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Locksmiths have several tools for removing broken keys from locks. The choice of tool depends on the kind and depth of the break. In addition, the tools should not damage the lock, as doing so will lead to extra expenses.
The following are common tools locksmiths use in helping clients get out of such fix:
Key Extractor Set
A key extractor set is a fundamental toolkit for every locksmith. It comes in handy whenever clients request help with removing a broken key from the lock. The set contains different types of extractors. Each one of them is designed to accommodate various lock types.
Typically, it features hooks, rats' foot, and diamond extractors. Some of them are hard and nonflexible, while others are soft and flexible. The locksmith will use one or a combination of extractors to get the broken key. This will depend on the size and shape of the broken piece lodged in the lock.
Jiggle Keys
Commonly known as lock sport tools, jiggle keys consist of flat steel or metal strips. These strips are shaped into different profiles that match diverse lock designs. They are mostly used to unlock simple locks. Locksmiths also use them to remove broken keys from locks. One can use them to unlock or extract a key by jiggling or wiggling them into the lock.
Needle-nose Pliers
Locksmiths use simple tools to remove a broken key. One of the most common and accessible tools is needle-nose pliers. These pliers have long, thin jaws that allow the locksmith to reach into the lock and grip the broken key fragment. Although it's best suited for small or large exposed parts, it can solve simple key break problems without damaging the lock.
Lock Lubricants
Lock lubricants are mostly in the form of sprays or oil. They are useful in helping locksmiths remove stuck or broken key parts from locks. Lubricants are effective in breaking the rust or reducing the friction between the key and the pin. In addition, lubricants are applied before extracting a broken key. It helps when pulling a stuck key cut because it reduces resistance.
Picking Tools
Lock picking tools can be used to extract broken keys in certain circumstances. If a broken key is lodged inside a lock, a locksmith can use a pick to manipulate the lock mechanism. This will allow them to pull the broken key out. Picking tools should only be used if the lock is accessible and there are no other more effective means available.
Locksmiths should be well conversant with how to use the various tools for removing broken keys from locks. Each tool has its own method of usage. Knowing these methods will help prevent additional damage to the lock or even injury while operating the tool.
Key Extractor Set
First, a locksmith should assess where the key broke to choose the right extractor. Then, using lock oil, he should lubricate the lock to reduce friction for easy extraction. After this, he should insert the extractor into the lock carefully. The locksmith should then hook the broken key fragment with the forked end of the tool. Next, he should turn the extractor gently while pulling it out to extract the key. In case the fragment is deep inside the lock, he will have to use extractors with longer hooks. Also, he may have to extract the lock pins first before doing the extraction.
Jiggle Keys
First, the locksmith should identify which type of jiggle key to use for the lock. He should then apply lock lubricant to the key and lock. This is meant to reduce friction and make the process smooth. Next, he should insert the jiggle key into the lock and begin jiggling gently. While jiggling, he should also try to turn the key as he applies a little pressure. If the jiggle key matches the lock, it will unlock the lock and allow room for extracting a broken key.
Needle-nose Pliers
Locksmiths use this basic removing-a-broken-key product in case the broken key has some part that is sticking out. First, he should apply lubricant to the lock. This will help reduce friction and make it easier to pull the key. He should then be careful while gripping the exposed part of the broken key with pliers. After this, he should turn and pull the key gently. He should avoid pulling hard because it will cause more damage to the lock and key.
Lock Lubricants
If the broken key is stuck in a lock, a locksmith will use a spray can to apply lubricant to the lock. He is supposed to apply enough lubricant so that it reaches the portion of the key that is stuck in the lock. The locksmith should avoid applying too much force as he sprays the lubricant. This might damage the lock or cause the key to break further. In addition, lubricants should only be used when necessary because frequent use may cause dirt and debris to accumulate in the lock.
Picking Tools
The picking tools are used in this procedure only if the lock is accessible, and the broken key is stuck inside. A locksmith should insert a lock pick into the keyhole. He should manipulate the lock mechanism gently to align the pins. While doing this, he should avoid applying too much force. This might damage the lock or make it impossible to pick. The key picks are used for practice and should not be used on real locks. They are meant for personal use by novice locksmiths to help them gain more experience in lock picking.
There are many benefits of using products that help people remove a broken key from a lock. They range from mental health to financial benefits. Below are some of the most common advantages of using these products:
Prevents Lock Damage
When a broken key is left inside a lock, it can cause further damage to the lock. This is mainly because the internal components of the lock may get obstructed by the broken key. Removing the key using the right products prevents this kind of damage from happening.
