Whether you’re trying to get your key into your car lock or the house one when it breaks you can feel exceptionally worried and frustrated. After all, how are you supposed to head to work or get home when your key has decided to just rip off in the lock? While we know you may already be panicking about what to do, just take a step back and calm down, so you can calmly think of the next steps. Whether this is happening to you right now or you want to be prepared, our 24 hour locksmith can be the key to your lock woes. First, what you should consider is that this situation is completely fixable. While it might seem like the end of the world, just remember it’s a situation that we can handle. We have years of experience in dealing with locksmith services. From emergency door openings to broken key removal, Pro-Lock & Safe has you covered. For more information about getting out of a sticky situation, contact us today.
Why Did My Key Break?
First, let’s address the question of why did the key break in the first place. Keys tend to break because of a few reasons. Sometimes it’s your fault such as when you’re in a hurry and you don’t take the time to slide the key in accurately and instead jam it in, which causes it to break off. Another reason that your key might have broken in the lock is due to wear and tear. Yes, even keys are susceptible to wear and tear. Between rattling around in your purse or pockets, they can become damaged.
Another reason that it might break off is because the lock itself is on the fritz. Regardless of why the key broke in the lock, it’s never pleasant to hear that snap sound and feel the sinking of your heart. Even if you’re in a rush, we strongly recommend that you deal with the broken key in the lock situation sooner rather than later.
What To Do After The Key Breaks
If you are in a rush or you have an emergency, then we strongly recommend that you call a locksmith immediately. If you’d like to try to fix the situation yourself, then continue reading on. However, to ensure the lock is not ruined and you have access to another key, you should contact Pro-Lock & Safe. Not only will we get the key out of the lock, but we’ll also remake the key. We provide free estimates and if we’re not the right 24 hour locksmith company for you, then you have no obligation to work with us.
Now, if you’d like to try getting the key out yourself — either way, you’re going to have to visit a locksmith — then we can still help with some of these suggestions of what you can do after your key breaks in the lock.
Don’t Try To Use The Key Again
The first suggestion that we have for you when your key breaks is to not use that key again. Maybe you’re in a surprised fog and you’re not sure exactly what just happened, so you want to try to use the key again. Maybe you think the lock should still open when you insert the rest of the key. It’s not going to work. Don’t try it.
By putting the key in the lock, you could push the broken part further into the lock. If the key has broken off and it’s shallower, then it’ll be much easier to take out. When the key is further back into the lock, then it can be exceptionally difficult to get out, especially if you want to try getting it out yourself. When the key breaks off in the lock, put it down or in your pocket and then figure out your next steps. You can use the broken key later on when you visit the locksmith, so that it’ll be easier to cut a new key.
If A Part Is Sticking Out Use Your Hands
If a part of the key is sticking out, then you can try using your hands to pull the rest of it out. If the lock is too small and your hands too large, then you might not get very far. However, it’s very important that you don’t push the key in further. If you push the key in further, then you could do just as much damage to the lock as you would by using the key again. If there’s enough of the key out of the lock, then just withdraw it by pinching your fingers together and pulling.
Try Some Materials You May Have On Hand
If you’re lucky enough to have some materials on hand, then you can try to use those. This can either make your life a little easier or a little harder. If you have the time to try to dig the key out of the lock, then you can try using some of these materials. If you don’t have any of these on you, then your best case is to call a 24 hour locksmith to come and help you out of this jam. Try using:
- Swiss army knife
- Safety pin
- First aid kit
- Button pin
- Paperclip
- Metal hair clip
- Tweezers
- Lock lubrication
If you don’t have any of these options on hand, then we urge you to call the locksmith. Even if you do have some on hand, it can be in your best interest to call a locksmith so you don’t do any harm to the lock.
Call A Locksmith
If you couldn’t pick up on our hints, then when you accidentally break your key in the lock, we urge you to call the locksmith. Calling a locksmith can save you time, money, and you can get your new key cut as soon as possible, so you don’t have to be slowed down in your day-to-day activities. At Pro-Lock & Safe, we offer a multitude of residential, auto, and commercial services that will make your life a little easier. From making lost keys to rekeying your home, we have you covered no matter the emergency. By calling a locksmith company like ours, you can expect to work with a quality company that has your needs in the forefront of our mind.