HELP: Removing half a broken key from the igntion.

[zyg0te]

Hi,
My father has an 89 toyota cressida that he drives around... recently (actually like 2 months ago) about half of the key just broke off into the igntion while he was starting it. Being stubborn, he didnt want to take it to the locksmith saying "it still runs fine." And it does, just put the other half in and turn the key... but I just wanted to know how would I go about taking that half of the key out?

I do not have any lock picking devices, but I am interested in lock picking so I am willing to invest a bit into a decent set. I read most of the FAQs on here, so I also know some of the basics.

Any help appreciated,
zyg0te

[Romstar]

The most coomon way would be to use a key extractor.

An extractor looks a lot like a pick, but has a sharp hook on the end for grabbing onto a broken key and pulling it out of the lock.

You can make a saw type key extractor by grinding down the back edge of a coping saw blade. It should be no more than 2mm wide when you are done, and still have the teeth on the edge.

Wrap one end in tape, or use any other suitable material for a handle. Make sure that 1.5 - 2 inches of the blade are still free and exposed. Slip the extractor into the lock, with the teeth facing the bitting on the key.

Twist the blade's teeth into the key, and pull backwards. You should be able to remove it in this fashion.

Romstar

[zyg0te]

thanks rom, that sounds very simple...
i was thinking of ordering that basic set from the FAQ.... might as well add this to basket...

http://www.lockpickshop.com/page/LPS/PROD/BTKSP/SP-13

[Guitar_J]

don't bother with the SouthOrd key extractor... I've tried and tried to use it to pull keys out of locks.. yea... it don't work... I don't know if anyone has actually gotten it to work... it needs teeth on it for that added BITE! and CRUNCH! to get the key out..

[mbell]

The Peterson broken key extractor in my Tri-Fold set made me laugh when I first saw it. It's just a normal half diamond. As Guitar_J mentioned, SouthOrd's aren't all that great either.

Something more suitable:
http://www.multipick-service.com/en/tools/3100_en.htm which I have as part of my HPC set.

[xorox]

thanks rom, that sounds very simple...
i was thinking of ordering that basic set from the FAQ.... might as well add this to basket...

http://www.lockpickshop.com/page/LPS/PROD/BTKSP/SP-13

Heh, I wouldn't waste my money on that, I have yet to see it work. However, I found out if you grind the front point down it makes one of my favorite picks.

Also, if you are ordering a pick set, atleast one key extractor is usually included.

[HeadHunterCEO]

you will need 2 extracors or something because that is a double bitted lock.

as you move the broken key out you will need to move the wafers out of the way

call a locksmith before you hose the ignition up