Life story. Today, I’m recalling yesterday’s adventure: a key broke in the workshop lock, leaving a shard stuck in the cylinder. All I had in hand was the key’s head, and in my mind, the thought was: “I need to do something!” Luckily, I had a spare key, but the shard still had to be removed. The procedure turned out to be not as difficult as it seemed, and I managed using two methods. Let me show you how to do it, so you can handle the situation if your key ever lets you down. At the end, there’s a short video for visual clarity!
Why It’s Important to Know
A broken key in the lock is a common issue, especially with old mechanisms. In my case, the lock had long needed replacing, and fate reminded me. Removing the shard isn’t difficult if you know where to look and what to use. The key is not to panic: with a needle or a drill, you can solve the problem in just a few minutes.
Before You Start: Preparation
First, check the position of the lock’s keyhole. The key needs to be removed in a certain position—in my case, vertically. Turn the cylinder with a spare key or tool to make sure everything lines up. Now, let’s get to work!
Method 1: The Needle Savior
What You Need: A needle (or a straightened paperclip) and, optionally, tweezers.
How to Do It:
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Insert the tip of the needle into the gap between the key shard and the cylinder.
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Hook the shard—you’ll feel slight resistance.
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Pull the needle’s eye forward, as if using pliers to remove a nail.
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Once the shard has moved out by 2-3 mm, grab it with tweezers or pliers and fully remove it.
Result: This method took me less than a minute! However, it didn’t work on the door lock—the shard was too stuck. For the article, I recreated the scenario on a dismantled lock, and the needle worked perfectly. If your shard is stubborn, move on to the second method.
Method 2: Drill to the Rescue
What You Need: A drill with a thin drill bit (1 mm in my case), a needle.
How to Do It:
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Insert the drill bit at a 45° angle into the space between the shard and the cylinder.
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Carefully drill into the shard—don’t worry about slight damage to the exterior of the cylinder; the main goal is to reach the key.
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Insert the needle into the hole, hook the shard, and remove it as you did in the first method.
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Alternative: If the shard has been pushed out, grab it with your fingers or tweezers.
Result: This method worked on the door lock when the needle failed. The drill solved the problem in a few minutes, though it left a small mark on the cylinder. Since the lock was going to be replaced anyway, I wasn’t concerned.
Tips for Success
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Patience: Don’t rush—the shard may get pushed deeper with a sudden movement.
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Tools: A needle is thinner and more precise than a paperclip, but the paperclip is a good backup option.
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Cleanliness: After drilling, remove any metal shavings to prevent the lock from jamming.
Why It’s Relevant in 2025
An old lock or an unlucky turn of the key—these small issues can happen at any time. On March 22, as I write this, I realize that simple skills save time and nerves. Two methods—needle for light cases, drill for tricky ones—give you options. Try it, and a broken key won’t ruin your day again!
