Key Snapped in Lock: What to Do (And What Not to Do)

The key turns, resists, and then—snap. Half in your hand, half in the lock. It’s one of those problems that stops you in your tracks.

Before you panic (or reach for pliers), here’s how to handle a snapped key properly.

Why Keys Break

Understanding why helps prevent recurrence.

Key Fatigue

Keys are metal, and metal fatigues over time:

• Repeated bending (in pockets, bags, on keyrings)
• Thousands of insertion/rotation cycles
• Micro-cracks developing at stress points
• Visible wear or thinning often precedes breaks

Lock Problems

Sometimes the key is a victim:

• Stiff or seized lock requires excessive force
• Misaligned pins create unusual resistance
• Debris in the mechanism blocks smooth operation
• Rust or corrosion grips the key

User Force

The immediate cause is usually excessive torque:

• Trying to turn a too-tight lock
• Jiggling aggressively when the key doesn’t turn
• Using the key as a lever or tool
• Cold weather making mechanisms stiff

Assessing the Situation

Before attempting anything:

Where Is the Fragment?

Protruding: Part of the key extends beyond the lock face. This is the easiest scenario—there’s something to grip.

Flush: The break is level with or just inside the keyhole. Harder to grip but often still extractable.

Recessed: The fragment has been pushed inside the lock. Most difficult—tools may push it deeper.

Is the Door Locked or Unlocked?

• Unlocked door: You can get in/out while solving the problem
• Locked door: Urgency increases; you may be stuck outside - similar to a jammed door situation

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The first rule of snapped key extraction: don’t make it worse. A protruding fragment that gets pushed deeper becomes a much harder problem.

DIY Extraction Methods

Method 1: Needle-Nose Pliers

When it works: Fragment protrudes enough to grip

How to:

1. Get thin needle-nose pliers
2. Grip the fragment firmly
3. Pull straight out—don’t twist
4. If it won’t come, don’t force it

Method 2: Scroll Saw Blade

When it works: Fragment is reachable but not easy to grip

How to:

1. Find a thin scroll saw blade or coping saw blade
2. Insert alongside the key fragment
3. Hook the blade teeth behind the key serrations
4. Pull blade and fragment out together

Note: This requires patience and light touch.

Method 3: Key Extractor (If You Have One)

These are specialist tools, but some DIY kits include them:

• Thin hooked tools designed for this purpose
• Insert alongside fragment
• Hook behind the break
• Pull out

Method 4: Broken Key Extractor Tool

Available from hardware shops:

• Purpose-made for this problem
• Follow tool instructions
• Usually hook-based mechanism

What Not to Do

Don’t Push Inward

Any tool pushed into the lock risks driving the fragment deeper. Always apply outward pressure.

Don’t Use Super Glue

The internet suggests super-gluing a rod to the fragment. Problems:

• Glue rarely bonds well enough
• Glue can contaminate the lock mechanism
• Excess glue may seize the lock entirely
• If it fails, you’ve made extraction harder

Don’t Keep Trying the Other Half

The remaining key portion will not work:

• The break point is now a sharp edge
• Inserting it can damage internal pins
• It cannot turn the lock (missing the end section)
• It may also break, adding to the problem

Don’t Drill Without Expert Knowledge

Drilling out the lock is destructive and usually unnecessary. It also:

• Destroys the lock requiring replacement
• Risks damage to the door
• May not even work if done incorrectly

When to Call a Professional

Call a locksmith when:

• The fragment is flush or recessed
• DIY attempts aren’t working after 10-15 minutes
• You’re locked out and need entry urgently
• You don’t have appropriate tools
• You’re uncomfortable with delicate work

What a Locksmith Does

Professionals have:

• Specialised extraction tools in various sizes
• Experience knowing which approach works for which locks
• Ability to disassemble the lock if needed
• Replacement cylinders if extraction isn’t possible

Typical Outcome

In most cases:

• Fragment is extracted intact
• Lock mechanism is undamaged
• Original lock continues to function
• New key is cut if needed

After Extraction: Next Steps

Check the Lock

• Does it operate smoothly now?
• Any new stiffness or resistance?
• Signs of damage to pins or mechanism?

Examine Your Keys

• Is the remaining half showing wear?
• Are other keys on your ring also fatigued?
• When were they last replaced?

Consider the Cause

If the lock was stiff before the break:

• Lubricate with graphite or proper lock lubricant
• Consider whether the lock needs servicing
• Address the root cause, not just the symptom

Get New Keys

You’re now one key short:

• Get new keys cut from a known-good original
• Don’t cut from the broken key halves
• Consider whether this is the time for a lock upgrade - see our guide on choosing the right lock

Preventing Future Breaks

Key Care

• Don’t use keys as tools (opening packages, etc.)
• Store on a ring that doesn’t bend them
• Replace visibly worn or thin keys
• Carry house keys separately from heavy bundles

Lock Maintenance

• Lubricate locks annually with graphite powder - see our lock maintenance tips
• Address stiffness early—before it causes key stress
• Replace aging or problematic locks

Warning Signs

Act on these before they become breaks:

• Increasing resistance to turn
• Need to apply unusual force
• Visible wear on key edges
• Key feeling “loose” in the lock

Take Action

A snapped key is frustrating, but rarely serious. Stay calm, assess the situation, and don’t make it worse with improvised solutions.

If DIY doesn’t work within a few attempts, professional help is the sensible choice—and usually resolves the problem without lock damage.