When you’re ready for a quiet evening in after a long day of work, one of the worst sounds you could hear is the snap of your key breaking off in the lock. If you don’t have another entry point, you can’t get into your home. You might consider calling up an emergency locksmith right away for broken key extraction. This is a sure-fire way to get you back into your home as quickly as possible without damaging your lock.

You can try a few things instead of calling in a residential locksmith if you have the time. Whatever you do, don’t try to insert the other half of the key to turn the lock. The broken half is likely in the wrong position inside the lock. Even if it isn’t, your attempt to open the door will surely misalign the key. Pushing the key deeper will only make things worse, possibly even to the point of no return.

The First Step to Broken Key Extraction

No matter what method you use to extract your key, the first step is to apply a lubricant to the lock. This makes sliding the broken key out much easier and reduces the chance of lasting damage to your lock. The best possible lubricant for this situation is a graphite spray. This dry lubricant won’t gunk up the workings of your lock. An oil-based lubricant can work in a pinch, but you run the risk of accumulating oil inside the lock. Be sure to wipe up any excess lubricant after application.

The Right Tools for the Job

You’re going to need to apply the right tools to succeed in broken key extraction. Tweezers are the obvious choice, but many tweezers are too thick to slide alongside the key. A jigsaw blade or small hacksaw blade is the ideal thickness. The blade will be able to slide in, and the serrated edge will hook the key, allowing you to pull it out.

Last Resorts

If this doesn’t work, you can try applying super glue to a wire piece or another object that will fit in the lock. Allow the item to bond to the key, and pull it out. If it’s your car key that broke off, you should consider calling an automotive locksmith, as vehicle keys are often more complex and challenging to remove. This also applies to high-security commercial locks, that would require an experienced commercial locksmith.

הפוסט Broken Key Extraction – 3 Easy Steps הופיע לראשונה ב-locksmith in Phoenix.

Reasons Why Your Key Isn’t Working

The key to your car is much more complicated than the key for most locks. Keys for vehicles have become increasingly complicated over the last few decades. Keys today have a wide variety of safety features that could go wrong. The ignition in your car doesn’t use pins like a house lock. Instead, it uses thin wafers. These wafers can wear down with lots of use and eventually stop working correctly. Frequent use can also take a toll on your key. If your key wears down to the point that it doesn’t properly engage the wafers, you won’t be able to start your vehicle.

Picking the Right Time to Fix a Car Key

The best time to fix a car key is before it stops working altogether. There should be some clear signs that something is starting to go wrong long before you’re unable to start your car. If you find your car key sticking in the ignition or turning hard, you should consult an automotive locksmith before things get out of hand. They can quickly help you with replacement keys and can repair or replace your ignition. Nearly every residential locksmith or commercial locksmith will also have some experience with vehicle locks, but be sure to ask ahead of time.

Troubleshooting Tips

There are some steps you can take to doublecheck if you need a locksmith. The first thing is to turn the steering wheel back and forth while trying to turn your key. The steering column is supposed to lock when the key is out. If it’s become stuck, it can stop the key from turning. Make sure your car isn’t in drive or reverse, most cars only start when in park or neutral. If you have a spare key already, try that. That way you’ll know if it’s the key or the ignition itself. Check your vehicle’s battery if you have a newer car, some won’t let you turn the key with a dead battery.

הפוסט 3 Simple Ways to Fix a Car Key That Doesn’t Turn the Ignition הופיע לראשונה ב-locksmith in Phoenix.

Weak or Damaged Latches Are Door Lock Problems That You Should Not Ignore

If you find yourself having to slam your door every time you close it, you might have a severe security problem on your hands. The strike plate and latch of your door can wear down over time, creating a misalignment that can make closing the door tricky. This can also leave your door feeling loose when closed. This can make your home easier to break-in to or leave you more likely to end up with a jammed door. Make sure your locks are installed correctly and are well maintained to avoid this common issue.

Shaky Knobs and Locks

Doorknobs and locks fit snugly into your door when working as designed. If you haven’t installed them correctly, they can have gaps around their edges that allow them to wiggle. These gaps also present an opportunity for insects to enter your home and can cause drafts during the winter months. You should make sure your hardware is installed by a trained residential locksmith, who will know how to fit locks properly.

A Hard-Turning Key Wil Lead to Trouble

Many people don’t consider an ill-fitting key to be among serious door lock problems. If you have trouble inserting or turning your key, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your lock. You might be able to open your door by wiggling the key for now, but eventually, the lock will seize entirely. Don’t wait until its too late, have your lock looked at today. Don’t let what should be regular maintenance lead to an emergency.

Loose Lock Cylinder

If you ever find yourself turning your key without the lock engaging, you need to replace or repair your lock. If the key can turn without engaging the cylinder, something is loose or damaged inside. This could leave you locked out of your business, call a certified commercial locksmith to handle this today.

הפוסט 4 Door Lock Problems That You Should Not Ignore הופיע לראשונה ב-locksmith in Phoenix.

Residential Emergency Services of a Locksmith in Phoenix AZ

It’s important to maintain safe and reliable access to your home. Being locked out of or feeling unsafe in your home can take a major toll on someone. A residential locksmith provides many emergency services that can ease this burden. Lockout service can be delivered very quickly, usually within an hour. A locksmith can also provide you with replacement keys. Lock rekeying and new lock installation are available as emergency services when you need to ensure that your home is only accessible to those you trust.

Emergency Service for Your Vehicle

Your vehicle is a critical component of your connection with the outside world. It takes you everywhere you need to go, and any breakdown in this area can lead to significant issues. When you find yourself locked out of your vehicle, the automotive locksmith can get you back in quickly and safely. Emergency services also include cutting replacement car keys to make sure you don’t find yourself in this situation again.

Business Emergency Services

Your business is your livelihood, and you can’t afford to take any chances. A commercial locksmith can help you when disaster strikes, and you find yourself in need of emergency services. Business re-entry can be more complicated than home re-entry, as commercial locks are typically more complex. A locksmith will have the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate this difficult task and get your business back up and running quickly and safely.

Break-Ins

Break-in repairs are one of the skilled emergency services of a locksmith in Phoenix AZ. Whether it’s your home, business, or vehicle, a break-in is a serious matter. Lock hardware is often severely damaged during break-ins. A locksmith will help you determine if you require repairs or a replacement lock. They can also provide insightful advice into your security that could reduce the risk of a break-in happening in the future.

הפוסט What Are the Emergency Services of a Locksmith in Phoenix AZ? הופיע לראשונה ב-locksmith in Phoenix.