Have you ever broken a key? It happens often, and many times it happens right at the car's ignition lock! Fortunately, broken parts can usually be removed without calling a locksmith.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove the key with a wire
Step 1. Remove anything that is obstructing the ignition lock
Use compressed air to remove any debris that could be blocking the key fragment. Do not spray any cleaner or lubricant inside the lock, otherwise its chemicals could damage it. Especially in new vehicles with more sophisticated features.
Step 2. Put the other part of the key back in the lock
This will serve as a guide to help you reach the broken piece of the key.
Step 3. Slip a thin, stiff wire on each side of the broken key
You can make a good piece of wire out of a paper clip. Stretch the wires out so that they slide well along the key inside the lock. Sometimes it is convenient to slightly bend the ends to help you get a better grip on the key fragment.
Step 4. Remove the head of the broken key from the ignition switch
Be careful not to pull on the wires when removing the head of the key. You should keep them in place, that is, on the sides of the broken piece of key that is still inside the lock.
Step 5. Try to catch the piece of broken key using the wires
It may help to twist the two legs of the wire between them for a better grip. You can also try using the wires like chopsticks or tweezers.
We recommend trying to bend the ends down so that the wires have a greater surface area in contact with the key fragment. This will help you better capture the fragment and extract it
Step 6. Remove the key piece
While pulling, lightly shake the wire up and down to reduce the risk of the key fragment getting caught.
Method 2 of 3: Open the ignition lock
Step 1. Use needle nose pliers to enlarge the lock hole
Insert the tips of the tweezers into the hole in the key, then open them to make the hole bigger. You don't need to do this unless the key piece is completely jammed, as you can damage the ignition lock. By widening the hole you will free the way to more easily remove the key piece.
Step 2. Grab the piece of broken key with the tweezers
Once you've opened the hole, slide the pliers as far into the lock as possible and try to grab the fragment with them. If the tweezers don't go far enough into the hole for you to grasp the key, then you could try using the plucking wires or tweezers.
Step 3. Remove the piece of broken key from the hole
Once you've managed to catch the key fragment, remove it by pulling straight out of the hole. Now you can use a spare key or a new copy.
Method 3 of 3: Call a Locksmith
Step 1. Find a locksmith
You can find a locksmith near your home using the phone book or the Internet. You can also use one of those websites designed to get in touch with a locksmith in your area.
Step 2. Call more than one locksmith
Locksmiths are often available around the clock and do not usually charge additional fees. Surely they can inform you the price by phone. If you talk to more than one locksmith, you are more likely to get a better price. Be sure to ask if they offer car lock services, as not all of them do.
Step 3. Hire your chosen locksmith
Once you have decided which company you would like to hire, call again and ask them to send someone to repair the lock on your vehicle.
Step 4. Change the key
Regardless of the method you used to remove the broken key from the ignition lock, your key is now broken. You will have to use the replacement key or buy a copy.