Key Broke in Your Lock in NYC?
A key snapped off in your door lock or ignition is a frustrating but very solvable problem. Here's what to do when your key breaks in a NYC lock.
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When a key breaks inside a lock, the instinct is to try to pull it out yourself — but this often makes things worse by pushing the broken piece deeper. A licensed locksmith has extraction tools that can remove the broken key without damaging the lock cylinder. In most cases, the lock itself is reusable after extraction.
What To Do — Step by Step
Stop Trying to Pull It Out
Don't use pliers, tweezers, or other tools to dig the broken key out. This usually pushes it deeper into the cylinder and makes extraction harder.
Assess Whether You Can Get In Another Way
If the key broke while trying to enter, check if another door is unlocked, or if your super has a master key. Don't force the lock.
Call a Licensed Locksmith for Extraction
Key extraction is a specific skill requiring specialized tools. A licensed locksmith can remove the broken key and, in most cases, leave your lock intact.
Consider a Lock Re-key or Replacement
After extraction, consider whether your lock cylinder needs to be re-keyed (if there are any security concerns) or replaced (if the lock was old or damaged).
Key Tips
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