Have you ever had to deal with the frustration of a broken key stuck in a lock? It can be a stressful and overwhelming situation. But fear not, with the right materials and technique, you can easily remove the broken key from the lock without calling a locksmith. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to remove a broken key from a lock using a glue stick, a flathead screwdriver, pliers, and scissors. You’ll also find some useful tips and tricks to make the process even smoother. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed
Before diving into the step-by-step guide of removing a broken key from a lock with a glue stick, you will need to gather a few essential materials. These materials include a glue stick, a flathead screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a pair of scissors. Don’t worry if you don’t have these materials on hand; they are all relatively easy to find at your local hardware store or even online. Now, let’s get started on removing that pesky broken key!
Glue Stick
Using a glue stick is an effective method for removing a broken key from a lock. The glue stick will adhere to the broken key, making it easier to remove from the lock. It’s important to use a high-quality glue stick that will easily melt and adhere to the key. Choosing the right glue stick can make the process much smoother.
Here are some of the best glue sticks to use for removing a broken key from a lock:
| Glue Stick | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| The Original Super Glue | A fast-drying, strong adhesive that can bond to almost any surface. | /how-to-get-super-glue-off-car/ |
| Gorilla Kids Disappearing Purple Glue Stick | A non-toxic glue stick that goes on purple and dries clear. | /how-to-remove-gorilla-glue-from-mirror/ |
| Elmer’s Washable School Glue Sticks | Easy to use and washable, these glue sticks are great for kids and adults alike. | /how-to-get-glue-dots-off-wall/ |
When choosing a glue stick, make sure it is appropriate for the surface you will be using it on. If you’re unsure which glue stick to use, ask for help at your local hardware or craft store. Also, be sure to check the expiration date to ensure the glue is fresh. Using an expired glue stick can make the process more difficult and time-consuming.
Flathead Screwdriver
One of the important materials needed for removing a broken key with a glue stick is a flathead screwdriver. This tool can be used to help pry out the broken key fragment once the glue has been applied. It’s important to choose a screwdriver that is appropriately sized for the lock you’re working with.
Here are some tips for using a flathead screwdriver to remove a broken key from a lock:
- Before using the screwdriver, make sure the glue has had enough time to dry and harden around the key fragment.
- Insert the screwdriver into the lock alongside the key fragment and carefully pry it out.
- Be gentle when using the screwdriver so that you don’t damage the lock or cause the key fragment to push further inside.
- If the screwdriver doesn’t work, you can also try using pliers or a pair of scissors to extract the key fragment.
If you do encounter any residual glue from the process, there are various methods to remove it depending on the surface. For example, if you get glue on your hands, check out our article “How to Get Glue off Your Hands”. If you accidentally get glue on a brick wall or marble surface, read up on “How to Get Hot Glue off a Brick Wall” or “How to Get Glue off Marble”, respectively. For those looking to remove wig glue or lace front glue, check out “How to Remove Ebin Lace Glue”. Whether you’re dealing with hot glue or hair glue, you’ll be able to find a solution.
Pliers
Pliers are an indispensable tool when it comes to removing a broken key from a lock. These tools are versatile and can help to grip even the tiniest key fragments securely. Needle-nose pliers are a perfect example of a plier that can be used to remove a broken key. They are long and pointy, enabling a firm grip on the key fragment.
It’s important to note that not all pliers are created equal. Before using pliers to remove a key, ensure that they are strong and durable enough for the job. Cheap, low-quality pliers may not be able to handle the pressure and could break, worsening the problem.
To use pliers to remove a broken key, grip the key fragment tightly and gently twist in the opposite direction of the lock mechanism. Use a steady, firm grip to avoid breaking the key fragment further. If the key is lodged too deep in the lock and you can’t grip it with pliers, try using a glue stick or one of the other methods described in this guide.
Remember to use caution when using pliers as they can be dangerous if not handled correctly. When finished, ensure to store them in a secure and safe place. With pliers and other tools, it’s always important to use them only for their intended purpose.
