Broken key extractor- buy or bring to car shop?

[strangedream]

My stupid friend got my key broken in my car door. Would it be cheaper to buy a broken key extractor or bring it to the car shop?

Im thinking of becoming a more professional locksmith anyway so I might just buy it and wait to get it through the mail. It doesn't take that long anyway.

I saw this set.Its the most expensive and probably because its better than the others on the site.

http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp?Page ... ProdID=262

Think I should buy this one or do you know some better ones?

thanks guys

[Chucklz]

Peterson makes great equipment, and if you do plan on becoming a locksmith, it may be worth it. I would just go with a basic extractor depending on the situation.

[Shrub]

Personally i dont get much success with extractors, i would have the dor card off and then the lock to get it out but if its a new model with airbags in the door that may hinder you greatly.

If its not an issue get the extractors but be prepared to still take it to the garage to get it sorted out.

Remember with half a key in youve got very little security on that door with maybe enven a screwdriver being able to open it.

[sams choice]

I have a auto lock that has half a broken key in it but i can not get it out. I have used all the extracter i have on it and still cant get it out. I am not a locksmith though. When i work with it i feel like it is a totally new hobby. haha. Any tips on how to get the key out? like do i go from the top of the key or the bottom or what. I really have no idea about how to do it.

[strangedream]

thanx for the good advice guys

[maxxed]

The most difficult part of auto key removeal is making sure the wafers or pins in the lock do not block the keyway. I like to use a piece of piano wire bent into a hook, sharpened with a grinder to grab the key. Having a variety of sizes and types of extractors is always helpfull.

[strangedream]

wont a piano wire damage the lock even further?

[Shrub]

Get a fishing hook and straigthen it out leaving the barb on the end, make sure any wafers in front of the key are pushed out the way from the broken key being pulled out and have a go.

[strangedream]

ah cool idea

[maxxed]

wont a piano wire damage the lock even further?

no it won't, the piano wire I use is about .020 thick. The hook is not to be compared to a hook on a hook pick, but it is very tight. I make a loop in the wire and pull it tight straightening out the lenght of wire. Then cut the loop with a grinder, this will give you two extractors.

The best advice I have to give about key extractors is to have a variety of types and sizes. Sometimes you can just grab the key and pull it out and other times it is a process of useing several extractors and slowly working the key out.

[strangedream]

ah cool thanks maxxed. thats some good advice

Im thinking of buying a set of good extractors anyway because Im seriously starting to think about going in the locksmithing business and if I ever change jobs at least I always have a set of key extractors if it happens again...heh

[strangedream]

100 posts! yay

i actually took this site off my bookmarks and promised I wouldn't come back, but i cant help it I actually kind of like the information and people here.