It normally occurs with minimal expectations. You are in a rush, already late, and the key turns clumsily in the lock. It does not turn round smoothly, but snaps, leaving half of it in and the other half lying uselessly in your hand. Frustration and worry replace it in this situation.
The good thing is that there are safe methods of handling a broken key without doing additional harm. A broken key extractor frequently assists you.
Understanding the Problem
A key breaking into a lock may occur due to many reasons: wear and tear, excessive force, or even a poorly-made key. Irrespective of the reason, staying composed is the first thing to do. Analysing the situation will make it clear that you are taking the right steps to solve it. It is important to remember that the attempt to push the broken part out is prone to causing further complications, so one needs to take the issue carefully.
Why Keys Tend to Snap?
Keys appear strong, but every day, they wear off. Repeated rotation, pressure, or bending of a stiff lock results in small cracks, which in the end result in breakage. The other common error is to insert the incorrect key in a lock that causes unnecessary stress to the key and the mechanism. With such reasons in mind, not only will you know how the problem happened, but also how to prevent its recurrence.
Employing a Broken Key Extractor Tool
A broken key extractor will be your best bet in case the key is completely within the lock and not visible. Place the extractor tool in the locked end at an angle to ensure that the teeth of the broken key are caught. When you find it, hold on to the key, draw it out gradually. This tool is created to extract the snapped key from lock.
When to Call a Professional?
When all your efforts to remove the broken key fail, you might need to seek the services of a professional locksmith. They possess the skills and the specialised equipment that can deal with such cases without breaking your lock. It may be irritating to need some assistance, but a locksmith can fix the problem shortly and efficiently. This will help you save time and possibly avoid additional problems.
Times to Avoid DIY Attempts
It is not appropriate to do everything by yourself. When the lock is old, already hard, or has been worn, overdoing it may only do more harm. Similarly, when you cannot get results with the extractor after multiple attempts, then do not push it. It is the stage that involves the services of a professional locksmith, which is the most secure option since he/she can take out the key without tampering with the lock itself.
How to Prevent It from Happening Again?
After overcoming the immediate problem, it is important to consider prevention. Check your keys; keys that are bent, broken, or worn should be replaced before they break. Keep your locks clean and lubricate them so that they turn freely. Never use keys to do things that they are not designed to do, such as prying or opening packages, because this makes them weak. A spare key is also useful to minimise the constant use of only one key.
Do not forget to collect the appropriate equipment, lubricate, and employ gentle methods to extract the key. In case of doubt, call professionals like Rems Locksmith Leeds to help. They not only give you reliable broken key extract services but also peace of mind. They have years of experience in the field, so trust them!