Emergency 2 min read·
How do I get a broken key out of a lock?
Don't force it. Use needle-nose tweezers gently from outside; otherwise call a locksmith — wrong tools push the key deeper or break the cylinder.
If the broken stub is sticking out at all, fine-tip tweezers or a key-extractor tool can grip and pull straight out. Lubricate with graphite, never oil — oil attracts grit.
If the break is flush or below the keyway, an extractor with a hooked tip is the right tool. Hardware-store kits work, but practice on a scrap lock first.
A Apex, NC locksmith can typically extract and cut a fresh key in 15–25 minutes without replacing the lock. Ask for a quote up front based on your specific lock and key.
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