Key Broke Off in the Lock? Stop and Read This
Don't shove a new key in. Here's what an Indian Land, SC locksmith actually does to extract a broken key.
My key broke off in the lock — what do I do?
Key snapped off? Don't push another key in to 'force it out' — that drives the broken piece deeper. Step away from the door and call your Indian Land, SC locksmith.
If the broken piece is sticking out even a millimeter, sometimes needle-nose pliers grip it. Work it straight out, not at an angle. Lubricate with graphite (not WD-40, which gums up pin tumblers in Indian Land, SC humidity).
If the piece is flush or recessed, leave it. Our Indian Land, SC locksmith uses a broken-key extractor — a thin hooked tool that catches the cuts and pulls the fragment cleanly. It's a 5-minute job for a pro and rarely damages the cylinder.
After extraction, expect a quick rekey. Keys snap because they're worn or because the lock has internal wear. Our Indian Land, SC locksmith inspects the cylinder, rekeys if needed, and cuts you a fresh key on-site so it doesn't happen again.