It happens quick: one tight turn in either a cheap or worn-out lock and the key breaks apart, with only half left in your hands and the other half jammed in the lock. This may seem devastating, but fortunately, dealing with a broken key is usually quick and easy, provided you don’t worsen the situation any more than what it already is.
Stop turning the broken key immediately
While your urge may be to continue using what’s left of your broken key, every turn drives it deeper and damages the internal parts even further, so take the pressure off and assess how much of the blade you still have access to.
Why keys tend to snap to begin with
Almost always, the cause of key breakage comes down to a narrow or worn out aftermarket key or a dirty lock, which Phoenix drivers experience during and after their monsoon seasons when sand enters the lock cylinder due to dust storms. Turning in a lock under such conditions is what ultimately causes your key to break off.
The safe way to extract the blade
In cases when the key blade is sticking out enough to get a grip, pliers can work wonders, but don’t twist the blade, apply straight pressure and pull in a straight line. In all other instances, forget about creating your own makeshift tool or trying to pull out the fragment by gluing it into another key, that will likely cost you more than ever.
When it calls for professional help
If the blade is flush, broken inside the ignition or the whole key snapped while in use, it requires special instruments to be removed safely and efficiently. Our locksmiths retrieve the blade without causing damage to the ignition cylinder, and create a new key for you right on site.
Prevent key breakage
To avoid key breakage, always use a high-quality key, which was precisely cut. The same goes for your ignition cylinder, make sure it isn’t too dirty to work properly and is regularly oiled for lubrication and having a spare key won’t hurt either, especially if your cylinder shows early signs of failure.
Key snapped off right now? Don’t force the rest. Vortex Car Locksmith can extract the piece and cut a new key at your car. Request a quote or call (623) 691-9172.
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