storage unit, a broken key can leave you feeling locked out and helpless. The instinct might be to call a locksmith immediately, but there are a few tricks you can try before resorting to dismantling the lock or spending money on professional help. In this article, we’ll show you five methods to safely and effectively remove a broken key from a lock—so you can avoid the hassle and expense of major repairs.

1. Use Needle-Nose Pliers

One of the easiest and most common methods for removing a broken key is with a pair of needle-nose pliers. If a part of the key is sticking out of the lock, you might be able to grasp it and pull it free.

How to do it:

• Step 1: Insert the needle-nose pliers into the lock and carefully grip the exposed portion of the broken key.
• Step 2: Slowly wiggle the pliers back and forth while pulling gently. This may free the key if it’s not lodged too deeply.
• Step 3: If you can’t get a firm grip, you can try using a pair of tweezers if the key piece is small.

This method works best when there’s enough of the key visible to grab onto. If the key is deeply stuck, you may need to try one of the other tricks below.

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2. Use Super Glue (Cautiously!)

Super glue can be a surprisingly effective way to remove a broken key, but it requires a steady hand and careful application. You’re essentially trying to “glue” the broken piece of key back together enough to pull it out. Be cautious, though—super glue can be messy and can cause the glue to seep into the lock if you’re not careful.

How to do it:

• Step 1: Place a small dab of super glue on the end of a toothpick or a piece of tape.
• Step 2: Carefully apply the glue to the exposed part of the broken key (but avoid getting glue inside the lock itself!).
• Step 3: Allow the glue to set for a few minutes. Once it’s dry enough, gently press the key back into the lock to secure a firm grip.
• Step 4: Slowly pull the key piece out using the pliers or tweezers, carefully guiding it free.

While this method can work well for smaller, easily accessible pieces of broken key, don’t use too much glue—just a small amount to allow you to pull the key free.

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