Key Snapped in Lock

fresian_cow

Hi was wondering if anyone had any ideas before I call a locksmith. The key has snapped in the lock on our patio door. There is enough key left to be able to lock and unlock the door, we just can't get the stem (is that what it is??) out. I've tried putting the spare in the other side to push it out and that won't work. My bro suggested putting superglue on the end we still have and putting it in the lock to pull the other part out but I am not keen on this at all (visions of the lock getting completely superglued). Any ideas anyone?

V.Lucky

No advice re the lock, but wouldn't your home insurance cover this? Mine has an extra "home emergency" section that would get a locksmith out with no excess to pay either.

fresian_cow

Ah cheers I'll have a look. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas, nothing wrong with the lock (apart from the key trapped in it lol) and we have a spare key. I'll check now, am with Asda.

Apricot

If there is enough left to lock the door can you not grab the end with a pair of pliers and pull it out? If the bit that is left is too small for pliers, what about eyebrow tweezers or even grip it with a pair of nail clippers and pull it out?

fresian_cow

I'll try that thanks. With regards to insurance would it be under contents or buildings?

Oldbanger666

I was thinking some hair tweezer might do the trick

Mutter_2

Can you feel the broken piece from the other side? If so, how about washing up liquid or oil in the lock and some wire to push it out.

I'd be trying all day, as I hate being defeated by niggly things.

Definately don't superglue, as the surface are of the broken piece is greater than the area of the key to pull it out. It would not only be stuck forever, but lock ruined.

ormus

once youve lined the stem up correctly, use a hammer and punch (old blunt screwdriver?) from the other side to drift it out.

sharkie

get a fishook. heat the middle and no the pointed end with the aim of bending the eye away from the hook.

now put this hook tip with the barb side dow pressing on and over the first tooth of the key into the lock. Now when you pull the key (pliers) the barb will catch on the key and will pull the key out

look at the picture here http://www.magicworld.co.uk/magic-shop/catalog/Broken-Key-Extractor-p-12.html

pupmaster

If you can open the door take the lock out and slap it on a piece of wood

daveyjp

If its a cylinder lock and you can unlock the door remove the lock then it will be easier to get the broken piece out, but it won't be that easy as the lock mechanism has spring loaded parts and these will be grabbing the key.

Youtube has a vid showing how to remove the lock - 2 minute job.