How to Extract a Broken Key

Faulty manufacturing or wear and tear sometimes causes keys to break off in the lock. If the key is not stuck too far in, you may be able to extract it without calling a locksmith--and without having to wait around for hours on a rainy day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Superglue
• Superglue
• Toothpick
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Needle-nose Pliers

1. If a bit of the broken key is sticking out of the lock, grasp it firmly with needle-nose pliers and pull it out.

2. If the broken end of the key is visible but you can't grasp it with pliers, try the following superglue method.

3. Use a toothpick to apply a tiny amount of superglue to the broken edge of the key's head.

4. Insert the head into the lock so the broken edges of the key come together. Be extremely careful not to let the glue come into contact with any part of the lock.

5. Hold the key in place firmly for at least 3 minutes to allow the glue to dry and bond the broken pieces.

6. Carefully extract the key from the lock. Avoid unnecessary twisting or turning because this will strain the superglue bond.

7. Call a locksmith if you can't extract the key with either method. Locksmiths have a key-extractor tool designed specifically for this predicament.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get superglue on your fingers, see How to Get Superglue Off Your Skin.
• You can use a large or medium clamp instead of needle-nose pliers.

[DENNIS1982]

on 12/18/2008 DO NOT USE SUPER GLUE.. THAT WILL CAUSE MORE PROBLEMS!! USE A BOBBY PIN.. BITE THE RUBBER ENDS OFF.. USE A PAIR OF PLIERS TO STRAITEN THE BENT PART OF THE BOBBY PIN.. INSERT THE BOBBY PIN INTO THE IGNITION.. TAKE THE PAIR OF PLIERS AND GRAB THE END OF THE BOBBY PIN.. TWIST THE BOBBY PIN THIS WILL PINCH THE BROKEN KEY BETWEEN THE BOBBY PIN.. THEN PULL IT OUT. THE BROKEN KEY SHOULD COME OUT WITH IT..

[Guzz747]

on 8/6/2007 Hi, i have a broken car key tip in my ignition which i only just realised. I have tried to remove the switch but it appears to be part of the steering column. I dont want to use the superglue method so if there are any other tips or ideas, please tell me...???

on 8/8/2006 This was on a 1993 GEO Storm, only the tip broke off with the steering wheel in the locked position. I removed the plastic cover from the bottom of the column. I removed three 10mm bolts with a wrench, this allowed the entire column to rotate pointing the ignition switch straight down toward the floorboard. Then I tapped the lock assembly several times, then gravity took over and voil - it hit the floor! The locksmiths wanted $45 and up to do this, and also an extra charge to remake the broken key. I called the old owner of the car and he still had a spare key. It was beautiful ending to a tragic beginning. Total expense: $0.

on 8/8/2006 I'm a professional locksmith, about once a month I run into a customer who has tried the super glue method, but used too much glue and ended up either gluing their key inside the lock, or gluing the pins or wafers inside the lock. This normally results in a damaged lock that can no longer be used without a complete tear down and cleaning with acetone to dissolve the glue.
Sure, we love to get the calls because it's great money in our pocket, but I wouldn't recommend anyone to use super glue to try and remove a broken key.

on 6/30/2006 This was on a 1993 GEO Storm, only the tip broke off with the steering wheel in lock position.

I removed the plastic cover from the bottom of the column. I removed three 10mm bolts with a wrench, this allowed the entire column to rotate pointing the ignition switch straight down toward the floorboard. Then I tapped the lock assembly several times and gravity took over. Voilà!

A locksmith wanted $45.00 and up to do this and they also add an extra charge to remake the broken key. I called the old owner of the car and he still had a spare key. It was a beautiful ending to a tragic beginning - total expense: $0.