Don’t call a locksmith in Westminster MD just yet. You may be able to save some money if you try these hacks first. Removing a broken key out of a lock just might be easier than you thought.
Apply oil
The first thing you should do is to apply penetrating oil on the keyhole. This will loosen the works inside your knob. Your keys probably broke because a mechanism inside the lock was stuck. It could be debris. It can also be caused by corrosion. In any case, the oil will help get things moving.
Assess how the key broke
Did you break it while turning or did it break before you turned it? Keys are funny. They can sometimes break without much force. Examine the piece you’re holding. If some of the key teeth are with the head, then that means your key broke in the vertical position. If you are only holding only that head, then you’ve broken it from turning. Get a screwdriver to turn it back to its vertical position.
Use a long-nosed plier
Try to get the broken parts of the key out of the lock with a long-nosed plier. Most likely, this technique will work only if most of the key is in the lock and you are only holding the head. Try anyways, if the part of the key that is broken can still be reached by the pliers. If this doesn’t work, set the pliers aside and try another technique.
Use a jigsaw
You can do this by inserting the jigsaw into the lock with the teeth pointing down. Push the jigsaw into the lock until a tooth snags and catches one of the cuts of the key that is stuck inside the lock. Carefully hook the cut and drag the broken piece of the key out.
When to call a locksmith
If none of these techniques works, it’s not bad to call a locksmith in Westminster MD. Describe the problem so you can get some help right away. You may have to present an ID proving you actually live in the property before you can get any help.
Call a locksmith right away if getting in the property is urgent and you have no tools on hand. You might also want to talk to the locksmith about replacing the locks of your home as soon as possible. You would not want to leave the place with a broken knob.
Most people find this a good time to upgrade their locks. Mechanical locks are not bad per se, but in terms of security, they could be improved more. Digital locks offer better security for the most part and there’s less chance you’ll get locked out unless something about the programming goes awry. It’s also a lot easier to monitor who rings your doorbell. You’ll be able to spot attempted break-ins right away with digital locks.
You can talk to a locksmith in Westminster MD about these options. He may also offer other security devices that could improve your home.
At WFX, we can help you get out of a tricky situation. If you need help from a locksmith in Westminster MD, contact us today and tell us how we can be of service!
