Additionally, both methods work far better with lubricant, and if you can pull the key far enough out, you may be able to finish the job with pliers.

Usually, such methods have a very low probability of success, especially if the key is wedged deep in the lock. Although, there are some drawbacks to using this kind of lubricant, one of them being that it can stain the metal. Some handy tools to have when trying to remove the broken piece yourself includes pliers, tweezers, jigsaw blades, small pieces of wire like paperclips, and superglue. Then, apply a single drop of superglue on the end of the object and carefully insert it into the lock, making sure not to touch the sides at all.You should also have a rag or paper towel at hand to wipe off the excess lubricant that will spill from the keyway. If the key comes partially out, just grip the end with needle-nose pliers and finish removing the key the rest of the way. It’s important to be careful when first grasping the broken key bit, because grabbing it incorrectly with pliers can inadvertently send it further into the lock.

If the keyhole is big enough, it’s sometimes possible to push the jigsaw or hacksaw blade into the top part of the keyhole, pushing it far enough back into the lock, into a position where the serrations on the blade can be used to pull the broken bit out.

The only tool you’ll need is something to strike the lock, which you can likely find in your immediate surroundings (ie. If the door is locked and the key has snapped off with no part sticking out of the lock, then the lock is ever so slightly more secure, but understandably most people will not feel happy leaving it this way for any length of time. If the key is jammed up, you can attempt to free it by gently wiggling it or turning it in both directions. Gradually pull the tool out, which will hopefully cause one of the hooks to catch on the broken key’s teeth and pull it out. If the angling is done well, and the rod is thin enough, you can easily slide in the blade, hook the broken key onto the angled serration, and haul the key out without a hitch, which will be enough for it to then be pulled out using a pair of tweezers.