Removing a broken key from an ignition lock

Have you ever broken a key? It happens all too often, and sometimes it even happens in your car's ignition! Fortunately, you can usually get the broken pieces out without having to call a locksmith.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Taking out the key with wire

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 1

Step 1. Remove any obstructions in the ignition switch

Use compressed air to remove any dirt that could block the key fragment. Do not spray cleaners or lubricants into the ignition lock, as these chemicals can damage the lock. This is especially true for newer vehicles with added features.

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 2

Step 2. Put the whole key back in the lock

This serves as a guide to get to the broken piece of the key.

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 3

Step 3. Slide a thin and stiff wire along the side of the broken key

Paperclips lend themselves well to this. You can straighten them so that they slide past the key into the lock. Sometimes it's best to bend the ends a bit so that you can better grip the piece of wrench.

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 4

Step 4. Remove the head of the broken key from the ignition

Be careful not to pull the wire out with the key lever. Try to hold it in place on the broken piece of key that is still in the ignition.

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 5

Step 5. Grab the broken piece of key between the wires

It may help to twist the wires around each other to get a good grip. You may also be able to use them in the same way as chopsticks or tweezers.

You can also bend the ends down so that the wire has a larger surface area that comes into contact with the fragment of the key. This can help you grab the fragment and pull it out

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 6

Step 6. Pull out the broken piece

Slightly shaking up and down as you take it off will reduce the chance of the broken piece getting stuck.

Method 2 of 3: Opening the keyhole

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 7

Step 1. Use long and thin needle nose pliers to spread the key opening

Insert the tip of the pliers into the keyhole, then open it to spread the opening of the keyhole. This is only necessary if the broken piece of key is stuck, because otherwise it could damage your ignition lock/keyhole. Opening the keyhole gives you a clear path to remove the piece.

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 8

Step 2. Grab the broken piece of wrench with the pliers

Once you've opened the keyhole, slide the pliers into the lock as far as possible and try to grab the piece of key with it. If the pliers don't fit far enough into the opening to get the key, you can try using wire or tweezers.

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 9

Step 3. Pull the broken piece of key out of the opening

Once you get the broken piece of key, pull it straight out of the opening. Now you can use a spare key or have a new key sharpened.

Method 3 of 3: Calling a locksmith

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 10

Step 1. Find a locksmith

You can look in a phone book or online to find a locksmith near you. You can also use websites designed to connect you with a locksmith near you.

Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock Step 11

Step 2. Call more than one locksmith

Locksmiths are often available at all hours at no extra cost, and will give you a price over the phone. If you call more than one locksmith, you can get a better price. Don't forget to ask the locksmith if they also offer car services as some don't.