part of the front door key stuck in the traditional nightlatch

cisko65

I suppose that by unscrewing the latch I could remove the outside cylinder. But I don't know if I can remove the piece of key from the cylinder. Replacing it would be expensive because we need 8 pairs of keys! Thanks.

CliveOfIndia

I'm not sure I understand the problem completely.  But is the key intact and just stuck?  If so, a spray of WD40 and some gentle wiggling may help (WD40 is not generally ideal for lubricating lock mechanisms, but it may help to remove a stuck key).

If the key has snapped off, then you may be able to get hold of it with a pair of small needle-nosed pliers and wiggle it out (again, a squirt of WD40 might help).

Lorian

broken key extraction kit on Amazon - little jaggy slithers - but can still be tricky

cisko65

CliveOfIndia said:

I'm not sure I understand the problem completely.  But is the key intact and just stuck?  If so, a spray of WD40 and some gentle wiggling may help (WD40 is not generally ideal for lubricating lock mechanisms, but it may help to remove a stuck key).

If the key has snapped off, then you may be able to get hold of it with a pair of small needle-nosed pliers and wiggle it out (again, a squirt of WD40 might help).

The key snapped off and part of it is in the lock. The pliers should be small enough to get in, then come out gripping the key. Will look for the smallest one I can find. I'll try with the surgical one. Thanks!

CliveOfIndia

cisko65 said:

CliveOfIndia said:

I'm not sure I understand the problem completely.  But is the key intact and just stuck?  If so, a spray of WD40 and some gentle wiggling may help (WD40 is not generally ideal for lubricating lock mechanisms, but it may help to remove a stuck key).

If the key has snapped off, then you may be able to get hold of it with a pair of small needle-nosed pliers and wiggle it out (again, a squirt of WD40 might help).

The key snapped off and part of it is in the lock. The pliers should be small enough to get in, then come out gripping the key. Will look for the smallest one I can find. I'll try with the surgical one. Thanks!

Yes, it can be right old fiddle - mostly because you can't get much of a grip on the broken key.  But if you do have a small pair of pliers available, you can usually do it.  The trick is not to try and force it, that can make things worse.  Take your time, and it's more a case of gentle wiggling than brute force.

glennevis

Snipe (aka needle) nosed pliers might do the job. These are 4" and may be small enough

https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-s-kit/1pk-501e/4-micro-long-nose-pliers/dp/TL01310

ThisIsWeird

If you can remove the barrel, replacing the remainder of the key should allow the pins/tumblers to retract, and there may then just be a circlip holding the inner part in place.
Once out, fair chance you can insert a wire at the back to push all the key out.
Possibly...

FreeBear

ThisIsWeird said:

If you can remove the barrel, replacing the remainder of the key should allow the pins/tumblers to retract, and there may then just be a circlip holding the inner part in place.
Once out, fair chance you can insert a wire at the back to push all the key out.
Possibly...

Replacement rim latch locks are pretty cheap -> https://www.screwfix.com/p/smith-locke-fire-rated-replacement-night-latch-rim-cylinder-polished-brass-43mm/2125g

cisko65

FreeBear said:

ThisIsWeird said:

If you can remove the barrel, replacing the remainder of the key should allow the pins/tumblers to retract, and there may then just be a circlip holding the inner part in place.
Once out, fair chance you can insert a wire at the back to push all the key out.
Possibly...

Replacement rim latch locks are pretty cheap -> https://www.screwfix.com/p/smith-locke-fire-rated-replacement-night-latch-rim-cylinder-polished-brass-43mm/2125g

Thanks, I know, but I need many keys.

ThisIsWeird

Have you removed the cylinder for a look-see?
I've tried googling, but cannot find a pic of the back of the cylinder, to see how the key barrel itself is secured in this.
If it's as simple as a circlip, I think this should be sortable.
Soooo, any chance of a pic?

twopenny

Unless the bit of key has half turned the tumblers it should be possible to get it out.

We had some guys who went round the houses sticking lollypop sticks in locks and snapping the piece off. I had to break into my house.

But I took the lock out and while it took some time and a lot of cussing, I got it out and replaced it. I took the whole lock off the door in the end to make it easier to work on.

But female, clueless managed it