1. Type of key?
The brand is Phillips but they make various types. The type here is (not sure of the correct jargon) without vertical ridges and notches. And both sides of the key are identical.
I’ve looked at some diagrams of key types and I’m not sure exactly. Is it a “dimple key”? Something else?
2. How to remove broken part from lock?
Location: Door between bedroom and garden.
Situation:
-
Someone bent the key a little, and it was stuck, couldn’t get it out. On the inside of the door. At that point still able to lock and unlock from the inside only. Using other key from the outside does nothing, doesn’t even turn.
-
I tried gently straightening it but it immediately snapped.
-
Now: can still open and close the door using the handle. Can still, with difficulty, lock and unlock the door (from inside only) by carefully pressing the head of the key against what is in the lock and turning.
A lot of info online for removing broken key blades from locks are for the “traditional” kind of key with vertical ridges and notches.
I have a screwdriver that fits all the screws and I can access all sides of the lock (inside, outside, edge), but I’m not sure if that’s relevant. I’ve tried tweezers but it’s too snug.
If I need more tools or equipment, I’ll get them tomorrow.
You must log in or # to comment.
There’s a pretty good chance that you can get a bit of wire or a fine pick and push the key through from the other side, I’d be trying that first.
Aside from that the next easiest solution is likely to just disassemble the lock and replace the cylinder as others have suggested.
Also, remember to use a lot of lube (WD-40 would me my pick)
I would remove it from the door, apply sewing machine oil and then slam it onto a surface until a part appears that I can grab with pliers.
I have never done this and it might not work but destroy your lock.
Locksmith here. In a pinch, I’ve ground the back of a jigsaw blade down, leaving just the teeth on the blade (short enough to fit above the key). Jigsaw blades, especially those intended for metal, are hardened and will easily bite into just about any key, giving enough leverage to pull out the broken piece.
I’ve had luck melting a hot glue stick and pressing it on the head, letting it cool, and pulling it out, but you would also be best replacing the lock since you can open the door
Why wouldn’t you just replace the whole lock?
This. Some people don’t realise how ridiculously easy it is to change a lock when you can open the door with a key.
-
Put the working key into the lock
-
Undo this screw
-
Turn the key slightly back and forth whilst pulling the cylinder out until it starts to come out. Then just pull it all out.
-
Mark which side was front and back
-
Measure from the middle locking mechanism of the cylinder to the ends.
-
Find a lock with the same lengths. It’ll be like 60/40 (100mm total length).
6b. Optional: get one with a fixed turnkey on the inside.
- Replace lock by reverse.
-
While an ignorant rober is trying his luck at trying to open your door a smart one is already gone with your stuff and the police already blasted your door open. I would just get a normal key.
This type of keyhole is generally harder to pick than a regular barded key. Well, obviously not when the key is stuck in the keyhole.
Source: I watch The Lockpicking Lawyer.
I just think that if you have the option between this and the old style, it may be totally fine picking either option.
Main problem seems solved but I just want to point out that this is not a super secure or modern lock.
Very unlikely anyone will ever actually try picking the lock on your house, BUT if they did, this lock won’t do an incredible amount to stop them.
superglue.
Any time I’ve had a key stuck like this I’ve used something sharp and just stabbed it down into the top of the key and leveraged it against the lock itself. Keys are way softer than people think.
Strong magnet maybe?
thanks david
