Imagine: you go home after a long day, you insert the key into the lock and… it breaks up firmly inside. An annoying unexpected that can quickly turn to the puzzle. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to recover the key without having to call immediately a locksmith. Here’s how you get out of this situation quickly.
Broken key with door closed: what to do?
If the key has broken while the door is locked, the situation is more delicate, but not desperate. First of all, make sure the key piece is visible and accessible. Here are some methods that can help you:
- The magnet
If your key is made of ferrous metal (like most of the classic keys), a powerful magnet may be enough to attract it out of the lock. Add a little lubricant to make it easier to extract and try to pull the key gently with the magnet.
- The tweezer or the fine clamp
If one end of the wrench protrudes slightly, try to grab it with a tweezer, a thin clamp, or even thin-tipped scissors. Add a little lubricant to slip more easily and pull gently to prevent it from getting any closer.
Broken key with door open: a simpler solution
If the door is open, the recovery of the key piece is often easier. Here are some practical tips:
- With fine-tipped scissors
Gently insert the scissors into the lock to push the broken key outwards. Once it starts to come out, use a clamp to remove it completely.
- With another key
If the broken key is not completely stuck, you can try inserting another key of the same model into the lock and push gently to get the blocked piece out.
How can we prevent this from happening again?
Prevention is better than cure. To avoid reliving this scenario, a few simple gestures can make all the difference:
- Lubricate the lock regularly with a suitable spray (avoid the conventional oil that can clog the mechanism).
- Check the status of your keys: a worn or twisted key may break more easily.
- Protect your locks from temperature variations that may impair their proper functioning.
Proper maintenance of the locks makes it possible to avoid inconvenience. And if your key breaks again, you will now have the right reflexes to recover it without stress.
