Suddenly you re standing there with half the key in your hand and the other half stuck in the lock.
My key broke off in the door lock.
If the key broke off in lock after you ve closed the door you may be unable to reopen the door until the issue is resolved.
Your main concerns should be the thickness of your tweezers and how far the broken key is in the lock.
There are a few things that may be helpful to collect for trying to remove the broken key from the lock.
To remove a broken key start by spraying a silicon spray into the lock which will lubricate it and make it easier for the broken key to slide out.
Then use a pair of needle nosed pliers to twist the cylinder so the lock is either locked or unlocked since the key part won t come out if it s halfway between the 2 positions.
It s a frustrating experience.
If you have a duplicate key around congratulations.
Try to grip the broken key and pull it out.
Insert a screwdriver into the lock and turn it back to its default vertical position.
You have an additional lock on the passenger side door and can access your car through there.
Most tweezers are inappropriately sized for this task and will just end up pushing the key farther into the keyway.
The broken key can also actually cause damage to the lock.
You have to be at work right now.
The reason why your key has broken and snapped in your lock will be any of the following.
Insert the tip of a pair of needle nosed pliers into the keyhole.
Attempting to use an incorrect key.
If the key broke inside lock before the door was shut you ll be unable to lock the door thereby leaving your home car or office at a greater risk of theft.
However if the piece is too far inside the lock this may not be possible.
You re in a hurry and turn the key too hard when locking the door.
Older keys have weakened spots that cause breakage.
3 if a spare key is available try to pull the broken key straight out.
Holding the key whilst pushing the door open causing it to bend and then break.
Feel when the bolt is free from pressure while turning the pliers and open or unlock the door.
Press or pull on the doorknob with the other hand so that there is as little pressure as possible on the lock s bolt.
Key being turned when not fully inserted.
Attempting to force open a jammed lock.