For those who don’t have pliers readily available, they can be found in most hardware stores or online. Additionally, if you’re looking for other uses for glue sticks aside from the one used in this guide, check out our article on ‘what removes hair glue‘, ‘how to remove wallpaper glue with fabric softener‘, or ‘how to unglue nail glue‘.
Scissors
When it comes to removing a broken key from a lock with a glue stick, having a pair of scissors at hand can prove to be extremely helpful. Scissors can be used to trim the glue stick to the appropriate size for the lock and to cut off any excess glue once the key fragment has been removed.
Here are some tips for using scissors in this process:
| Tip 1: | Before cutting the glue stick, make sure to measure the size needed by holding the glue stick up to the lock. It should be cut to a length that is slightly longer than the key fragment that is stuck in the lock. |
| Tip 2: | When cutting the glue stick, use a pair of scissors that are sharp and strong. This will make the process easier and prevent the glue stick from getting stuck or torn. |
| Tip 3: | Once the glue has been inserted into the lock and has dried for the appropriate amount of time, use scissors to carefully trim off any excess glue that may be sticking out of the lock. Be sure to trim the glue as close to the lock as possible without damaging the lock itself. |
With these simple tips, using scissors when removing a broken key from a lock with a glue stick can help make the process go smoothly and efficiently. Remember to always use caution when handling scissors and other tools to prevent injury.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Broken Key with a Glue Stick
You’ve found yourself in a frustrating situation: a broken key stuck in a lock. But, don’t panic just yet. With the help of a glue stick, you can easily remove the key fragment and regain access. Just follow our step-by-step guide below, and you’ll have that pesky piece of metal out in no time. But remember, patience is key!
Step 1: Cut the Glue Stick
The first step in removing a broken key from a lock with a glue stick is to prepare the glue stick itself. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Cut the Glue Stick
You will need a glue stick for this method to work. Take the scissors and cut off a small piece of the glue stick. You do not need a large amount of glue for this method, just enough to cover the end of the broken key fragment.
Next, take the flathead screwdriver and gently pry open the glue stick. Make sure to remove any excess glue from the inside of the glue stick so that it does not interfere with the key fragment.
Once you have opened the glue stick, you can discard any excess glue that you will not be using. It is important to have a clean, open space within the glue stick for this method to work effectively.
To summarize, the first step is to prepare the glue stick by cutting off a small piece and opening it with a flathead screwdriver. Make sure to remove any excess glue from the inside of the glue stick, leaving a clean space for the key fragment to be attached.
Step 2: Attach Glue to Key Fragment
To start this process, it’s important to have the broken key fragment in hand. Once you have it, take a glue stick and remove the cap. The glue should be facing upwards.
Next, you’ll need to attach the glue to the broken key fragment. This is done by holding the glue stick against the key and allowing the glue to adhere to its surface. Make sure to press firmly.
After attaching the glue to the key, wait for it to dry completely. This usually takes a few minutes, but it’s important to be patient and let the glue fully set. Once the glue has dried, it will form a strong bond with the key fragment, making it easier to extract from the lock.
While waiting for the glue to dry, you can move on to preparing the other tools needed for this procedure. This includes having a flathead screwdriver, pliers, and scissors on hand. These tools will be useful in removing the broken key fragment from the lock once it’s attached to the glue.
Step 3: Insert the Glue Stick
To insert the glue stick into the lock and onto the broken key, follow these steps:
| Step 3a: | Slowly and carefully insert the glue stick into the lock. Be sure not to push the broken key further into the lock. |
| Step 3b: | Once the glue stick is in the lock, press it firmly against the broken key fragment. Make sure the glue covers the end of the broken key and has good contact with it. |
| Step 3c: | Let the glue dry for a few minutes. Check the drying time on the glue stick packaging as it varies by brand. |
It’s important to be patient during this process and not rush it. If the glue is not thoroughly dry, it could cause the key to stick or break even further. Proceed to the next step only when the glue on the key fragment is completely dry.
