You come home after a long day at work, stick your key into the door lock and turn it, only to feel the key break off in your hand. In order to still get into your home or automobile and retrieve the broken pieces from the lock, the experts at Able Security Locksmiths in Kenvil, New Jersey, recommend taking a few steps before calling a lock repair company. Usually, you can still open the door, despite having a broken key.

What To Do If Your Key Jams The Door Lock

Stick The Remaining Key Back In & Turn It 

From time to time, people can force the broken piece of the key into the door lock and unlock it. If you can’t feel it turn, push the door with your elbow or forearm while turning at the same time.

Use A Magnet & Tweezers To Retrieve The Broken Piece 

You should be able to draw the broken pieces of the key out of the lock with a standard magnet. If not, try using a pair of tweezers and a small screwdriver to pull it out.

Take The Broken Pieces To A Locksmith To Make A Copy 

Once you retrieve the broken pieces from your door lock, bring them into a professional locksmith and ask them to make a copy. They can usually complete the job even if the original key is damaged.

Install A New Lock Or Get The Lock Re-Keyed 

In the worst case scenario, you may have to remove your door lock and install a new one altogether. To speed up the installation time and make your home more secure, ask a locksmith for help. They’ll even be able to recommend the best model for your needs.

It’s not the end of the world if your key breaks when you try to open a door—just be patient and try these simple steps. If you still can’t get your door lock to open, call Able Security Locksmiths at (973) 584-3033 for immediate mobile services. They travel throughout Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties for lock-out services and to install or repair door locks. To learn more about their qualified team of locksmiths, visit their website and Facebook page today.