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If your car key broke off in the ignition, don't panic—you can usually get the broken pieces out without calling a locksmith. We spoke to Shawn Fago, a master locksmith with years of experience, to help walk you through the process. Follow the steps below, and you'll have the snapped-off key out in no time.
Fixing a Key That Snapped in the Ignition: Quick Tips
If a portion of the key is sticking out of the ignition slot, use a thin set of needle-nose pliers to grip the edge of the key and pull it out carefully. If you can’t grab the key, use an unraveled paper clip or wire hanger to pry out the key.
Steps
How to Get a Broken Key Out of Your Ignition
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Pull the key out with pliers if you can see part of it. If the key didn’t break off deep within the ignition and you can see the edge of the key, Fago recommends using pliers. He says, “If the break was really shallow and there is a part of the key that can be grasped on to, use needle nose pliers. The thinner, the better. You can also use surgical tools to grab onto the key and pull it out if you have them.”
- Fago points out that you may need to turn the key to move the ignition to the “off” position first if the key broke while you were turning it. If you can’t turn the key in the ignition, see a professional to have them disassemble the cover and turn the pins.
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Use a thin, stiff wire to pull the key out if you can’t see the edge. Fago says that if you can’t grab the edge of the broken key, use a wire to wedge the key out. Try sliding a paper clip or length of wire hanger in between the bottom of the key and the ignition cylinder. Jiggle the wire gently while trying to tug on the key to see if you can work it out far enough to grab it with some pliers.
- If you aren’t in a rush, buy a key-extracting tool . These devices slide in the ignition and grip the key safely to remove it.
- Struggling to get any leverage? Fago explains that this isn’t always doable for a DIY-er. “Pros use micro tools to grab onto broken keys and pull them out safely. It’s a pretty specialized job. If you can’t get the key out on your own, see a mechanic.
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Call a locksmith or go to a mechanic if you can’t get the key out. Removing a broken key can be difficult if the key bent inside of the ignition as it broke. If you can’t remove the key yourself, don’t hesitate to call a locksmith. A mechanic will also be able to retrieve the key.
- If you suspect your ignition is damaged, see a mechanic instead of a locksmith. They’ll be able to reassemble the ignition system.
Removing a Broken Key From a Car Lock
Community Q&A
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QuestionMy key is broken, sometimes I can start the car, sometimes not. Why is that?Glenn LetteerCommunity AnswerBecause the tip of the key is being forced further down inside of your ignition past the next wafer. You will be stranded soon. Call a locksmith.
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QuestionDo you have any other suggestions if the ones in the article don't work for me?Community AnswerAs a master locksmith with 23 years working on automotive keys, I can tell you the techniques listed above will most push the broken portion of your key much deeper into the ignition, causing the expense to be greater. My general rules of thumb are as follows: If you can touch the broken portion with your finger, there is a possibility you can remove it on your own. If you can see the broken portion but can't touch it, you will not be able to remove it on your own (but a locksmith can easily remove it using specialized tools). If you can't see or touch the broken key portion, the ignition likely must be removed for extraction.
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QuestionHow do I replace the ignition switch on a Kubota M4900 tractor?Glenn LetteerCommunity AnswerReach back behind the ignition under the dash, you will feel a ring. Turn the ring with a pair of pliers or a wrench until the ring is completely loose. Remove the wires connected to the back of the ignition, then pull the ignition forward through the hole.
Tips
References
- ↑ https://sevanlocksanddoors.com/2017/07/27/dos-and-dont-for-a-broken-key-in-your-seattle-ignition/
- ↑ https://sevanlocksanddoors.com/2017/07/27/dos-and-dont-for-a-broken-key-in-your-seattle-ignition/
- ↑ https://sevanlocksanddoors.com/2017/07/27/dos-and-dont-for-a-broken-key-in-your-seattle-ignition/
- ↑ https://dandllocksmith.com/the-complete-guide-to-removing-broken-keys/
- ↑ https://dandllocksmith.com/the-complete-guide-to-removing-broken-keys/
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a2649/4252619/
- ↑ https://actionlocksmithinc.com/reasons-why-keys-break-in-door-locks/
About This Article
To remove a broken key from an ignition lock, don’t spray cleaners or lubricants into the lock, since this can damage it. Instead, spray compressed air into it to clear any debris. Then, put the broken key back in to help you reach the broken piece. With the key in the lock, slide a thin, stiff wire, like a straightened paperclip, along both sides of the key. Once you’ve pushed the wire in, remove the head of the broken key while leaving the wire in the lock. When you’ve removed the head, try to grip the broken piece with the ends of the wire, like you'd use tweezers or chopsticks. It might help to bend the ends of the wire downward so they have more surface area to grip the key fragment with. If you can’t remove it using this method, you’ll need to call a local locksmith. For more tips, including how to open the lock with pliers to get your broken key out, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "It gave me the idea, I used a hair clip cut it in half then bent the bottom in a little. I threaded it down the one side of the the key until I was able to hook one side of the key. I then gently levered it out. So happy!" ..." more
