BROKE KEY IN LOCK

[lugnutt45]

Hi,
My names Justin. I live in houston and this morning I broke the house key in the lock in the lock position. Any suggestions? Part of it is still kinda sticking out, should I try and use a pair of pliers or just call some professionals? Only thing is I'm a poor college student with NO spare cash. So pretty much this is a must do thing. Any input would be very helpfull. My stepdad used to be a locksmith, but he's away in India. I think he has an old kit that I might be able to use.

[Dr. Bint]

How far is it sticking out? If you can, try to use pliers, but if it doesn't come out easily don't try to force it as you'll mess up the lock. I'm guessing you don't have any broken key extractors handy, so your best bet is to call out a locksmith to take care of it if the pliers don't work. I'll have to stress this: DO NOT try to force it out.

[lugnutt45]

there's just enough sticking out to clamp on with a pair of pliers. Since the key is allready in there should I just try unlocking it and then calling someone? I just can't afford it. But I guess I'll try the pliers first and then get back on here. Just curious how much do you think it would cost for something like this? Thanks

[Dr. Bint]

Grip what's sticking out and try to turn it in the lock. If it won't turn, try and push it in/pull it out a little then try turning again. What you want to do is turn it in the lock so that it's in the normal unlocked position so the key can be easily pulled out. After some trial and error, if you can't get it turned and it won't come out nicely, you won't really have a choice other than to hire someone to do it for you. I've no idea how much it'd cost, sorry.

[thertel]

Okay it comes down to what tools you have at your disposal and how much of the key is sticking out. If there is enough sticking out to use a vice grip I'd grab the key and rotate it to unlock the door. Once you have unlocked the door and you are inside just take the lock apart and you will be able to push the key out the back of the lock. If you have any problems getting the lock apart just let me know, I'll be more then glad to help out.


Thomas

[lugnutt45]

Thanks for all your help after trying for about 5 minutes I got it to unlock and come right out. It was actually alot easier than I had thought. Thanks again.