How to Remove a Broken Key From a Lock?

June 15, 2023

Broken keys that get stuck in our locks are probably one of the least pleasant situations faced by anyone. The wear and tear on your keys that cause this to happen can be due to a number of reasons. The most common cases resulting in broken keys are excessive force and torque used while in hurry, or during cold weather, where your key could get stuck. Now keys are designed to withstand a good amount of force, but over time, the metal is bound to get weak. There is also the possibility that the lock mechanism itself gets worn down over time.

Now, in most cases, if you have the time it is well-worth it to call a locksmith. A Broken Key Extraction Locksmith is a lifesaver in such situations. The monetary cost involved is well-worth the time you save, and there will be a lot of lessons learned as far as preventing situations like this in the future from occurring. A professional locksmith has special tools for broken key extraction, and the risks to the key being jammed, or worse yet, your lock being damaged are much lower.

But, if you have the time, the tools, and the determination to do this on your own, it is necessary that you remember one thing before we let you know of everything you need to remove the broken key from your lock.

This is very critical…

Never ever push the other half of the broken key back into the lock! Otherwise you risk making the extraction almost impossible. Unless you have the skills and patience of a neurosurgeon with a scalpel, you may not be able to pull out a broken key jammed deep into the lock!

Now for the tools you will need.

The extraction itself will be a precise operation. So it’s important to note some supplies you need to have before. If you have an emergency situation, we will outline the details of dealing with that further on.

We are keeping it simple, even though there are a variety of other handy items that could potentially work. The above tools are likely to help with any kind of broken key extraction situation.

Here are the steps to actually go about removing the broken key. Make sure that the lock cylinder core itself is not turned or in a locked position. If it is, then try to turn it back into an open position before the extraction.

In order to make this tool, you need a jigsaw or mini hacksaw blade that is thin enough to enter the keyhole. You need to make sure the serrated edges of the blade are pointed towards you. Simply break off the blade at a point and push it into the keyhole. Make sure to be careful not to push the key further in. All you have to do is to find a way to grab the key using the serrated edges of the blade and push it out. If it doesn’t work in the first round, try to lubricate it further.

Special Situations : Not all situations for broken key extraction will be ideal. In many cases you need to think out of the box. You may not have the tools ready, and/or in an emergency.

If all the above methods don’t work, and if you have a way to access the cylinder core of your lock by removing it from the door, you can do that. As a last resort (or even a first one) never hesitate to call a locksmith.

At Brothers Locksmith, we understand the stressful situations of broken key extraction. We have 24/7 emergency services and a team of experienced technicians that can handle any emergency. Whether you are locked out of your house, car, or commercial store due to a broken key; we will solve the issue. Our rates are reasonable and always as agreed upon beforehand. No pesky fees, as we know our trade and can extract the most stubborn broken keys.

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How to Fix Door Gaps That Affect Lock Security

By Ghulam Mustafa • April 7, 2026

Learn how to fix door gaps that weaken lock security, prevent forced entry, and improve door alignment without replacing your entire lock system.

Can You Rekey Smart Locks or Only Traditional Ones?

By Ghulam Mustafa • April 6, 2026

Smart locks promise convenience. Keyless entry. Remote access. Control from your phone. But when it comes to security, one question still confuses many homeowners: Can you rekey a smart lock the same way you would a traditional one? Or are you stuck replacing the entire system? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Because not all locks—smart or traditional—work the same way. And understanding that difference can save you time, money, and unnecessary upgrades. Start With What Rekeying Actually Means Rekeying isn’t about changing the outside of a lock. It’s about altering what happens inside. In a traditional lock, rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work. The hardware stays the same, but access is completely reset. It’s one of the most efficient ways to regain control—especially after moving into a new home or losing a key. But this process depends on one thing: A physical key mechanism. And that’s where smart locks start to differ. Why Traditional Locks Are Easy to Rekey Standard deadbolts and cylinder locks are built for it. Their internal pin systems are designed to be adjusted, reconfigured, and reset without replacing the entire lock. A locksmith can quickly change the key combination while keeping the same exterior hardware intact. This is why rekeying has always been the go-to solution for restoring security without overspending. It’s simple. Direct. Reliable. And in most cases, it’s all you need. What Makes Smart Locks Different Smart locks aren’t just locks. They’re systems. Some rely entirely on digital access—keypads, apps, or biometrics. Others combine smart features with a traditional key cylinder. That distinction matters. Because you can’t “rekey” something that doesn’t use a physical key in the first place. Instead of pins and tumblers, fully digital locks rely on codes, permissions, and software-based control. So the way you reset access changes completely. Can Smart Locks Be Rekeyed? It Depends on the Type If your smart lock includes a physical key override, then yes—part of it can be rekeyed. The mechanical cylinder inside can be adjusted just like a traditional lock. A locksmith can change the key access without affecting the smart features. But if your smart lock is fully keyless, there’s nothing to rekey. In those cases, security is managed digitally. You simply delete old codes, reset access permissions, or perform a factory reset. No hardware changes required. Just a different kind of control. Why Digital Resetting Replaces Rekeying in Smart Systems With traditional locks, control comes from keys. With smart locks, control comes from access management. Instead of worrying about who has a physical copy, you manage: Who has a code When they can enter How long their access lasts If someone no longer needs entry, you don’t rekey. You remove them. That shift is what makes smart locks powerful—but also why people misunderstand how to secure them properly. When Rekeying Still Matters in a Smart Lock Setup Even if you use a smart lock, the physical key backup shouldn’t be ignored. That override exists for a reason. Power failures. Technical glitches. Dead batteries. In those moments, the mechanical key becomes your fallback. If that key has been copied, lost, or shared in the past, rekeying the cylinder is still essential. Because digital security means nothing if the physical backup is compromised. Should You Rekey or Replace a Smart Lock? Not every situation requires a full replacement. If your concern is access control, resetting codes or permissions is usually enough. If your concern is physical key security, rekeying the cylinder solves the problem. Replacement only becomes necessary when the lock is damaged, outdated, or no longer reliable. The mistake most people make is jumping straight to replacement—when a simple reset or rekey would have done the job. The Hidden Risk: Forgetting Old Access Points Whether it’s a traditional lock or a smart one, the real issue is often the same: Too many people have access. Old tenants. Previous owners. Contractors. Guests. With traditional locks, that risk lives in duplicated keys. With smart locks, it lives in forgotten codes and active permissions. If you don’t actively reset and review access, your lock—no matter how advanced—stops being secure. When to Call a Professional If you’re unsure whether your smart lock includes a rekeyable cylinder, or if it’s not functioning properly, it’s worth getting expert input. A locksmith can assess your setup, identify whether rekeying is possible, and ensure both your digital and physical security layers are aligned. Professionals like Brothers Locksmith often handle hybrid systems, where both smart features and traditional mechanisms need to work together seamlessly. Because real security isn’t about choosing one or the other. It’s about making sure every layer does its job. Final Thoughts Rekeying isn’t outdated. It’s just evolving. Traditional locks rely on it. Smart locks replace it with digital control. And hybrid systems use both. The key is understanding what kind of lock you actually have—and how it manages access. Because security isn’t about the label on your lock. It’s about who can still get in. And whether you’ve taken the time to change that.