Step 4: Remove the Glue Stick
After allowing the glue to dry completely, it’s time to remove the glue stick from the lock. This step requires some patience and a gentle touch to avoid damaging the lock. Here are the steps to follow to remove the glue stick from the lock:
| Step 1: | Use the flathead screwdriver to gently pry the glue stick away from the lock. Insert the screwdriver between the glue and the lock, and gently twist it back and forth until the glue stick comes loose. |
| Step 2: | If the glue stick is still stuck, apply some pressure to loosen it. You can use the pliers to grip the end of the glue stick and pull gently until it comes away from the lock. |
| Step 3: | Be careful not to damage the lock with the pliers. If the glue stick is still firmly stuck, use a hairdryer to heat up the glue and make it easier to remove. |
Once you’ve successfully removed the glue stick, discard it and make sure that there are no remaining pieces in the lock. If any fragments remain, use the pliers or a wire hanger to gently pull them out. It’s important to double-check and make sure that all pieces of the broken key are removed before attempting to use the lock again.
Step 5: Remove the Key Fragment
After the glue has dried, it’s time to remove the key fragment. Use your pliers to grasp onto the end of the glue stick firmly. Begin to pull the glue stick out of the lock slowly and steadily. As you pull, the glue should adhere to the key fragment, and you should be able to pull it out with the glue stick.
If the key fragment is still in the lock, you may need to twist the glue stick gently to break the seal. Be sure to pull straight out to avoid breaking the glue stick.
Once you have removed the key fragment, inspect the lock to ensure that it is free of any debris. You may want to use the flathead screwdriver to scrape out any glue residue or fragments that may be left behind.
Caution: Never force the pliers or other tools into the lock as this can cause damage beyond repair. If the key is still stuck, it may be best to seek the help of a professional locksmith.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Easy to use glue stick – Can be done with household items – Effective at removing key fragments |
– Key may still be stuck if glue method fails – May require professional help if damage to lock occurs |
The glue method for removing a broken key from a lock can be a quick and effective solution. However, it’s important to use caution and never force any tools into the lock. Additionally, if the glue method fails, it’s best to seek the help of a professional locksmith to avoid causing further damage to the lock.
Tips and Tricks
Sometimes removing a broken key from a lock isn’t as straightforward as we hope. That’s why it’s good to have a couple of tricks up your sleeve to help get the job done. In this section, we’ll explore a few tips and tricks that you can use to help remove a broken key from a lock. These methods can be used in combination with the glue stick method or on their own, depending on the situation. Let’s dive into the details and see what tools and techniques you can use to get that key out.
Tip 1: Use a Hairdryer
A hairdryer can help loosen the grip of the remaining key fragment from the lock. Here are the steps you can follow:
| Materials Needed: | Hairdryer |
|---|---|
| Steps: |
|
It is important to note that this technique may not work for all types of locks and key fragments. If you are unable to remove the key fragment using a hairdryer, you may want to consider trying some of the other methods mentioned in this article.
Tip 2: Use a Wire Hanger
If you’re having trouble removing the broken key with a glue stick, there are a few other methods you can try. One option is to use a wire hanger. Here’s how:
Step 1: Straighten out a wire coat hanger as best you can.
Step 2: Use pliers to bend a small hook at the end of the wire. This will be used to grab onto the key fragment.
Step 3: Insert the wire hook into the lock and try to catch onto the end of the key fragment.
Step 4: Once you have a secure hold on the key fragment, gently pull it out with the hook.
Step 5: If the hook alone isn’t enough to remove the key fragment, try twisting and turning the hanger as you gently pull.
Step 6: If the wire hanger method still doesn’t work, you can try using a combination of the glue stick and wire hanger methods. Attach a small dot of glue to the end of the hook and carefully insert it into the lock, aiming for the end of the key. Once you have a secure hold on the key fragment, use the hanger to gently pull it out.
