Trying to remove a key jammed in a door lock is definitely frustrating and stressful, especially when you are trying to get into your home or car. Maybe you need to do urgent work. Whether it’s due to dirt, debris, or corrosion, a stuck key can cause a lot of inconvenience. Although most of the people remain cautious about avoiding such issues, sometimes they tend to get into it while being in haste.
The situation becomes even worse when you encounter a lockout situation, and you need to immediately extract the key stuck in the lock.
Here you will find a simply defined step-by-step guide on how to get a key stuck in a lock. Go ahead and read so as to avoid the difficulty of being locked out.
Steps to Remove Key Stuck in Door Lock
Here are some effective steps to remove a key stuck in a lock.
Wiggle or Twist the Key
Firstly, try to shake or twist the jammed key gently so that it gets released. You need to use polite pressure on the key, but maintain a tight grip, and move it back and forth. This may help in removing any possible dirt or debris in the lock. Be careful, as pushing the key with excessive force may damage the lock.
You may also try rotating the key to its original position it was in when it was inserted. This enables the correct alignment of the pin tumblers with the cylinder. Then you need to stop the plug from moving. So, gently press on its face with the tip of your finger using the other hand. Now extract the key softly by twisting it out.
Use Ice
You can press some ice against the key for around 1 minute, as the cold effect may cause contraction in the metal. Hence, it may be removed easily.
Use a Lubricant
You can use lubricant to loosen the key if wriggling or icing doesn’t work. Use graphite powder, silicone spray, or even WD-40. Then use light pressure to turn the key back and forth once you spray the lubricant into the keyhole. This may reduce resistance and the key may come out.
Use a Key Extractor
You may need to use a key extractor if the key still remains stuck inside the lock. It is an instrument made especially for taking jammed keys out of locks, and they are available in a variety of forms. You may check their automated and manual versions. So, place the extractor over the key and turn it slowly so that it gets removed.
Use a Plunger and Hinge
Try using a plunger and hinge if the key is still stuck. This specific tool can help remove the key by applying pressure on the lock. Position the plunger over the key suitable and gently squeeze it so that it gets extracted. You may also try using pliers or tweezers.
Contact a Professional Locksmith
If you are not able to extract the key using the above-mentioned methods, you certainly need to call an expert locksmith who specializes in resolving such issues. They carry all the necessary tools and are well-experienced in using advanced techniques to remove stuck keys safely and effectively. They can also repair or replace damaged locks, if required.
So, if it is about your home, you can contact a residential locksmith. In case of such issues arising at your official space, you may get in touch with a commercial locksmith. You may also seek consultation from them on maintaining the keys and locks so that such problems don’t occur in future.
How to Prevent Keys from Getting Stuck in Locks?
Here are some of the effective measures which help minimize the risk of keys getting stuck in locks and ensure smooth operation of locks.
Use High-quality Locks
You can use locks designed with anti-stick features like a lubricated locking mechanism or a special keyway design.
Keep Keys Clean and Dry
It is important to regularly clean your keys with a soft cloth and dry them. This helps prevent moisture from accumulating and causing stickiness.
Keep Keys Moisture-free
Keys must not be exposed to excessive moisture, as this leads to corrosion or stickiness in the lock’s mechanism.
Regular Maintenance of Locks
Make sure to clean and lubricate the locks on a regular basis to ensure smooth operation. You can use a soft cloth and a small amount of lubricant like silicone spray or graphite powder.
Use Rust-resistant Locks
You can opt for a lock made with rust-resistant materials. Go for stainless steel or brass locks so as to reduce the risk of corrosion.
Install an Anti-stick Device
You can explore locks featuring anti-stick devices. There are locks with a spring-loaded mechanism, a special keyway design etc., which helps prevent keys from getting stuck.
Cover the Keys
You can purchase a key cover or sleeve to keep it protected from dust, dirt, and moisture, which can reduce the risk of sticking.
Apart from the methods shared above, you may choose to purchase electronic locks for your home that are advanced and offer high security. These locks often have fewer moving parts and are less vulnerable to sticking which usually occurs in traditional mechanical locks.
You can also contact a locksmith specialist to seek advice on maintenance plans for your locks whether it’s about your home or commercial property. They can assess your requirements and offer customized solutions catering to your long-term security needs.
Concluding Words
It is true that extracting a jammed key from a lock can be a tedious task, but you can perform it easily by following the steps shared above. Most importantly, when you are caught in a lockout situation due to the key jammed inside the lock, you may find it even more irksome to tackle the same.
However, you are advised to always do it gently because using too much effort could shatter the key or damage the lock. If you believe this will be complicated, it’s always preferable to contact a professional locksmith for assistance. You can seek guidance from them on avoiding such situations in the future, and also about maintaining your residential or commercial door locks. In fact, you may discuss your needs and preferences so as to avail tailor-made solutions.
Related FAQs
Some of the important queries raised regarding the stuck keys have been addressed below for your consideration.
You can use various steps including gently twisting the key, applying lubricant, icing the key, using the key extractor, or using a plunge and hinge to take it out of the lock. When all the methods fail, you need to contact a professional locksmith to get the key extracted without damaging the lock.
It is important to take care of your locks and keep them protected. They often get covered with dirt that keeps accumulating inside them. Generally, dirt is collected on your keys and it gets transferred to locks through them.
You can apply lubricant or oil into the keyway and insert the key inside it multiple times. This may loosen the tumblers inside the lock that might have been corroded by debris. Otherwise, you need to seek help from an expert locksmith.
Keys and locks need to be maintained properly and on a timely basis. You must keep your keys covered and free of moisture so that they don’t get dirty and sticky. Otherwise, this dirt gets transferred to your locks, thereby corroding them from inside.
You can try inserting a saw blade into the lock. It must get aligned with the teeth of the key that is stuck in broken from inside. Then try taking the blade out softly. If the saw teeth catch the key fragment’s edge, the key can be taken out. If you are not able to do so, you are advised to call a professional locksmith.
