Key Broken Off: These Tricks Might Help

February 7, 2024, 4:40 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Key broken off and now what? If part of it is stuck in the cylinder, you’ll need a lot of luck to get it out. And a locksmith is usually expensive. myHOMEBOOK tests well-known hacks that promise help.

It can happen quickly, and suddenly the key is broken off. Just a bit more pressure can be enough. Typically, the jagged part, also called the key bit, gets stuck in the lock cylinder. But before calling a locksmith, you can try to pull the key out yourself. This is supposed to work with a few tricks–even with hot glue.

Key broken off? These tricks might help

Patience and a delicate touch are probably the most important things when a key is broken off and you need to get it out of the lock. Important beforehand: Before you start working on the lock, the key must always be in a vertical starting position. Also, proceed very carefully. Otherwise, the broken key might slide deeper into the lock–ruining your chances of success. If nothing else works, the only option left is to call the expensive locksmith.

1. Trick: Push key out from the other side

This method is actually the simplest–but it only works if you have a double-sided door lock and a spare key. You also need to be able to get to the other side of the door. So if you’re locked out, you can forget about this trick. The approach is simple: Use the spare key to push the broken key out from the other side of the door.

2. Trick: Remove key with coping saw blade

With this method, DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists have an advantage if they have a coping saw on hand. Its blade is very thin and can be slid under the broken key bit with a bit of finesse. It can hook onto the key and, with the right movement, pull it out.

Note: A blade for cutting metal is best suited for this method, as it is particularly fine-toothed.

The fine teeth of the coping saw are supposed to be able to rescue a broken key

3. Trick: Remove key with screwdriver

With a very fine screwdriver–ideally from a precision mechanics set–you can pull the key out with a bit of luck and a lot of patience. Insert the screwdriver from below and try to get behind a notch in the key bit. Then you can pull the key slightly forward so it can be grabbed with tweezers, pliers, or even your fingertips.

Also interesting: What to do if you’ve lost your key?

Tip: If you don’t have a small screwdriver on hand, you can also try using an unfolded paperclip or a needle. The finer, the better the chances of success.

Can hot glue also help?

There’s also a life hack circulating online where a broken key is removed from the lock with hot glue. Can that really work? myHOMEBOOK tried it on a padlock–the test in the video:

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.