There are two ways to use a paperclip to extract a broken key. In my experience, thinner paperclips tend to work better and give you a deeper grip on the key.

For this method, you'll need wire cutters and blades thin enough to fit between the broken piece of the key and the side of the keyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many different types of key extractors, but each is typically used the same way. They dig something sharp into the broken piece of the key and give you the leverage to pull it out. Whether you’re working in the field or working at your desk, the extractor set selection we have here is ideal for dealing with any broken key or tool. Do not squeeze too hard on the tweezers. When the tweezers shut after gripping the key fragment, the fragment will be pushed further into the keyway. Each failed attempt to grip the key will make the key more difficult to remove. 2. Broken Key Extractor

However, to use this method, the key piece will need to be close to the edge of the keyway. If it is too far in, you won't be able to reach it. For any of the methods below, you'll want to reduce as much friction as possible. While this step isn't necessary, it can help significantly. If the paperclip method above doesn't give you enough griping power and keeps sliding off the key, you may need to use something with a sharper tip. Do not force the blade into the keyway. If it does not fit smoothly, make adjustments to the blade. It must be thin enough to fit in the keyhole and pass alongside the broken key fragment. 4. Super Glue This method works really well; however, it may take several attempts, so don't get discouraged and keep at it! 10. SuperglueOnce the knife is in the keyway, apply leverage to the key. If your knife slips, try digging it into various other places on the key, including the bottom. Make sure that you have lined up the nozzle of the lubricant so that it is inside the keyway before you spray. You will also need a rag or paper towel to remove any of the excess lube that spills out of the keyway. Also, grab a pair of needle-nose pliers, because even though these methods will remove the broken key, pliers will help to get it out that much faster. Once enough of the key is accessible, you can just pull it free with your pliers. Materials That May Come In Handy The metal used for most keys is relatively soft, and typically the tip of a sharp knife will pierce the side of the key well enough to leverage it out.

If there is enough room, you can also insert the paperclip at the top of the keyway to try and grip the first cut on the key. While using the extractor tool, below are the guidelines to follow for a successful key extraction exercise To start, take your knife and poke it into the side of the key—like in the image above. Apply some force to stab the key as much as possible, and be very careful not to slip and annihilate yourself.Paperclips are genuinely a magical tool and work decently well to remove broken keys— as long as the fractured piece isn't too small and it is not too deep within the keyway. The first method is to slip your paperclip under the bottom of the broken piece and then push it downwards to leverage it into the key. Before you jump to any conclusions, make sure you’re using the correct key and that you’ve inserted it all the way. It may sound trivial, but sometimes the simplest explanations are the correct ones. Apply Lubricant Select an extractor in your set once you have a good gauge of where the missing piece is lodged. Generally, the small hook type is the most common tool to use to search for nudges to hook a missing piece out. Ensure your keys are made using durable metal: The most common types of metal used in making keys are brass, bronze and silver alloys. However, every kind of metal contains its unique characteristics. Bronze is more rigid than brass but less complex than silver. On the other hand, brass has good strength or resistance against wear and tear. For this reason, the ideal material for making keys is silver alloy with appropriate hardness.