What Should I Do If My Key Snaps in the Lock?

You’re unlocking your door after a long day, or maybe you’re locking up before heading out, and suddenly the key snaps in the lock. It’s not what you expected, and it can feel frustrating and stressful.

In moments like these, it’s tempting to turn to quick DIY fixes. You’ll find plenty of advice online suggesting you try glue, bobby pins, or even blades to remove the broken key. While these methods might sound simple, they can cause more harm than good, potentially damaging your lock and leading to expensive repairs.

Understanding Why Keys Snap

Everyday Wear and Tear

Keys are subjected to a lot of use over time. Every twist and turn in the lock exerts a small amount of pressure on the metal of the key. For keys made of softer metals, years of this persistent stress can gradually weaken the structure. The more you use your key, the more likely it is that it will eventually wear out and snap, particularly if it’s not made from robust materials.

Stiff Locks

A lock that is difficult to turn or feels sticky can also contribute to key breakage. This stiffness can be due to a lack of maintenance or the presence of dirt and debris inside the lock mechanism. When a lock does not operate smoothly, it requires you to apply more force to turn the key. This excessive force stresses the key, particularly at its weakest points, increasing the likelihood of it snapping.

Using Too Much Force

Often, the reflex to a stiff or uncooperative lock is to use more strength than usual. Applying excessive force on the key, especially when it is unnecessary, concentrates stress on the key’s most vulnerable areas. This habit can lead to the key bending or eventually breaking, especially if repeated over time.

Changes in Temperature

Temperature fluctuations can affect both your key and lock. In colder weather, the metal in the key may become more brittle and susceptible to breakage. Simultaneously, the lock mechanism might contract or even freeze, making it harder to turn the key. Under these conditions, the likelihood of a key breaking increases significantly when force is applied.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Snapped Keys

To keep your keys from snapping, it’s wise to take a few preventive steps. Regularly check your keys for any signs of wear or damage. This is especially important if you use your keys often. Depending on how much you use them, and the type of lock they fit into, you might need different kinds of keys. For instance, keys made from brass tend to wear out faster than those made from steel. 

It’s also a good idea to have a professional check your locks at least once a year. This helps ensure they are working well and can prevent your keys from breaking. Regular maintenance by a reliable locksmith can keep both your locks and keys functioning smoothly and extend their lifespan.

Immediate Steps to Take When Your Key Snaps in the Lock

When your key snaps in the lock, the immediate steps you take can significantly influence the outcome, preventing further damage to the lock and facilitating a smoother resolution. Here’s what to do when faced with this unexpected and often frustrating situation.

Resist the Urge to Fix It Yourself

When a key breaks in the lock, it’s natural to want to fix the problem immediately. However, trying to extract the broken key yourself using improvised tools like paper clips, needle-nose pliers, jigsaw blades, or bobby pins can worsen the situation. These tools might push the broken piece deeper into the lock mechanism, making extraction more difficult and possibly causing damage to the lock. Instead, take a step back and assess the situation without rushing.

Do Not Manipulate the Broken Key

Avoid pulling or twisting the part of the key still accessible from the lock. Manipulating the broken key can cause it to move deeper into the lock, complicating its removal. Tools designed for other purposes, such as jigsaw blades or wire, lack the precision of tools specifically made for extracting broken keys and can scratch or further damage the internal components of the lock.

Call a Professional Locksmith

Contacting a professional locksmith is your safest and most reliable option. Locksmiths are equipped with specialised tools, such as broken key extractors, designed to safely remove a broken key from a lock without causing additional damage. These experts have the skills to handle different types of locks and can provide swift solutions to ensure your lock remains functional. For instance, emergency locksmith services like those offered in Norwich are known for their quick response times and effective solutions in such situations.

Key Extractor Tools

Professional locksmiths use key extractor tools that are inserted alongside the broken piece of the key. These tools hook onto the broken key, allowing the locksmith to carefully pull the broken piece out without causing damage to the lock. This precision tool is especially useful in delicate situations where the key breaks close to the lock mechanism.

Lubricate the Lock

Sometimes, a lock might be stiff or not working smoothly, which contributes to key breakage. One preventive measure is to regularly lubricate your lock with a silicone-based lubricant. This helps ensure that the key turns smoothly in the lock, reducing wear and tear on the key and preventing future breakages.

Keep the Broken Key Pieces

If the broken key comes out in two clean pieces, keep both parts. These pieces can help the locksmith understand why the key broke, whether due to normal wear or an issue with the lock itself. They might also use these pieces to cut a new key. This saves you the cost and hassle of having to replace the lock entirely.

What to Expect From Your Locksmith

A reputable locksmith will not only remove the broken key but also assess the lock to ensure it’s in good working order. They might suggest installing a more robust lock or making adjustments to prevent future issues. Additionally, they can lubricate the lock during their visit, ensuring it operates smoothly going forward.

By following these steps and understanding the importance of professional intervention, you can handle a broken key situation effectively. Relying on expert services not only helps protect your lock but also ensures peace of mind knowing that your home security is not compromised.

Need help with a snapped key in your lock?

Don’t worry if your key has snapped in the lock. Our skilled emergency locksmiths are here to assist you. We specialise in safely extracting broken keys using precise techniques that prevent any damage to your lock. Whether you need the broken piece removed or are considering upgrading your lock to avoid similar issues in the future, we are here to help.

Contact us today to arrange a visit. Let us take care of your lock problems and ensure your home remains safe and secure.