We get more calls for broken key extractions that you might think. Breaking a key in a lock is one of the most common reasons we get called out as a locksmith service in Pontefract. When you break a lock in a key it can be very frustrating but don’t worry, we have the tools for a simple, speedy and cost effective solution without having to necessarily replace the lock.

Why Do Keys Break Inside Locks?
There are many reasons that might lead up to a key breaking inside your lock, some of these reasons are as follows:

• The key can become damaged over time
• The lock has become stiff requiring too much force to turn the lock
• Standard or cheap keys are made from a soft metal such as nickel or brass

What To Do When My Key Breaks Inside My Lock
No matter how the key has broken off inside your lock, the priority for us to get the key extracted from your lock so you can safely secure and unsecure your property. Here are the top reasons you should have the key extracted as soon as possible:

• Broken keys inside locks can cause damage to the lock
• You could be locked out of your property
• You may not be able to properly secure the door

How To Get a Broken Key Out of A Lock
If a small part of the key has broken off within the lock then it is sometimes possible to extract the broken part of the key using a pair of sniped nosed plyers or even a strong magnet if you have one available. However this could be risky as you risk damaging the lock. The best thing to do if you snap your key inside your lock is to call us and we can attend your property the same day and resolve the issue properly without damaging the lock.

How to Prevent Snapping a Key Inside a Lock
There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent a key snapping off in a lock, these are:

Lubricate the Locks – Keys can easily break inside a lock if the lock hasn’t been properly maintained. It is a good idea to lubricate your locks so the function better, but it is important that you only use silicone lubricant, do not use oil based lubricant such as WD-40 as these types of lubes will build up over time and clog the lock.

Replacement Keys – Due to the frequency that we use our keys, over time they become worn and the metal thins out, making it susceptible to snapping inside your lock. If you see that your key has become worn due to frequent use it is a good idea to go and get a fresh key cut before it breaks.

If you have a broken key inside a lock and require our broken key extraction services in Pontefract then please contact us today for a free no obligation quotation.