Over time, keys are subjected to wear and tear and can eventually break. This may happen at an inopportune time, e.g., when you're expecting guests or just getting home after a long day. Under such circumstances, you may already feel overwhelmed or frustrated, trying everything possible to extract the front-door key from the lock.

Nonetheless, keeping a clear head and evaluating the situation is important. Because trying to pull or jiggle your door key can worsen things, call in a licensed locksmith because they have the right tools and expertise for the job. Aside from that, here are some pro tips if your front-door key breaks inside the lock:

Avoid Inserting The Door Key Again

When your front-door key breaks, your first reaction might be panic. Even in this state, do not try to insert the rest of the key into the keyway, as you will only end up pushing the broken piece further. Keep in mind that the success of any extraction strategy is subject to how far the front-door key is inside the keyhole. Call a locksmith if you fail to extract the key, but don't push it in.

Lubricate The Keyhole

Regardless of your key extraction approach, it would help if you lubricate the keyhole. This step might seem unnecessary in some cases, but it is important nevertheless. Try spraying a little lubricant into the keyhole. Ensure that you use dry lubricants because oil-based ones leave some residue in your keyway. Contact a certified locksmith because they will know the best lubricant to use.

Get Thin Tweezers

Tweezers are a simple solution for pulling out your broken front-door key. Even so, take care to use tweezers that can fit the keyhole because large tweezers can push the broken-off piece further inside. Consider using tweezers, especially if you can see the tip of the broken key. However, if you cannot see the other bit inside the keyway, get the assistance of a locksmith.

Use A Jigsaw Blade

When using a jigsaw to remove the broken front-door key, take a narrow piece of the blade that can fit in the lock opening together with the broken key. Line up the blade's serrations with the key's grooves, then pull carefully. Yet, if this doesn't work, call in a licensed locksmith.

While there are different ways to remove a broken front-door key from the keyway, an error may occur during the process and worsen the situation. To avoid such a scenario, get in touch with a locksmith to pull out the broken key.

Contact a locksmith for more information. 

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