How can I remove a jammed, broken key from a lock?

Question

I have a key to an apartment mailbox that was almost impossible to get the key in and out of to unlock, and in trying, my roommate broke the key off in it. From looking in with a light, it seems that all of the key except the outermost pin is in the lock, but the lock won't turn even when putting the head back in.

I've generously lubricated the lock, tried hooking a small scroll saw blade in the teeth, and used a lockpick set with various hooks to try dragging the key out, but it's pretty firmly stuck. So my question is: with this being an entire row of mailboxes and me unable to just remove the lock, how would you recommend either getting the key out, or replacing the lock?

Answer 1

The key sounds like a lost cause. The lock will probably need to be changed.

The mail carrier has access to the box, usually through a large panel at the top (above the doors you open). It is likely that access to the lock is possible when that large panel is open.

You probably need to coordinate with her or him and the superintendent of your building to remove and replace the lock.

Answer 2

Call a locksmith. It's possible to extract the fragment, but may require disassembly and/or lock picking techniques. Cutting a new key will likewise require taking measurements of the pieces and cutting the new key from those.

Answer 3

Get an ice pick and grind the sharp point flat, so that the end is a flat cylinder end not a cone. Wait for the mailman and ask him to see your box from his own back panel side. With a 12 or smaller hammer put the flat end on the open back slot (If it is this type)and tap the key shank out.

Answer 4

it is really simple to take out the key out of the lock. Once it breaks in the lock. I would first try to put some oil in the locks to have it loosen up. Then I would either take one of the tools provided in the comment before and try pulling it out. If not and if your onn side out of your door you can unscrew the lock off. once that is done you can pull the cylinder from the lock. Once you took it off there is a ring holding the cylinder and the lock together, need to take that off. Once that is off you are able to push the broke park of the key out form the back.

Answer 5

I know this is late, but the question still sees activity. If the key were brass and you have a fine tip soldering iron, you could solder more brass to the broken key and pull it out after cooling.

Answer 6

try a pick?

_{(source: harborfreight.com)}

can be gotten at any hardware store, i know this works with schlage keys, done it many times at an ice rink with people breaking keys

if you get it out get a new key and lube it with powdered graphite