With technology advancing and proximity keys becoming increasingly popular, few people need to lock or unlock their cars with a key anymore. However, there are still some car models that rely on a key for lock control, and if your transponder isn't working as it should, the key serves as a manual option. What happens when your key breaks off in the lock, though? Before you panic, here's a look at what you should know about removing a broken key from your car door lock.
To What Extent Did The Key Break?
The first thing you need to consider is how significant the break is. Did the head of the key snap off completely, or did it just crack enough that you can't turn the key or pull it from the lock? If the head snapped off completely, you can simply progress to the key removal process. However, if the key is still attached, even if just partially, you need to break the head off the rest of the way first. This clears access for the key removal tool.
How Far In Is The Key?
Once you've removed the head from the key, you should look at how much of the key you still have protruding from the lock. Sometimes, there's enough of the key outside of the lock that you can grip it with pliers and pull it out. Make sure that it's turned to the upright position so that the key will be free to come out.
If the key is broken off up against the edge of the lock or close enough to the edge that you can't get a grip on the key even with pliers, that means you will need a key removal tool, or the help of an auto locksmith to get the key out of the lock.
How Does A Key Removal Tool Work?
A key removal tool is designed to slip into the top of the lock opening where the teeth are on the key. The small hook at the end of the removal tool will grip one of the teeth as you pull it back out of the lock, sliding the key with it.
The trick to getting a lock removal tool to work at its best is to make sure that you insert it properly at the very top of the lock, and then ensure that you pull it out of the lock slowly so that it can maintain its grip on the tooth that it grasps. Otherwise, it may slide right back out without removing the key.
When it comes to removing a key from a car door with a key removal tool, working with an auto locksmith is often the best choice. They are trained to do the job quickly and easily while avoiding any damage to your door lock. Talk with a locksmith near you today for more help.
If you are looking for more information on an auto locksmith, feel free to reach out to one,
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