What to Do When a Car Key Breaks in the Lock

Imagine the following situation: you’re opening (or locking) your car with a basic key and suddenly realise the key is stuck in the car door and won’t turn.

In this article, we’ll explain the causes of such a problem and provide solutions.

The first thing you need to do is stay calm and under no circumstances panic. Otherwise, you risk doing something rash, like trying to forcefully extract the stuck key. This will most likely cause the key to break in the car door lock, making the problem much harder to resolve and requiring you to order a car key replacement.

Why Might a Car Key Get Stuck in the Door Lock?

Here are the main reasons:

1. A defective key, often caused by using it for unintended purposes such as opening bottles, packages, etc.;
2. Poor-quality duplicates, which may deform during regular use due to substandard materials;
3. Lack of proper lubrication or delayed maintenance. If the lock is often exposed to moisture, metal corrosion may occur;
4. Attempted break-in using a pick;
5. The lock mechanism becomes clogged with debris;
6. Over time, the car door might shift out of alignment.

How to Remove a Key Stuck in a Car Door Lock

Let’s explore how to safely remove a key stuck in a car door lock.

First and foremost, take measures to open the door, but avoid forcing the mechanism. You will likely need to open the lock and replace it. There are several ways to approach this problem:

• Break the window although effective, this option will require installing a new window, which can be costly;
• Use special wooden wedges to gently pry open the car door. Insert a metal rod through the gap to push the lock mechanism;
• Use a wire hook, inserting it between the seal and the window to catch the door linkage and pull it upwards;
• Drill out the lock’s cylinder with a power drill, then open the door. Alternatively, blank key templates can be hammered into the lock and twisted;
• Use a rope or string with a loose loop in the middle. Pass it between the door frame and the car’s upper corner, then lower the loop over the door button and pull it up;
• Contact professionals for assistance.

How to Get a Broken Car Key Out of a Lock Without Tools

If you don’t have access to the tools mentioned above, your only viable option is to contact a car locksmith to safely remove the stuck car key.

My Car Key Snapped in the Door

If part of the key is broken off and stuck in the lock, the situation becomes more complicated, but it’s still solvable.

If the broken key sticks out of the lock, consider yourself lucky. The remaining part can serve as a base to help you extract the damaged piece. Modern keys fit tightly in the lock, so using your fingers alone might not work. Instead, grab a pair of pliers—or better yet, a multitool with a fine nose.

No tools handy? No problem! Two flat keys (e.g., from your flat/garage/mailbox/bike lock), pressed firmly against the broken stub on either side, can work. Grip tightly and carefully pull in the direction of removal—it might just solve the issue.

Things get trickier if the key has broken off flush with the lock or even deeper inside, leaving no visible stub to grip. In such cases, disassembling the lock is unavoidable—no magnets or suction tools will retrieve it. You’ll need to call a car locksmith or visit a local garage.

If part of the key is visible, you can try extracting it yourself. Here’s how:

Superglue Method:
Apply a small amount of glue to a sturdy object, such as a flat-head screwdriver. Carefully touch the glue to the base of the broken key, ensuring you don’t accidentally glue the lock. After pressing firmly for a few seconds, try pulling the key out gently.

Wire Method:
Use a stiff steel wire about 2mm thick, capable of fitting into the grooves on either side of the key. Insert the ends into the gaps between the lock walls and the key, press tightly, and pull the key out slowly, millimetre by millimetre.

How to Remove a Key Stuck in a Car Door Lock

If you’re unsure whether you can safely remove the broken key yourself or don’t want to take any risks, the quickest and most effective solution is to contact Phoenix Car Keys.

The company’s specialists can extract stuck or broken keys from car locks and, if necessary, replace the key or the lock.

We guarantee quality, speed, and fair prices.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a call to immediate action. Phoenix Car Keys Ltd assumes no responsibility for potential damage or expenses incurred by following the methods described in this article.