So, me and my daughter have been re watching the office (US) and thought it would be funny to do some parkour around my mums house while she’s at work. And then post the video later to her.

However, upon kicking the door close during my routine, I snapped the key and it’s stuck in the lock. She’s going to kill be. I feel like in 15 again! (I’m 40 btw)
I need to sort this before she gets home!!

How can I get it out?

by jade8384

40 comments

  1. Pinch the bottom and suck it out.

    Or spray some WD40 in it and use some tweezers on it

  3. Assuming you can open the door, you might be able to just remove the lock barrel and get a replacement.    It all depends on if the key is at the correct angle-it looks like it- to release the anti drill pin, allowing its removal.     Replacement lock isn’t too expensive from all good DIY shops, and some bad ones too.

    Edit: if it’s not at the angle, you should still be able to turn the lock to the correct position to retract the pin.

  4. No help here I’m afraid just based on the fact you were watching the hugely inferior US version of The Office.

    In fact I’m rooting for team mum for this one.

  5. Have you got another key ? if so use a flat screwdriver to line this side back to the correct position then push the key into the other side to push the broken key out

  7. Try the candle or hot glue hacks, if you have any. Watch a YT video to see how it’s done.

  8. Tweezers

    Long nosed pliers

    A Sealey Supermig200, Nomex suit, goggles and gloves, welding rod or metal coathanger. Gently spot weld the rod/hanger to the key, twist and pull it out.

  10. Holy fuck I love this! Where’s the video? (Sorry I can’t be of more help haha)

  11. When we did this we straightened the key with a coin, bent a paper clip and pushed it in from the other side and used blue tack and finger nails to pull it out.

  12. burn the house down with everyone inside. Fire covers the evidence

  13. Hobbyist lock picker here. Iv sorted this for a few people. Turn the lock to the correct position first.

    Not ideal in a rush but the super cheap lock pick sets included key retrieval tools which have worked great for me. If now, super thin pliers.

  14. If the key is all the way in and it’s just the head that’s missing, you should be able to turn it back into position using a flat head screwdriver.

    When that’s done, open the door and remove the retaining screw that holds the cylinder in place, it will then push out from the other side. When it’s out you can tap it against a hard flat surface which should hopefully give you enough of the key standing proud to be able to get it with some pliers or tweezers to pull it out.

  15. Melt a biro. Take out the ink refill. Melt the end with lighter/ stove and push on. Wait until it hardens then pull out.

  16. Rotate it until the door opens. There will be a screw on the inside edge of the door with a + head. Take it out, push the lock out of the door (you may need to rotate the lock about 10° with a small screwdriver in the keyway) wiggle it out, rotate the key back to how it should look and gently tap the lock on something to get the key out. Repeat the process in reverse. You will need a working key to put it back in.

  18. Whatever you do, don’t just google somebody. You will get scammed.

    If you can’t fix it yourself based on this thread, ask people you trust for a trusted locksmith.

  19. I love how all these responses are genuinely trying to be helpful. My only thought was ‘that’s fucking hilarious’. Casual uk to the (attempted) rescue though! It’s heartwarming.

  21. Blade of the Stanley knife but without the handle. Same thing happened to me a few months ago and it’s thin enough to get the key out.

  22. baby oil keep key dry , a piece o plastic or wood small enough use super glue and bi carb or baking powder super glue first then bi carb should have this stuff laying around somewhere

  23. Glue. Make sure the key is in the correct position.

    Put the key back to the straight position and put a key on the other side.

  24. Is this the keyway’s normal orientation, or has it been partly turned? If it’s been partly turned then it’s going to be tricky to get out: the pins will have dropped into the key notches, locking it in place.

    If that’s the case, you need to either get it into its open or locked position – this will let the key be removed.

    Only with that done will most of the other methods suggested in this thread have a chance of working.

  27. Melted glue stick and smoosh it in there nice and deep, wait for the glue to harden, twist, pull and bob’s your uncle.

  28. You need a pair of grips and a sewing needle. Place the sewing needle into the key opening. Place your left hand on the other side of the door, fingers stretched out as wide as possible (this is important)Count how many fingers are on that hand. If less then 6 it might just work. Get the grips knock them against the floor. Stand up. Sit down. That should just about open a tin of kidney beans without an opener.

  30. See if you can twist the lock back with a screwdriver, once it’s back a small bit of super glue on a cocktail stick (and a steady hand you should be able to pull the key out. If there is a dental pick available you might be able to hock it out.

  31. Burn the tip of a hot glue stick, let it cool then then pull.

  32. Kick it in. When questioned explain that an antelope burst in from the outside with a mysterious note that sent you and daughter on a mystery trail to find the secret of the wizard of Warrington. Say this as you are backing out of the door, give a knowing look to your daughter, explain no further and vanish into the night.

  33. This happened with a padlock once, I managed to get the snapped part of the key out with tweezers and one of those strong magnets that make those cool sounds.

  35. OP can we get an update or has your mum killed you? 😂

  36. I’ve done this at my mum’s quite a few times lol, I used to have my keys on a lanyard attached to my jeans because I’d always lose my keys and I’d open the door and walk in without taking the key out the barrell (the life of a messy/drug addict teenager…) i used a fork and gently pulled it backwards from the top at a 45° angle, WORKED EVERY TIME

  37. Happened to me before. Try with a tweezer or a magnet.

  38. Risky, but you may be able to remove it by melting the end of a hot glue stick, and sticking it in the hole. So it attaches to what’s left of the key. Leave for a few seconds to set, and then try to pull it, and the key out

  39. Bluetac onto the other end of the key and then try to pull it out that way

  40. Not a locksmith, or smart. You tried blu tack in there to see if the sticky will pull it out? A magnet maybe?

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