Is a key extractor worth the money?

Truk3112 · Post by **Truk3112** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 12:47 pm

I have a problem with a fragment of a key being stuck in the lock (WMS key) of my door. I have explored my options, and one presented to me was the use of a key extractor.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these, if they are worth the money, and whether i can get them in any hardware store e.g B+Q or whether i am limited to the internet?

Thanks

Tryanything · Post by **Tryanything** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:04 pm

It may be better if you post your question in the carpentry section as
there are locksmiths on hear who would probably come up with a better
idea

Truk3112 · Post by **Truk3112** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:17 pm

Ok, thank you

Truk3112 · Post by **Truk3112** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 4:56 pm

Anybody? Any help would be appreciated

thescruff · Post by **thescruff** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:44 pm

Don't panic, unless you're stuck outside, Lockie will be along shortly when he finishes work.

Truk3112 · Post by **Truk3112** » Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:44 pm

Thank you :) for the reassurance

Truk3112 · Post by **Truk3112** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:20 am

I have heard that using a magnet to slightly extract the key and then removing it with tweezers works.

Can anyone comment on such a method (especially the bit with the magnet)?
Thanks

Inky Pete · Post by **Inky Pete** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:49 am

I had to deal with a Yale key snapped off in a lock receently.

I used a couple of spring hooks like these:-

http://www.longs.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001 ... aHT042400X

to slide into the lock either side of the key and ease it out far enough for someone else to grab hold of a bit of it with some needle nose pliers.

Truk3112 · Post by **Truk3112** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 11:32 am

Thanks for the tip mate.

Tryanything · Post by **Tryanything** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 12:01 pm

Don't know where lockie has got to ?

You say its a WMS key, do you have a picture of the lock

Is the door open with access to the lock

lockie · Post by **lockie** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 8:59 pm

What type of cylinder is it ? Is it a euro or a rim cylinder like a yale type ? Is the broken bit of key from the correct key for the lock ?

Truk3112 · Post by **Truk3112** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:34 am

I am able to unlock the door via inserting the remainder of the key in the lock and twisting as i would normally do.

It is a eurolock, and the correct key has snapped inside of the lock, and judging from the fact that i can still unclock it, i would assume it had triggered all of the pins too.

fin · Post by **fin** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:01 am

since you can still turn it is it not just as easy to buy a new euro cylinder? probably be just as cheap as if you have to buy a tool to extract the old key then having to get new keys cut to replace the snapped one.

possibly a local pvc door manufacturer would help you out if ya local b&q dont have the correct size lock barrel

lockie · Post by **lockie** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:20 am

Ok now i know what is i can advise you. Go down to your local halfords and take a look in the bins for an old wiper blade. Find one with two thin metal strips and get the metal strips off of them.
You can now use this metal strip to push the key out from the OTHER side of the euro.Before you do it just make sure the side with the broken piece is lined up properly.
Alternatively if you have any model shops near you go and buy a piece of piano wire which comes in all sorts of narrow sizes that will do the same job also.

I have key extractors but its tricky getting success as it depends on the cuts of the key.Most are designed for american locks which generally have bigger keyways.

I personally would replace the cylinder just so it doesnt happen again and also because wms is a budget lock that is easy to pick open.