You’re done with a long tough day at work. It was crazy, and you wish you’re happy to be home. You can relax and enjoy a peaceful evening.
You say “hi” to your neighbor as you walk to your door. Phew! Once you insert that key in the lock and go in, you’ll feel the tiring weight of the day’s burden fall off your shoulders.
You slip the key into the lock, and there, nothing. It does not turn. It’s okay, just take it out and try again. But wait—what if the key is stuck? If you’re wondering how to remove a key stuck in a lock, don’t panic. With a little patience, you can free the key and get back inside in no time.
The key is stuck in the lock
But it gets tough. The key refuses to come out of the lock. You try to do it a second time, trying to be more delicate. You pull gently, but nothing helps. Stronger, still nothing.
If you’re wondering how to remove a key stuck in a lock, pulling too hard might break the key, but not pulling hard enough means it won’t come out. In this case, even if you have duplicates of the key, you do not have several locks in order to try the maneuver again from the beginning.
How do you free the key stuck in the gear?
The first idea for most people: take out your smartphone and look for a solution on the internet—specifically, how to remove a key stuck in a lock… and that’s probably how you are on this page.
How to Remove the Stuck Key Yourself
At this time, it is not necessary to call a locksmith yet. A locksmith in Phoenix can help you remove the key from the lock in which it is stuck, of course. However, before considering this solution, it may be useful to experiment with the following few techniques on how to remove a key stuck in a lock.
Freeing a stuck key is not necessarily very complicated. All you need is a little patience, ingenuity, and skill.
1. Check to see if someone is home
If your lock allows it, all you have to do is make sure there is someone on the other side of the door. They will be able to put their key on their side. By turning it in the lock, they will be able to free the key stuck on your side. This is a simple method for how to remove a key stuck in a lock.
2. The key is intact
If no one is at home, nothing is lost.
Since you were delicate, your key stuck in the lock did not break.
Why is your key stuck in the gear? This may be due to the formation of rust along the metal walls inside the lock.
If you’re wondering how to remove a key stuck in a lock, it is important to first lubricate the walls. In this kind of situation, you probably have what you need on hand or in a store nearby.
A penetrating product will therefore be necessary. If you’re wondering how to remove a key stuck in a lock, all you need to do is apply a greasy product or a non-greasy lubricant that can be applied as a spray.
The procedure is very simple: apply by spraying the lock with lubricant. A little patience will be useful, because you will have to wait about ten minutes for the product to take effect.
Once these few minutes have elapsed, always with delicacy, start turning the key in the lock in order to extract it from the barrel of the lock in which it was stuck.
3. The broken key in the lock
As you tried to pull harder to remove the key from the lock that imprisoned it, you broke the key. You have a piece of it left between your fingers.
This is arguably the worst-case scenario, and the Phoenix locksmith seems to be the only solution. However, if you’re wondering how to remove a key stuck in a lock, it is still possible to take the situation in hand.
By going to a store, buy strong glue, and put a few drops of the product on the tip remaining in your hand. Stick there on the part of the key stuck in the lock and wait for the glue to take effect.
Once the two parts of the key are glued, gently retry to get it out, even if it means using techniques requiring a lubricant. If you’re wondering how to remove a key stuck in a lock, this method can be a practical solution to try.
In the event that one end of the key comes out of the lock, consider using flat pliers or tweezers to attempt to extract it from the gear. A sufficiently thin hooked metal rod can also do the trick.
Always remember to apply the lubricant.
Once out of this mishap, it will be useful to acquire the ideal tool to get out of such a situation: a key extractor. It is usually sold in several sizes as a kit.
If, despite everything, your key remains irreparably stuck in the lock, you can always call an Alcatraz Locksmith.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a key stuck in a lock without breaking it?
To remove a key stuck in a lock without breaking it, start by applying a lubricant to the lock. Wait for about 10 minutes for the lubricant to work, then gently turn the key while pulling it out. Be patient and avoid pulling too hard to prevent damage.
What should I do if my key is stuck in the lock and won’t budge?
If you’re wondering how to remove a key stuck in a lock, you can first try lubricating the lock. If the key still doesn’t budge, try asking someone on the other side of the door to turn the key while you pull from your side. This can often release the stuck key.
Can a broken key still be removed from the lock?
Yes, if your key breaks in the lock, there are methods to remove it. You can use strong glue to stick the broken piece to the remaining part of the key and gently pull it out. If this doesn’t work, consider using pliers or a key extractor tool.
How do I prevent a key from getting stuck in the lock in the future?
To prevent issues with a key stuck in a lock, regularly lubricate your locks and keep them clean from dirt and rust. Avoid using excessive force when inserting or removing keys to prevent damage to the key or lock mechanism.
When should I call a locksmith for a stuck key?
If you’ve tried multiple methods to remove a key stuck in a lock and it remains lodged, it’s time to call a locksmith. A professional locksmith will have the proper tools and expertise to safely remove the key without causing further damage to the lock.
6. How long should I wait for a lubricant to work when trying to remove a key stuck in a lock?
When using lubricant to help with how to remove a key stuck in a lock, give it at least 10 minutes to seep into the locking mechanism. This will allow the lubricant to break down any rust or grime that might be causing the key to stick. Then, try gently turning and pulling the key.
Is there a way to prevent keys from getting stuck in locks?
To avoid dealing with a stuck key in the future, regularly lubricate your locks with graphite powder or a silicone-based lubricant. This maintenance helps prevent rust buildup and ensures smooth operation. If you’re unsure how to remove a key stuck in a lock, regular maintenance can reduce the chances of it happening.
How to remove a key stuck in a lock if I don’t have any tools?
In an emergency where you don’t have tools, the best solution is to use household lubricants, such as WD-40. Apply it to the lock and wait for a few minutes. Gently pull and turn the key to try removing it. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to contact a professional locksmith for help.
Can a locksmith help if I can’t figure out how to remove a key stuck in a lock?
Yes! If you’re struggling with how to remove a key stuck in a lock, a locksmith is trained to handle this type of issue. They can safely extract the key and ensure the lock is still in working order.