Key snapped off while in the lock- how to remove it?

cleggie

Hi guys.
I had to be towed home today after my car key snapped in while inside the pasenger side door lock.

Whilst its not a huge problem in itself, as i can still use the drivers door (its a 3 door, not 5), i really dont want to have to pay for new locks or a new door (as my sister said i would).
I have a spare key, so its not like i cant use the car.

i am just wondering if any of you know how i can get the snapped key out of the lock, without damaging the lock?

curlycabbage

As long as there is a protruding part of the key in the lock you could superglue the snapped-off piece back on. Hopefully this will then be good enough to allow you to remove the key.

scotsbob

By a strange coincidence this question was asked on the MX5 owners club last night.

There is a tool specifically designed for this. I bought one when a key broke in a Suzuki Swift and used it again when a key broke in a Mazda 323.
Bit difficult to describe but it is like a serrated pick that slides in the lock and hooks out the broken key. Look for "broken key extractor" on Google.

cleggie

Thanks guys.
Curlycabbage, there isnt any protruding part unfortunately.

Scotsbob, thanks, i'll have a look at it.

Strider590

Snipe nose pliars OR a neodymium magnet.

Wig

Before buying a key extractor, have a go at making one

maybe a sewing needle, bend the end into a hook and have a go with that.

Notmyrealname

Paperclip. Straightening it out, put some superglue on the end and shove it in the lock until it stops. It'll glue itself to the remnants of the key and you can then pull it out.

scotsbob

WOW don't put superglue anywhere near the lock, that is a recipe for further disaster. If you follow the advice above you will have a key PLUS a paperclip stuck in your lock.

Premier_2

tweezers?

If the worst does happen, you won't need new locks all round, or even a new door. You could have a new lock made to match the the existing key, or hopefully (depending on the lock design) when they take the old lock out, they may be able to dismantle it and remove the key stub.

cleggie

Thanks everyone, i am going to try getting it out with tweezers this morning, and see how that goes.

martyn05

Get a coping saw blade, cut the end off, wrap some tape around as a handle. The teeth should be facing back to you. Slide in lock, hook key and remove.