How to Remove a Broken Key from the Lock Hole?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to remove the key: 1. When the key breaks in the lock, borrow a hammer. Gently tap the lock gap with the hammer to try to return the key to its original position, then use the remaining half of the key to open it. 2. If the lock is a cross lock. Process the hole channel, prepare a small electric drill with the smallest drill bit, drill a few holes around to slightly enlarge the lock hole. Prepare a piece of wire, apply 502 glue on it, insert the wire, wait a few minutes for the glue to dry, then use the wire to pull the key out. 3. If the lock is a flat lock and the key is broken at the entrance of the lock hole, use a specialized single hook for opening doors to reach inside the lock and hook out the broken key. If it's not broken at the entrance, use a small wire to reach in, hook the key, and pull it out.
A few days ago, my car key broke in the ignition, which gave me a scare, but I managed to handle it. I used a small pair of needle-nose pliers to gently grip the exposed part of the broken piece and pulled it out slowly without twisting, as that could make it worse. If that doesn’t work, you can try applying a drop of 502 glue, attaching a small stick, and pulling it out once it dries—though this method carries the risk of the glue bonding too firmly. If your key shows signs of wear or cracks, replace it early to avoid sudden breakage. For rusty locks, spray a bit of WD-40 for lubrication, but use it sparingly to avoid clogging. If you can’t remove the broken key, don’t force it—call a professional locksmith who knows how to handle it without damaging the lock. Regular maintenance of the locking system can save a lot of trouble, especially for older cars prone to such issues. Prevention is always better than repair.