This is one of the most common problems people face when trying to unlock their entrance gate. A key gets stuck in a lock as its mechanism needs lubrication. It is a frustrating situation because the key's teeth lodge against the pins of a lock, and the pins can't be moved properly.
It is important to fix this locking issue to
protect your home from burglars and potential threats. Lubricant spray is the best way to get the key out of a lock. But what if you don't have any option and are stuck outside your home? In such a scenario, hiring a trained locksmith in Australia can make your job easier.
You can also try the following tricks to get out of the problem quickly:
Why Does Key Stuck in a Lock?
Finding the exact reason is tough. A new key can grab and get stuck to the lock pins quickly. However, it often happens if your new key has rough ends. If you have older locks, you can also face the same problem. Consider these methods to
fix the lock problems:
Method 1: Push the Plug In
The keyhole plug attached to a pin tumbler lock is just one part of a new-age locking cylinder. You only see the small circle surrounding the keyway and where your key is stuck.
If this plug is loose, it can move within the cylinder and stop the pin tumblers from connecting. This makes it difficult to open the lock or remove the key. So, you can try this to unlock your door:
- Try to push your stuck key in as far as possible.
- Make sure you turn it so that the keyway slot comes in the exact position as it was in when you inserted the key.
- Now use your finger’s tip and push gently on the keyway of the plug - next to the key.
- Firmly twist and pull the key out.
Make sure you do this with your gentle hands and stay relaxed while unlocking your door.
Method 2: Retrieve the Broken Key
Believe it or not! You might break the stuck key into two pieces- a half inside the lock because twisting it too much lead can lead to this situation.
You can try this method and retrieve your broken key:
- Apply the spray graphite or lubricant to the keyway.
- Find the visible end f the key using a pair of nose pliers and a needle.
- You can also buy a broken key extractor kit to get the broken part out of your keyway.
- Choose the size of that tool from the kit that best suits your lock and slide the slim part along the recessed groove of the key as far as possible.
- Gently turn it and grab the tip of your key with its hook.
- Pull it back slowly and dislodge the remaining part of the key.
- Try this method twice or thrice if you don’t succeed at first.
You can also call a professional locksmith in Australia if you don’t understand these DIY methods.
Make sure you
choose the right lock for your new home in Australia if you are planning to relocate. This ensures utmost safety and prevents you from these common problems.
Method 3: Use an Ice
Get some ice and press it against the key for minimum 30 seconds. This is a simple hack that allows the metal lock to contract when ice melts on it.
Then, a stuck key becomes loose if the lock pins held the burrs. Gently turn the key and take it out of your lock.
Method 4: Use A Graphite Powder
If your door is still locked, you can use a bottle of graphite powder. Squeeze the product out from the bottle and keep shaking the stuck key. Keep doing this until the graphite enters the entire lock. Pull it out when the key loses its grip.
Method 5: Apply Lubricant Spray
You can spray the lubricant into the lock and ensure the stream goes directly into the area above the stuck key. After that, carefully shake the key up and down to lose it a bit from the hole. Do not move the stuck key from side to side.
Instead of shaking this roughly, focus on your hand's movement and gently grab the key up and down.
Method 6: Hire Professionals
If you have tried everything but don't yield a successful outcome, you should book a reliable locksmith in Australia. That way, you avoid breaking the
locking system and easily get inside your home without stress.
Conclusion
These are some of the best methods you can try to get a stuck key out of a lock. If you are doing it for the first time, you can fix this issue with one of these hacks without breaking your key. You can also book a good
locksmith company in Australia and avail quality services.
