Sometimes, when a piece of your key breaks and gets stuck inside a lock, you may not have the luxury of time to call a locksmith; or maybe you’re just tired of waiting for others to get you out of these sticky situations. You could also be trying to find more ways to be thrifty by acquiring more DIY skills. If you’re someone who would rather try fixing a problem yourself first before calling backup, this blog is for you. Here, you’ll learn all about the seven best DIY key extraction tools. Hopefully, by knowing how to use these, you can return to your regular routine sooner rather than later.
The 7 Best DIY Key Extraction Tools
Learning how to use any one of these DIY key extraction tools will allow you to feel confident in your problem-solving skills. That said, you should find opportunities to practice and refine these skills so that you’re ready for the real deal.
1. Lubricant
Lubricant is one of the easiest ways to pry a broken key out of a lock. All you need to do is spray it on the lock, and you can attempt to probe it out with your fingers, depending on the size of the broken key piece. However, you’ll most likely find better results if you use lubricant as a supplement to other key extraction tools, especially if the key can’t be retrieved with your hands.
2. Key Extractor Tool
Traditional key extractor tools are available for purchase online if you want to really know how to do this locksmithing skill like a pro. There is a hooked or spiral version of this very tool used by professional locksmiths. You should only purchase this tool if you’re ready to commit to practicing this skill with the proper equipment; otherwise, consider any of the following DIY key extraction tools below.
3. Pliers Or Tweezers
One of the simplest DIY key extraction tools you can use is a pair of monkey-nose pliers or tweezers. After applying lubricant to a lock, you can use pliers or tweezers to get out the key. That being said, you want your pliers or tweezers to be thin enough to get inside the lock since most pliers and tweezers are rather thick. You’ll also have the best outcome if the broken key piece is close to the opening of the lock.
4. Paperclips
You’ve heard of paperclips being used as DIY lockpicking tools, and now you can use them as DIY key extraction tools. Just like with pliers or tweezers, this method will be most effective if the key isn’t too small or too deep inside the lock, so thin paperclips are your best option. You can use one paperclip or two paperclips to retrieve a small broken key piece that’s deep inside the lock.
5. Fishing Hook
One of the more obscure DIY key extraction tools to choose from is a fishing hook. This item will first need to be straightened with pliers before being used to fish out the broken key piece from the inside of your lock.
6. Hacksaw Or Jigsaw Blade
Another one of the more popular DIY key extraction tools is a hacksaw or jigsaw blade. All you need to do is cut the blade down to the appropriate size in order to complete the extraction process. Make sure to use this tool for keys that aren’t deeply embedded in the lock, and use it gently to avoid damaging the lock.
7. Hot Glue Gun
Of all the DIY key extraction tools, this one is the most unconventional. This technique involves using a lighter to melt the glue tube in the gun just enough so it catches onto the key. Don’t let it sit against the lock too long, or else it will get stuck, so once it makes contact with the key, pull it out as soon as possible.
Call ASAP Locksmith For Our Excellent Emergency Locksmith Services!
We hope these seven DIY key extraction tools are just the thing you need to get you out of a jam. Of course, if none of these methods work, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional locksmith service to retrieve your broken key. If you live in the Denver area, contact our ASAP Locksmith team for our excellent and efficient emergency locksmith services.
