Keep calm and harness your inner locksmith
You probably never give your locks a second thought until one day, you’re in a rush trying to lock up, and the unexpected happens–the key won’t turn in the lock, and the panic sets in. At first, you may stare at it in disbelief, then move on to swearing at the lock and banging it in frustration. The next step: take a deep breath and know with a bit of ingenuity and a few tricks of the trade, you can figure out how to remove the stuck key and quickly move on with your day.
If you're locked out of your home during an emergency with kids or pets stuck inside, call 911 for help.
When you’re staring at a key stuck in the lock, you may not care exactly why it’s happened. This is understandable, but if you know the likely culprit, it may help you avoid this scenario in the future or allow you to fix it right away.
The problem may be with the key itself. If you’re using the wrong key, it can easily get stuck in a lock because it can alter the shape of the key and cause a jam. It’s also possible a key isn’t cut correctly, and you need a replacement. Another common cause is you have a warped key (which happens over time), so it may simply be time for another one.
On the other hand, it could be the actual lock causing the issue. Maybe the previous homeowner didn’t know how to install a deadbolt lock correctly. Or, perhaps it has started to wear out over time and is starting to fail. Either way, it may be time to explore other types of door locks as a replacement.
The good news is there are several DIY options worth a try that may solve the problem for you. Before you try any of these tactics, though, take a deep breath and try to stay calm–you may solve the issue before you know it.
If it’s a hot day, the key may have expanded and won’t fit correctly. You can get an ice cube and cool the lock. Once it’s cooled down, you can gently remove the key as you usually would.
To make the process easier, lubricate your lock. Using a dry lubricant, different from an oil-based option, is one of the easiest ways to try and unstick a stuck lock. This works incredibly well if it’s a new key or a bad key copy, and the key is stuck on a tumbler pin inside the lock.
Once you have the lubricant, use the spray nozzle and spray directly into the keyhole right above your stuck key. Once you’ve sprayed it, gently wiggle the key up and down and gently work it out of the lock with your fingers or needle-nose pliers (which you will need if the key has broken in half).
You can also use graphite powder, a type of dry lubricant. Some locksmiths prefer it because it doesn’t attract dirt and debris the way a lubricant can.
If you suspect the lock assembly (such as a loose plug) is causing the problem, try keeping the lock still while you wiggle the key back and forth. With one hand, hold the area surrounding the keyhole (called a plug) steady, while with the other hand you gently wiggle the key and try pulling it out. You’re thinking like a locksmith now and stabilizing the internal locking mechanism by holding it.
Slightly different than the method above, you can push the key in as far as it will go. Turn the key back into the original position you placed it in when you first inserted the key so it can align with the internal cylinder. Now you can gently push the plug (the area around the keyhole) with your other hand while twisting and pulling the key out with the other hand. Notice the word “gently”—if you push too hard, you can worsen the problem and break your key in half.
If you have time, you can go to the hardware store and purchase a broken key extractor kit. These kits are usually inexpensive, and you select the kit based on the size and type of lock. It has a hook you can insert that grabs onto the key tip, so you can remove the remaining piece and go on about your day.
If you’re worried a key will get stuck in your lock at some point (whether it’s the first time or not), you can take measures to lessen the chances of it happening.
Slightly file the key: If the key has barbs and you know it’s bound to wreak havoc on your lock, you can file it yourself with a fine file or ask a key maker to do it for you.
Apply a dry lubricant twice a year: Adding dry lubricant to the keyhole twice a year may prevent further issues, especially if the original lubricant has dissipated.
Replace the keys: If you suspect they have worn down, are old, or warped, go ahead and replace them with fresh copies.
Replace the entire lock assembly: It may be necessary to replace it, which you can either DIY or hire a locksmith to take care of.
Get a smart lock: Or, avoid keys altogether with an electric or smart lock instead. Then, your biggest issue will be how to reset the door lock code rather than a stuck key.
If none of the tactics mentioned above work for removing the key stuck in a lock, you can always call a locksmith near you. You may need to hire a locksmith even if you retrieve the key if your entire lock needs replacement. The cost to hire a locksmith ranges anywhere from $50 to $500.
It could be difficult to get in and out of a lock for several reasons, such as the keyhole needing additional lubrication. Particles, debris, and dirt can also get into a lock, making a key stuck (the lubrication can help with the removal).
Locksmiths typically recommend using a dry lubricant, such as a Teflon-based option, instead of the popular oil-based lubricants you can purchase at almost any store. Dry lubricants leave a non-stick, water-repellent coating instead of attracting more dirt and debris like an oil-based lubricant. You can find these at a hardware store; some are made explicitly for lock use.
You may be able to get a broken key out of a lock by yourself, depending on the situation. If a portion of the key is still protruding from your lock, try lubricating the keyway and using pliers or even a bobby pin to pull the key out of the hole. If you have jigsaw blades handy, you can also try using those to grab onto the stuck key and pull it out.
But, if neither option works or you can’t reach the key, your only option is to call a locksmith for help.
