Want to learn how to get a broken key out of a lock with hot glue? Melt a glue stick. Apply hot glue to the tip of a toothpick. Once done, insert the extractor tool inside the keyhole carefully. Touch the broken key using the tool then wait for the glue to dry. Once done, pull the tool with the broken key outward.
Calling a locksmith to extract the broken key out of your doorknob may be costly. However, using glue will help you save a lot. You can successfully get a broken key out of a lock without tools.
Table of Contents
What You Need
Before you can proceed with the tutorial, you have to make your own broken key extractor. These items are necessary to successfully remove the broken key out of the keyhole.
Toothpick or a thin metal wire
You need a metal pick that would act as an extractor tool. It can be made of titanium or any kind of sturdy metal. The toothpick must also be long enough to reach the broken key and provide you with enough space to hold it firmly while you are doing the whole tutorial. Avoid using a wooden toothpick since it may break and get stuck.
If you don’t have a toothpick, you can also use a thin metal wire. However, it must be sturdy enough so that it won’t bend while you are inserting it inside the keyhole and it could pull out the broken key.
Glue gun and glue stick
A glue gun and glue stick are recommended for this tutorial. For the glue gun, use a high-temperature glue gun since it works best for heavy-duty tasks. It can provide you with a strong bond that you will need to pull out the broken key from the lock. It would also be better if it is cordless to provide you with more mobility.
The diameter of the glue stick that could fit into this tutorial is 11mm by 7/16″. This kind is affordable and it also offers a strong bond. Prevent using 7 mm by 5/16” since this is only applicable for arts and crafts for children.
What to Do
Step 1: Melt the glue stick and apply hot glue to the tip of the toothpick
First, melt the glue stick in the glue gun then apply the right amount of hot glue to the tip of the toothpick. It must be thick enough to extract the broken key since it will serve as your extractor tool. Also, make sure that you have enough space where you can firmly hold the toothpick as you try to reach out for the broken key.
Step 2: Insert the extractor tool inside the keyhole carefully and reach for the broken key
After you have applied the hot glue to the extractor tool, carefully insert the extractor tool inside the keyhole. Prevent from bumping the edges of the keyhole since it can make your extractor tool stuck inside. Reach the edge of the broken key but be careful not to push it further into the lock.
Step 3: Wait for the glue to dry then pull the tool with the broken key outward
After you have reached the broken key, firmly secure it to the extractor tool. Wait for the glue to dry. It may take a few seconds or minutes. Once it is dry, pull the extractor tool with the broken key out of the keyhole. Get rid of the broken key and have it replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this tutorial be applied to all kinds of locks?
Unfortunately, no. You cannot do this tutorial if you have exotic locks that use flexible keys. But this works for deadbolts, padlocks, and any kind of locks with a wafer lock tumbler. You can remove a broken key from a kwikset deadbolt and get a broken key out of a mailbox lock.
Should I glue the broken key with its other half and use it again?
No, it is not advisable to do that. The key may break and get stuck again which may cause you the same problem in the future. Instead of doing that, you can ask a locksmith to provide you with some replacement keys.
Conclusion
Have you successfully finished our tutorial on how to get a broken key out of a lock with hot glue? With the help of this tutorial, you won’t have to pay a locksmith to remove a broken key from a lock barrel. Not only will you save money, but you will also learn a new technique.
Surely, some of your friends are having the same dilemma of breaking their keys inside the lock. You can help them by sharing this post with them. Also, we would love to hear your experiences during the tutorial. Just leave a comment below.
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