Remember to be patient and gentle when removing a broken key from the lock. If you’re not confident in your ability to remove it on your own, it’s best to call a professional locksmith to avoid worsening the situation.
Tip 3: Use WD-40
When it comes to removing a broken key from a lock, it’s essential to have the right tools and tricks up your sleeve. WD-40 is one of those tools that can come in handy in such situations. It’s a popular lubricant and can act as a solvent, making it easier to remove the broken key fragments from the lock. Here are the steps you can follow to use WD-40 for removing broken keys:
Step 1: Spray WD-40 on the Lock
The first step is to spray a generous amount of WD-40 into the lock cylinder. Make sure you spray WD-40 directly into the keyhole, aiming it at the broken key fragments. This will help to loosen up the key fragments and make it easier to remove them.
Step 2: Wait for a Few Minutes
After spraying WD-40, wait for a few minutes to let it soak in and do its job. WD-40 needs some time to fully penetrate into the lock and loosen the broken key fragments. Be patient and wait at least five minutes before attempting to remove the key fragments.
Step 3: Use Pliers or Needle-Nose Pliers
After waiting for a few minutes, use a pair of pliers or needle-nose pliers to remove the broken key fragments. Make sure you grip the key fragment as close to the base as possible. This will ensure that the fragment comes out fully and doesn’t break further.
Step 4: Repeat the Process
If the broken key fragments are still stuck, repeat the process by spraying more WD-40 and waiting for it to penetrate further. You can also use a screwdriver or a wire hanger to help remove any remaining fragments.
Step 5: Lubricate the Lock after Removing the Key
Once you’ve successfully removed the broken key fragments, use some WD-40 to lubricate the lock. This will prevent any future sticking or jamming of the lock.
Remember, while WD-40 can be a useful tool for removing broken keys, it’s not always foolproof. If you’re still struggling to remove the broken key, it’s recommended to seek professional help to avoid causing further damage to the lock.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing a broken key from a lock can seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and steps, it can be done easily and quickly. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, using a glue stick and some basic tools, the broken key can be removed in a matter of minutes. It is important to remember to use caution when attempting to remove the key and to avoid using excessive force that may damage the lock. Remember to keep the tips and tricks in mind, such as using a hairdryer or wire hanger, as they may be helpful in certain situations. With these methods, you can successfully remove a broken key from a lock and regain access to your property. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and see for yourself how easy and effective this method can be!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a broken key from a lock without calling a locksmith?
Yes, you can remove a broken key from a lock with a glue stick following a few simple steps.
Do I need any special skills to remove a broken key from a lock with a glue stick?
No, you do not need any special skills. All you need is to follow the step-by-step guide carefully.
What type of glue stick should I use?
You should use a clear, hard-drying, or dual-temperature glue stick.
Do I need to use pliers?
Yes, pliers are one of the materials needed to remove a broken key.
Is it possible to remove a broken key with a flathead screwdriver?
Yes, a flathead screwdriver is one of the materials needed to remove a broken key.
Why is it important to let the glue stick cool before removing it?
Letting the glue stick cool before removing it ensures that the glue hardens and takes the shape of the lock, making it easier to remove the key fragment.
Can I use a regular candle instead of a hairdryer?
Yes, you can use a regular candle by holding it close to the lock to heat the key fragment to make it easier to remove.
Is it safe to use WD-40 to remove a broken key?
Yes, it is safe to use WD-40 as it helps to lubricate the lock and makes it easier to remove the key fragment.
What should I do if the key fragment is stuck deep inside the lock?
You can try using a wire hanger to hook onto the key fragment and pull it out of the lock. However, if it proves difficult, it’s best to seek the assistance of a locksmith.
What should I do if I accidentally break the glue inside the lock?
If you accidentally break the glue inside the lock, you should stop and seek the assistance of a professional locksmith to avoid causing further damage to the lock.