Quick Access
Sometimes, a broken key can prevent someone from getting access to a room, building, or car. Removing the key using these products restores such access and eliminates delays resulting from the inconvenience.
Professional Assistance
One of the biggest advantages of removing-a-broken-key products is that they allow people to achieve something that requires professional assistance. The products are meant for use by people who do not have any locksmith experience. However, the tools give them an opportunity to extract or remove a broken key just like a professional locksmith would do it.
Cost Savings
Using these products is more of a temporary solution to the problem of a broken key. The products help in the extraction of the key, but in case the lock is damaged, more money will be required for repairing or replacing the lock. In addition, since the removal is done at home, there will be no need to hire a professional locksmith. This will save on the costs of labor.
Ease and Convenience
Having these products at hand means that people can easily remove a broken key from their locks without visiting a locksmith. This comes in especially handy during emergencies when the key breaks while getting inside the house or car. People also use them after misplacing their keys in the lock and inadvertently forcing them out.
Specialized Tools
These products include various specialized tools like tweezers and lock pick guns. They make it easier to remove a broken key without damaging the lock or making another key get stuck in the lock. For instance, locksmiths prefer using a key extractor tool over any other simple tool because it enhances precision when removing the broken key.
Proper storage of these products ensures they last longer and do a better job. In addition, storing them properly keeps them organized and protected from damage. Below are some useful and practical tips on how to maintain these products:
Clean After Each Use
Lock picking tools or any other tool used for removing a broken key should be cleaned after each use. This is to prevent the accumulation of metal shavings, dust, or lock debris on the tools. For non-electric tools, lock manufacturers advise people to wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth or a microfiber towel. For electronic tools, like the electric lock pick, use compressed air to blow out any debris that might have accumulated inside the tool.
Organize In a Case
Organizing lock picking tools such as tweezers, Extract and Pull, electric lock picks, and others in a case helps keep them neat and easy to find. It also reduces the chances of misplacing or losing any tools. Therefore, shop owners should ensure that the tools come with a storage case or a pouch. In addition, they should consider using dividers or foam inserts to keep each tool separate. This will protect them from bumping into each other and getting damaged or causing chips on their edges.
Store In A Dry Environment
Lock picking tools have metal parts that can rust or corrode if exposed to moisture or high humidity. The articles' owner should store all the tools in a dry cupboard or room with low humidity. A lock picking set can be stored with silica gel packets to absorb any moisture that might come into contact with the tools.
Keep Away From Children
These tools are meant for use by professional or novice locksmiths. A lock picking set, for instance, contains several tweezers, needles, extract and pull, and other tools that have sharp ends. When left lying around, children can accidentally hurt themselves with these sharp objects. Besides, some of the lock picking tools are small and may pose a choking hazard to young children.
Maintain Some Of The Tools
Lock picking tools such as electric lock picks may require some maintenance to keep them in good condition. For instance, lubricating moving parts will help the tools function optimally. In addition, one should check for any signs of wear or damage. Any damaged tools should be fixed or replaced before the lock picks are used to work on clients' locks.
People try almost everything when removing a broken key from a lock, including vinegar. Unfortunately, it is not effective. Some people use it because it is readily available in their kitchen. While it may not work, lock manufacturers strongly advise people against using homemade key lubricants for locks. Instead, people should use oils and lubricants that are made specifically for locks. This is because while doing locksmith massage oil lubricates and protects locks from dirt and debris.
Yes. People often damage their locks further by pulling the broken key hard when trying to remove it. This is because hard pulling can break some internal components of the lock that might have remained intact. In addition, pulling the key will make the broken key further embedded in the lock. It will also possibly bend the remains of the broken key against the lock cylinder. This will make the extraction process more complicated.
These products are very handy in helping professional and novice locksmiths remove a broken key from a lock. Just like any other toolkit, the products are worth the investment especially if they are properly maintained and stored. In addition, they ensure that removing a broken key becomes hassle-free.
Other than pliers, locksmiths also use tweezers, bobby pins, and toothpicks to remove a broken key from locks. The tools work the same way as pliers since they also have gripping ends. Locksmiths use them to pull or grasp and extract the broken key from the lock, especially when a small portion is sticking out.
Locksmiths and lock manufacturers advise against using WD-40 to lubricate locks. Although it has short-term benefits like freeing up stuck locks, it has long-term negative effects. The chemicals in WD-40 attract dirt and debris, which will end up gumming the lock even more. Lock experts also discourage people from using other oil-based products. They will also attract lint and dust accumulation. Instead, they should use lock lubricants such as graphite or lock oil. These products have fewer side effects compared to WD-40 and other home remedies lock lubricators.
